DUP Leader Defends Carla Lockhart Presence with Masked Men at Scarva Counter-Protest

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson has defended MP Carla Lockhart and other party politicians filmed alongside masked individuals at a counter-demonstration against a Palestine solidarity march in Scarva, County Down, on Saturday. Robinson asserted it was "entirely appropriate" for his colleagues to be present, furthermore accusing the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) of "blocking the ability of people to peacefully protest."

Lockhart has rejected criticism following the circulation of images on social media, claiming she and 10 other politicians were present "to de-escalate" what she described as a "very volatile situation." This explanation follows accusations from Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard, whose constituency includes Scarva, that Lockhart acted as a "political shield for thugs."

The PSNI stated that an "appropriate and proportionate policing operation was implemented to maintain public safety during a notified parade and protest."

The Great March for Gaza, organised by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, saw approximately 1,500 pro-Palestine marchers proceed from Lurgan to Newry. Organisers labelled the Scarva counter-protest as "racist, xenophobic, sectarian," alleging their march was delayed for 45 minutes by abusive counter-protesters and that participants were "forced to proceed through slurry spread on the road, creating an unnecessary hazard and a degrading experience." They expressed regret that some "political representatives appear more interested in manufacturing a narrative of victimhood."

Robinson maintained his colleagues prevented a "difficult situation didn't spiral out of control" and criticised "pearl clutching and hypocrisy." He condemned "violence and intimidation" and stated no one should be "masked up," while also hitting out at online comments directed at Lockhart, stating, "She stood with the community of Scarva."

Hazzard, however, dismissed Lockhart's de-escalation claim as "pathetic," stating, "Images clearly show Carla standing not near, but shoulder to shoulder with masked men acting as a political shield for thugs who were chanting vile sectarian and racist abuse." He added, "Carla didn't calm tensions, she emboldened them."

Lockhart, responding to Hazzard's allegations, called them "utter, utter rubbish." She explained that police had blocked a designated protest area, exacerbating the situation, and that her intervention with colleagues, negotiating with police and encouraging the community, prevented a more serious confrontation. She acknowledged she does not "want to see anyone with their face covered," but emphasised she was dealing with protesters in a building site where an escalation was possible.

The Parades Commission had granted permission for both the march and the counter-protest, with conditions, and will consider all available information for future similar events.