Belfast City Council investigates after footage emerges of loyalist flute band parading inside City Hall

By Q Radio News

Belfast City Council has started an investigation  after footage emerged of a loyalist flute band parading inside City Hall.

Videos shared on social media show uniformed members of the Glasgow band the Govan Protestant Boys performing in the building.

The band was attending a centenary dinner for the George Telford Memorial Orange Lodge on Saturday night.

Sinn Féin, SDLP and Alliance Party councillors have expressed concern.

Councillor Michael Long has asked for an investigation to be launched, to work out how the display was allowed to happen:

Councillor Ciarán Beattie said his party has been in touch with the Chief Executive of Belfast City Council and will be demanding answers.

“Video footage posted on social media of a loyalist flute band parading around the corridors and reception of Belfast City Hall on Sunday is disgraceful.

“This sends out the wrong message of the changing Belfast and City Hall which is supposed to be a shared space and open to all.

“I have contacted the Chief Executive to raise serious concerns and demand answers as to how and why this was allowed to happen.

“A Council investigation is now underway to identify a possible breach of protocol and into the conduct of this flute band.”

Two videos sent over tonight showing Govan Protestant Boys holding a small parade around Belfast City Hall ahead of an event last night. Thoughts ? 1/2 pic.twitter.com/bR7m3ViQFd

— Kevin Scott (@Kscott_94) October 13, 2019