Exhibit 12: The Orange Order Marches Amid Brexit Tensions
https://www.proquest.com/docview/2550254641
The news article published by EFE in 2021 narrates the events surrounding the traditional Orange Order parades on the 12th of July in Northern Ireland amid the escalating tensions in the pro-British unionist community over the new post-Brexit customs border in the Irish Sea, known as the Northern Ireland Protocol.1 In particular, the tension stems from the Orange Order’s assertion that their ties to the UK are under threat due to the country’s exit from the European Union. Initially, the parades were scaled down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Order perceived the new customs border as challenging to their community values and identity. Therefore, the Orange Order proceeded with their parades, leading to heightened security measures and growing tensions between Nationalists and Unionists.
The article emphasizes how the police and local authorities were heavily involved in maintaining peace during the festivities, with up to 2,000 police officers being deployed as part of the security measures. The quote by Protestant pastor Brian Madden refers to the burning of a Republic of Ireland flag, which he disapproved of, hinting at his attempt to de-escalate tensions. Accordingly, Madden is unhappy about igniting nationalist symbols, emphasizing leaders’ efforts to reduce tensions. However, the authorities handling of the situation and the Unionist dissatisfaction with the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol increased the existing mistrust of Nationalists for both the Orange Order and local security forces. The article and events of the 12th of July parade exemplify how the Unionist community feels threatened by changes that they perceive as undermining their ties with the United Kingdom, leading to even more tensions and the potential for violent clashes.2
Considering the events in Tigers Bay were reminiscent of the worst riots seen in years, with severe clashes between youths from the two communities and attacks on the police, the Orange Order parades significantly intensified community divisions. The dispute over the new customs borders highlights the need for sustained dialogue between Nationalist and Unionist communities to address conflicts and promote reconciliation. The 12th of July parade in 2021 serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted tensions and divisions surrounding the Northern Ireland traditions of the Orange Order. The parades do not just serve the Unionist community by upholding their traditions and heritage but also significantly inflame the Nationalist community fueling further tensions and often leading to violent clashes. The recent introduction of the Northern Ireland Protocol and its implications for the Union community’s ties with the UK only heightened these tensions, demonstrating the continued importance of dialogue and reconciliation.
Footnotes
- “Protestant Marches Held Across NI Amid Post-Brexit Tensions: NORTHERN IRELAND MARCHES.” EFE News Service, Jul 12, 2021. http://ezproxy.carleton.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/wire-feeds/protestant-marches-held-across-ni-amid-post/docview/2550254641/se-2
- Stevenson, C., Condor, S. and Abell, J. (2007), The Minority-Majority Conundrum in Northern Ireland: An Orange Order Perspective. Political Psychology, 28: 105-125. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9221.2007.00554.x
