I have tabled a parliamentary motion officially calling on the Government to recognise and protect English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish ethnicities as distinct historic identities.
We should never be ashamed to defend who we are.
All MPs have been invited to support.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐎𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 - 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐲𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🚩
"A false statement cannot be allowed to stand unchallenged.
The Apprentice Boys did everything possible in advance of Saturday’s Remembrance Parade in Belfast to focus on the day and to the solemn honour of the Fallen at the city’s Cenotaph.
Our members and engaged band would never do anything that would diminish the meaning of that occasion.
It is deplorable that the Irish News carried a video and story that made outrageous allegations with respect to our members and engaged band travelling on a bus along the Ormeau Road. No evidence was offered to the truth of allegations made.
As a precaution, open to the possibility that the heightening of tensions by those opposed to the parade in the week preceding might encourage an attack on the bus, video footage was taken as the bus proceeded along the road between Ormeau Bridge and Havelock Bridge.
The accompanying video shows clearly that not only would the person making the accusations not be in a position to have observed any untoward behaviour as described, nor was anyone else.
The comments to the press were false, indefensible, irresponsible and clearly intended to excite community tensions, without cause.
As an Association it is impossible for such egregious allegations to be allowed to rest without challenge.
This matter will rest with the appropriate authorities and there will be no further comment at this time."
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐬
@PaulDoherty___ Dopey Irish republicans may fall for this nonsense Paul but everybody else sees through your victimhood mentality. You are the one who is bitter and twisted !
@JackSteele_@JBuckleyMLA Alliance have gone so far left they are unrecognisable from what they once were. Petulant and pathetic behaviour from Dickson but it’s to be expected now !