9 November 2026

SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has condemned the theft of poppy wreaths from the Cenotaph in Derry.

Police later recovered the wreaths.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said:
  
“It’s really disappointing that we have once again seen poppy wreaths stolen from Derry’s War Memorial. This is a shared city and people commemorating should be given space without worrying about incidents like this.

“I’m glad that police were able to recover these wreaths and hopefully return them to the Cenotaph. The people responsible should understand that targeting a memorial in this way does nothing to build the mutual respect our city needs. People in Derry know only too well the importance of remembrance and the respect that carries.

“It’s also important for whoever is behind this incident to stop and think about what they’re doing. If we are serious about building a New Ireland, that must involve acknowledging events like this and providing space and support for them to be marked.”