DUP Leader Defends MP After Photo Shows Her Beside Masked Men At Scarva Counter-Protest

The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) defended MP Carla Lockhart after images circulated showing her standing beside masked men at a counter-demonstration in Scarva, County Down. Gavin Robinson said it was "entirely appropriate" for party politicians to be present and accused the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) of "blocking the ability of people to peacefully protest."

What Happened

On Saturday, the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign led a march from Lurgan to Newry calling for humanitarian aid and a ceasefire. Organisers said about 1,500 people took part and described the march as "peaceful, dignified and disciplined throughout." A separate counter-protest took place in Scarva, where photographs showed Lockhart standing close to a group of masked men.

Lockhart says she and her colleagues intervened to de-escalate and negotiate with police [PA Media]

Claims and Counterclaims

Lockhart and other DUP figures, including MLA Diane Forsythe, said they were on the ground to "de-escalate" a volatile situation. Lockhart told BBC Radio Ulster that police had blocked a designated bridge, which she said worsened the situation and pushed protesters into an unfinished development where tensions rose. She rejected claims that she was "front and centre" of the masked group, calling that allegation "utter, utter rubbish."

"She stood with the community of Scarva," said Gavin Robinson, defending Lockhart and criticising online attacks directed at her.

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard, whose constituency includes Scarva, strongly condemned Lockhart's presence. He said she acted as a "political shield for thugs" and accused her of emboldening those who chanted sectarian and racist abuse. Hazzard said the behaviour was "completely unacceptable."

PSNI officers separated counter protesters as the pro-Palestinian march from Lurgan to Newry passed through the village of Scarva [PA Media]

Police, Media And Organisers

The PSNI described its response as an "appropriate and proportionate policing operation" implemented to maintain public safety. A police spokesperson confirmed that evidence-gathering was deployed and that captured footage would be reviewed; any potential breaches of Parades Commission determinations will be investigated.

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) expressed concern about alleged intimidatory behaviour toward journalists covering the event. Séamus Dooley, assistant general secretary of the NUJ, said journalists have a right to report without intimidation.

Kathryn Beatty, from Palestine Solidarity, helped organise the march [BBC]

Organisers of the Great March for Gaza said marchers were forced to proceed through slurry spread on the road, calling it a degrading experience, and criticised some political representatives for "manufacturing a narrative of victimhood." Kathryn Beatty of the campaign emphasised the group’s peaceful intent: "No intimidation, no abuse, no threats and no behaviour that would undermine the humanitarian purpose of our march."

Political Reaction

The DUP posted video footage from the scene showing party representatives engaging with residents, speaking to protestors, liaising with police and attempting to prevent disorder. In the Northern Ireland Assembly, SDLP politician Matthew O'Toole and Alliance deputy leader Eoin Tennyson urged elected representatives to show leadership and to challenge intimidation by supporters, whichever community they come from.

The Parades Commission confirmed it had authorised both the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign march and the counter-protest, each with conditions, and said investigation of any suspected criminal offences arising from alleged breaches is a matter for the PSNI.

Outcome: The incident has prompted political and media scrutiny; police will review footage and may investigate possible breaches of parade determinations. The wider debate focuses on whether local politicians' presence calmed or inflamed tensions.