Veterans withdraw Parades Commission application for North West demonstration

A group of Army veterans who were planning a march in Londonderry next month have withdrawn an application to the Parades Commission. 

Justice for Veterans UK wanted to walk from the Royal British Legion office in the Waterside to the Cenotaph on March 4th. 

Around 100 ex military personnel were due to demonstrate against against what they described as "vindictive investigations" against former soldiers in troubles related incidents. 

Republicans said they would counter demonstrate at the event saying it would have been insulting to the victims of Bloody Sunday.

The Parades Commission did not see the event as being 'sensitive' so the application had been granted without restrictions. 

The withdrawal now indicates the event will not go ahead. 

JFVUK said the event was not designed to be deliberately provocative.

"We've had three other events in Northern Ireland for veterans to have a voice a to protest against the British government and its treatment of its veterans." said a spokesperson. 

A number of Veterans Campaigners have accused the PSNI and the Director of Public Prosecutions of a 'Witch hunt' against former military forces who worked in Northern Ireland. 

That was something Barra McGrory, QC strongly denied in recent weeks.

At the time the PPS issued a statement which said “When these (legacy) investigation files are submitted to the PPS, the Test for Prosecution is applied without fear, favour or prejudice, in strict accordance with the Code for Prosecutors.

“While political representatives may have an interest in such cases, the public can be assured of the rigour of the processes put in place by the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure that this will never be allowed to influence the proper taking of prosecutorial decisions.”