27 Aug 2018 | 05:20 AM UTC
UK: Protests planned across Northern Ireland August 28
Civil society group plans protests across Northern Ireland on August 28; localized traffic disruptions possible
Event
Demonstrations are expected to be held in major urban areas across Northern Ireland on Tuesday, August 28. The protests are being held under the banner “WeDeserveBetter” and will being at 19:00 (local time). In Belfast, participants will gather outside the Belfast City Hall until 20:00. Rallies are also planned in Derry/Londonderry at Guildhall Square and in Armagh on Market Street. While the demonstrations are expected to remain peaceful, localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around all protest sites.
Context
WeDeserveBetter is denouncing the lack of a functioning government in Northern Ireland and calling for an independent facilitator to be appointed to improve discussions between the UK and Irish governments. Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government collapsed in January 2017 and snap elections were held in March 2017. However, the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Féin have failed to form a new executive.
Advice
Individuals in Northern Ireland are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all demonstrations as a precaution.
