UVF 'historical march' to go ahead

People affected by UVF violence met Commission

The Parades Commission has upheld its decision to allow a UVF march to pass through Belfast city centre on Friday night.

The parade has been organised by a group called the Great Wars Historical and Cultural Society.

The organisers have said the parade, which is to start in the Upper Shankill area and end at the Ulster Hall in the city centre, is an historical event to commemorate the formation of the Ulster Volunteer Force.

The organisers, who include Progressive Unionist Party politicians, have described the event as a "colourful pageant" to mark their ninetieth anniversary.

Raymond McCord: "This isn't the UVF's city"

They said it would include soldiers in period costume, nurses, vintage cars and floats reflecting the period

The UVF, created in 1912 by Lord Carson to uphold Protestant opposition to Irish home rule, became one of Northern Ireland's main loyalist paramilitary organisations during the Troubles. It still remains an active paramilitary group.

Relatives of UVF victims met the Parades Commission on Thursday to voice their objections to the parade which they said would "glorify terrorism".

Raymond McCord, whose son was murdered by the UVF, said it was a disgrace that the group was being allowed to take over Belfast city centre.

"Belfast city centre isn't their community. Belfast city centre is full of Protestants and Roman Catholics, decent people, who don't want to see this parade.

"And it is no use Ervine and the PUP saying: Stay out of Belfast City centre. This is our city. This isn't a UVF city."