UDA demands end to British 'suppression' of Protestants

The Ulster Defence Association has issued a statement demanding that the British government ends its "suppression" of Protestants in the North.

The UDA claimed last week's loyalist riots in Belfast and surrounding areas were a response to "severe provocation" and the "political use" of the police and soldiers against Protestants.

"We demand a clear and unequivocal announcement from the British government that the Protestant community deserves the right to live in peace without the fear of suppression and containment," it said.

Last week's riots followed a contentious Orange Order march that was banned from the nationalist Springfield Road in Belfast.

Loyalist paramilitaries, including the UDA, were accused of orchestrating the violence, which saw petrol bombs, home-made grenades, fireworks and live ammunition fired at the police.

Dozens of PSNI officers were injured, but unionists and loyalists have accused them of causing the disturbances by acting with aggression and arrogance towards the Orange marchers and their supporters.

Unionist politicians have also claimed the violence was caused by a perception that loyalist culture is being eroded by the peace process, while nationalists are being rewarded.