Eastwood welcomes Apprentice Boys statement

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has welcomed a statement from the Apprentice Boys acknowledging the hurt caused by a band during Saturday’s parade in Derry.
The band wore Parachute Regiment logos accompanied by the letter ‘F’ on their shirts, reportedly in breach of an agreement which had been reached previously. The police response to the situation has been criticised by the DUP as over the top, and tensions in the wake of the parade led to violent incidents over a number of nights.
Mr eastwood, a Foyle MLA, says the Apprentice Boys statement will contribute to healing in the city, and demonstrates the kind of leadership that Derry and the North needs right now.
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Statement in full – 
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MLA has welcomed a statement from the Apprentice Boys acknowledging the hurt caused by a band during Saturday’s parade in Derry.
The Foyle MLA said that it was an important step toward the inclusive space of accommodation within the city. 
 
He said:
“The statement from the Apprentice Boys acknowledging the genuine hurt caused by a band parading with Parachute Regiment and Soldier F insignia is a positive step that will contribute to healing in the city. It is welcome and demonstrates the kind of leadership that Derry and the North needs right now.
“Tensions in our city have been heightened over the course of the weekend. We all have a responsibility to take the poison out of a very difficult situation and work together to reconcile our communities. We have occupied the space of accommodation and respect before, there is no reason we can’t move to back to that ground again. 
“There is no future for our city that excludes any community. Now we have to work hard to bring people together and sustain the spirit of reconciliation.”