Bloody Sunday families hold protest as new Secretary of State arrives in Derry

FAMILIES of Bloody Sunday victims murdered by soldiers have held a protest at in Derry as the new British Secretary of State Julian Smith arrived in the city for a series of meetings with civic and business leaders.

He was greeted by around 20 protestors holding up banners in support of justice for the Bloody Sunday families and an Irish Language Act.

Mr Smith was the former Tory Chief Whip under Theresa May’s premiership and is an MP for Yorkshire which has a strong military presence.

Next month, British Paratrooper ‘Soldier F’ will face the local courthouse in Derry to be charged with two counts of murdering James Wray and William McKinney and four charges of attempted murder on Bloody Sunday in January 1972.

Mr McKinney’s brother John was among those who were at the Guildhall when he arrived just before 1 pm where he was reeted by the Deputy Mayor SDLP Councillor Cara Hunter.

John McKinney said he was concerned that British Ministers like Julian Smith were trying were trying to introduce legislation which give an amnesty to British soldiers from facing justice in courts.

New Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already said that the prosecution of veteran soldiers “must stop”, unless there is compelling evidence.

Mr McKinney said this showed his ignorance of the history of Northern Ireland.

He continued: “Boris Johnson needs to realise that if you wear a British Army uniform, it doesn’t mean you escape justice.

“His words are deeply hurtful to the families of people who have lost loved ones at the hand of the State.

“He clearly doesn’t know very much about Ireland as a whole and I would suggest he sit down with families who have lost loved ones through State violence and talk to them to educate himself about what actually went on here.”

Mr McKinney said that many people in the city were still hurting “as a result of the actions of British paratroopers….the rest of the families are still seeking justice over Bloody Sunday.”

Along with Soldier F, thre other soldiers are awaiting trial over shooting incidents during the
Troubles

Added Mr McKinney: “The actions of these British Ministers is directly interfering in the prosecution of these soldiers.”

During his visit today, Mr Smith will take a tour of Derry’s Walls and the Apprentice Boys’ of Derry building.

He will later meet business leaders to discuss the City Deal for Derry.

His visit to Derry came after Mr Smith earlier met the leaders of the five main political parties at Stormont.

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