Northern Ireland

Hundreds take to south Belfast streets in protest against NI Protocol

An anti NI Protocol march through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast last night. Picture by Alan Lewis/Photopress
An anti NI Protocol march through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast last night. Picture by Alan Lewis/Photopress An anti NI Protocol march through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast last night. Picture by Alan Lewis/Photopress

HUNDREDS of people took to the streets of south Belfast in protest against the Northern Ireland Protocol.

A parade made its way along Donegall Pass amid a heavy police presence in the area.

Many of those taking part carried banners and posters with several messages, including 'Loyalist south Belfast says no to Irish Sea border' and 'political policing must stop'.

Other banners stated: 'Ulster says stop ignoring our voice, it's time to start listening', 'defund the BBC' and 'Uphold Northern Ireland’s sovereignty, trigger Article 16'.

The parade comes amid continuing tensions over the Northern Ireland Protocol, with unionists claiming the additional checks on goods are placing a border down the Irish Sea.

Former Belfast City Council unionist representative Jolene Bunting and Joel Keys of the Loyalist Communities Council were among those who took part in the large parade.

An anti-protocol march through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast last night. Picture by Alan Lewis/Photopress
An anti-protocol march through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast last night. Picture by Alan Lewis/Photopress An anti-protocol march through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast last night. Picture by Alan Lewis/Photopress

The participants, many of whom wore masks or had their faces covered, were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades.

The march took place less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two-day visit to the north to discuss the Northern Ireland Protocol and the current security situation.

Sir Keir Starmer accused the British Prime Minister of having “betrayed” the people of Northern Ireland.

The Labour leader was speaking during two days of official engagements in the region accompanied by shadow secretary of state Louise Haigh.

Reflecting on having worked in Northern Ireland for six years with police in the early 2000s, Sir Keir said he learned the importance of trust and the role of the UK Government as an honest broker, bringing communities together.

Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk           8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.
Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 8-7-2021 Around a thousand people took part in an Anti-Protocol March through the Donegall Road area of south Belfast less than a mile from where Labour leader Keir Starmer was staying at the end of the first day of his two day visit t the Province to discuss the Borthern Ireland Protocol and current security situation in Northern Ireland. The marchers were warned by police that they were breaking the law on parades but the warnings were ignored.