Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has issued an apology following the posting of a video on her social media that opposed reforms to the Legacy Act but controversially included footage from Bloody Sunday. This footage shows soldiers who, in 1972, opened fire on civil rights demonstrators, resulting in the deaths of thirteen people. Last year, a former Paratrooper involved in the event was acquitted of charges of murder and attempted murder.
Badenoch explained to PA News on Saturday that the video was shared “in error” and clarified that she had not authorized its release. Speaking from southeast London, she stated, “I have apologised. I did not sign off the video.” She further described the context as a parliamentary vote where Labour was introducing legislation targeting elderly veterans for actions that occurred decades ago, often under political leadership no longer present. Badenoch acknowledged that the video was created by young people who failed to recognize the repercussions of using footage from Bloody Sunday, adding, “So I apologise as well that that video went out in error.” The party took down the clip as soon as its content was understood.
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood condemned the use of Bloody Sunday footage in the video, branding it “disgusting and disgraceful.” While he welcomed the party’s apology, Eastwood urged Badenoch to personally apologize to the survivors and families affected by Bloody Sunday. The video had appeared across multiple Conservative Party social media accounts, including Badenoch’s X profile, before being removed on Friday.
The Conservative Party also issued a statement acknowledging the error, emphasizing that the video was removed promptly once the problematic footage was identified. The party extended its apologies for using material that should not have been featured and assured it would not be repeated. It is worth recalling that the 2010 Saville Inquiry concluded none of the victims shot on Bloody Sunday posed any threat to the soldiers that would justify the shootings. The ongoing political discussion revolves around Labour’s Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which seeks to repeal the existing Legacy Act that restricts inquests and civil actions related to Troubles-era events. This legislation, agreed jointly by London and Dublin, has faced criticism from political parties and victims’ organizations across Northern Ireland, and the government is under pressure from veterans and some MPs to strengthen protections for former service members
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.