DUP MP defends photo of herself with masked men at protest against Palestine rally

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has defended her decision to stand with masked men during a counter-protest to a pro-Palestine march in Scarva, County Down. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP faced criticism from various political representatives, including Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard, Alliance Party leader Naomi Long, and SDLP leader Claire Hanna.

Hundreds gathered in Scarva to oppose the "Great March for Gaza," organized by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign. A significant police presence, including water cannons and armored vehicles, was deployed to manage the situation and enforce Parades Commission conditions, preventing marchers from entering Scarva and blocking bridges. Protesters staged their demonstration near a new housing development, separated from the main march by a narrow canal.

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I will never apologize for standing with my community. When tensions were high, leadership meant showing up, engaging constructively and helping ensure calm heads prevailed. Real leadership is not measured by social media posts after an event, but by being there when it matters most.

Lockhart criticized the police presence, arguing it disrupted residents and increased tension. She stated her presence with masked individuals was an act of leadership to ensure calm. "I will never apologize for standing with my community. When tensions were high, leadership meant showing up, engaging constructively and helping ensure calm heads prevailed," she said in a social media post. She added, "Real leadership is not measured by social media posts after an event, but by being there when it matters most."

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Most people commenting haven’t a clue what they’re talking about. Carla, Diane, Jonathan and our councillors were in Scarva doing the hard thing. They weren’t there for selfies or social media posts. They were there to provide leadership, keep calm heads and help ensure a difficult situation did not become a worse one. Those who were actually there know the role they played.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson supported Lockhart, along with MLAs Diane Forsythe and Jonathan Buckley, describing their actions as "providing leadership" in a difficult situation. He countered criticism by stating that those commenting often lack understanding of such events. "Most people commenting haven’t a clue what they’re talking about. Carla, Diane, Jonathan and our councillors were in Scarva doing the hard thing," Robinson posted on X. He emphasized that they were present to provide leadership and prevent the situation from worsening, contrasting their actions with those seeking "selfies or social media posts."

Chris Hazzard of Sinn Féin responded on X, asserting that his constituency is defined by its natural beauty, not "masked intimidation." March organizers claimed they were subjected to "slurs hurled from an unnotified counter-protest."

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My constituency is a welcoming place defined by beautiful forests, mountains, and beaches – not masked intimidation