Social Democratic and Labour Party Leader Colum Eastwood MP has called for the immediate removal of parachute regiment flags from parts of Derry.

The new flags have been erected ahead of the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

Mr Eastwood said the flags were a blatant attempt to upset people in the city and called on unionist politicians to show leadership to have the flags removed.

Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said:

“The erection of more parachute regiment flags in parts of Derry ahead of this week’s 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday has caused real hurt and anger throughout our city. This is a time where we should be supporting the Bloody Sunday families and reflecting on the terrible events of 50 years ago, not being distracted by the actions of a tiny minority who are determined to try and raise tensions in our city.

“The people who erected these flags speak for and represent nobody. Thankfully Derry is a city where people live side by side in peace and harmony and any right-thinking person will be appalled at the emergence of more of these flags in the lead up to such an important event in our shared history.

“These flags must be removed at once, they are an insult to the survivors of Bloody Sunday and the victims’ families. I would urge unionist politicians and community leaders in the areas where these flags have been erected to intervene and facilitate their removal. The anniversary of Bloody Sunday should be a moment for people in Derry and across this island to come together and reflect on the loss of 14 innocent lives. This attempt at cheap point scoring is shameful and should be condemned by everyone."