![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/ni-protocol-paramilitaries-probably-involved-in-protests-says-psni/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/118884588_pe_00868238.jpg&description=Image source, Press EyeImage caption, Dozens of peaceful protests were held to express opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol ahead of the Stormont election in MayLoyalist paramilitaries probably played a role in organising protest rallies against the Northern Ireland Protocol this year, a police commander has said.Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said the individuals were part of locally-formed "coalitions".He was responding to questions from South Belfast MP Claire Hanna during a Westminster committee hearing.The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is taking evidence about the effects of paramilitaries are having on society.Ms Hanna of the SDLP asked him: "Obviously organising a rally is not a crime but are you aware of any individuals linked to paramilitary organisations who were involved in organising events billed as peaceful protests?"Mr McEwan responded: "They were generally organised by what were formed as coalitions."There may be members of those coalitions who have links to paramilitary groups, absolutely."But that is not to say that the coalitions themselves are controlled by paramilitary groups or otherwise."Dozens of peaceful protests were held to express unionist and loyalist opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol, particularly in the run-up to last May's Stormont assembly election.None have taken place since the summer.The protocol is the post-Brexit trading arrangement for Northern Ireland, which was agreed between the UK and the EU.Special arrangements had to be put in place for Northern Ireland after Brexit because it had an EU land border with the Republic of Ireland.The protocol allows goods to be transported across that border without the need for checks at that point.Instead the goods are inspected whenever they arrive in Northern Ireland from other parts of the UK.But unionist political parties argue that the protocol has undermined Northern Ireland's place within the UK by effectively creating a trade border in the Irish Sea.Uni){kind=link}
Loyalist paramilitaries probably played a role in organising protest rallies against the Northern Ireland Protocol this year, a police commander has said.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said the individuals were part of locally-formed “coalitions”.
He was responding to questions from South Belfast MP Claire Hanna during a Westminster committee hearing.
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is taking evidence about the effects of paramilitaries are having on society.
Ms Hanna of the SDLP asked him: “Obviously organising a rally is not a crime but are you aware of any individuals linked to paramilitary organisations who were involved in organising events billed as peaceful protests?”