11/01/2013

DUP Threatens Legal Action Over Union Flag

Belfast City Council could face legal action over its decision to limit the flying of the union flag over City Hall following an official complaint by the DUP.

The DUP claims the action made multiple breaches of the council's own equality scheme.

It said the complaint was "the first step towards a formal complaint to the Equality Commission and ultimately possible legal action.

"The DUP is committed to pursuing all political avenues to overturning the disastrous decision by Sinn Fein, SDLP and the Alliance party and to repairing the harm to good relations and a shared future it has caused."

The move follows the first meeting of the unionist forum – an initiative set up by DUP leader Peter Robinson and UUP leader Mike Nesbitt.

The forum was established as an attempt by the two unionist parties to encourage dialogue between unionists and loyalists angered by the situation at City Hall.

Today the forum meets members of the community in east Belfast.

Mike Nesbitt, Finance Minister Sammy Wilson and the Reverend Mervyn Gibson are expected to attend.

Brian Rea, chair of the policing board in NI, says he believes dialogue on the union flag issue will "bear fruit".

"I want to pay tribute to those who are endeavouring to take this by a different route," Mr Rea said.

"I believe the dialogue that has now commenced by the political leadership will bear fruit.

"Dialogue and not disorder is the way to resolve this."

(IT)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

01 September 2017
Swissport Workers At Belfast City Airport Set To Vote On Strike Action
Swissport workers at Belfast City Airport are to vote on whether to take strike action over the dismissal of a Union representative. Unite the union said they have served a notice on Swissport management informing them of an industrial action ballot. The ballot will open on 08 September and is to close on 27 September.
16 April 2004
Coleraine Social Security contingency plans announced
The Social Security Agency today announced that special arrangements have been made to maintain services during the strike action planned by Civil Servants at its Coleraine office on Monday. The strike is a continuation by members of the trade union, NIPSA over pay conditions.
01 October 2003
Shorts workers vote in favour of strike action
Members of the largest trade union group at Bombardier Shorts have narrowly voted in favour of strike action. The ballot, by trade union group Amicus, called on members to vote on whether they were prepared to take strike action over the current jobs threat at the aerospace company as well as a recent change in afternoon shift patterns.
08 May 2002
Strike action at Aldergrove suspended pending talks
Security staff at Belfast International Airport have returned to their jobs just hours after they commenced strike action following fresh talks between union officials and their employers. Around 100 security staff employed by aviation security firm ICTS went on strike from 4am to 8am on Wednesday May 7 in protest over pay and conditions.
17 January 2013
Political Dialogue Must Replace Protests - Villiers
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Theresa Villiers has called for political dialogue to replace loyalist protests and find a solution to the issue of flags, emblems and symbols in Northern Ireland. Ms Villiers was speaking following talks today with Northern Ireland’s First and deputy First Minister and the Irish Foreign Minister.