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Protocol and policing
LYNDA WALKER argues that the cause of the ongoing sectarian rioting lies partly with the botched Brexit border situation in Northern Ireland
Belfast

THE statement by the Loyalist Communities Council (LCC), which represents the Ulster Volunteer Force, the Ulster Defence Regiment and the Red Hand Commandos, states that these groups have not been involved in the recent violence and urged people not to get drawn into violent confrontations.

Community volunteers came onto the streets to try to encourage young people not to get involved in the rioting, but it could be said that the LCC in the loyalist community is especially well placed to ensure that people do not come onto the streets.

The reasons given for these riots are related to opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol and the controversial decision last week not to prosecute 24 Sinn Fein politicians for attending the funeral of former IRA man Bobby Storey during strict Covid-19 rules limiting public gatherings. The funeral drew around 2,000 mourners.

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