The PUP welcomes clarification on Belfast City Council Injunction
By Director of Communications, 10th July 2017
The Progressive Unionist Party of Northern Ireland welcomes clarification from Belfast City Council on the Injunction taken out in relation to Bonfires on four sites in East Belfast.
We believe that this clarification clearly defines the original intention of preventing the bonfires from growing to an unmanageable size that may endanger property, and, in some cases, life. We also believe that it does not prevent the lighting of any materials that are already on site and that no person doing so should face any legal action.
Our Belfast City Councillors and other party representatives, who have continually supported local engagement and promotion of local bonfires, will continue to encourage the celebration of our culture and heritage in a manner that is socially responsible and reflects our community in the best possible light.
This injunction should not be allowed to be used as a blanket authorisation to criminalise our community. Where this happens, we will be there to oppose and stand strong against any street agitation from Republicans.
In closing, if the attacks on our culture continue, we will be required to make tough and sometimes unpopular decisions as a community. This can only be resolved by internal dialogue within the Unionist community and the Progressive Unionist Party continue to work hard along with our Unionist colleagues to defend against any future attacks.