The SDLP is today mounting a challenge in the House of Commons against plans by the British government to keep Royal crests on court buildings in Northern Ireland.
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Party leader Mr Mark Durkan and Northern Ireland Assembly member Mr Seamus Mallon have travelled to London this morning to address the Commons over what they say is the British government’s decision to retract from its commitments under the Criminal Justice Review and the Belfast Agreement.
The British government announced last Thursday it would allow the retention of the British flag and symbols on and in some courthouses and the attachment of those symbols to future courthouses.
The SDLP will today ask the government to "rethink their approach" to the matter. The party has said the move is "inconsistent with sound political practice" as it undermines the recommendations of the Criminal Justice Review on ensuring the removal of royal symbols in courthouses.
Mr Durkan has strongly criticised the British government’s decision and said he "feared" the British government would take this action to appease unionists, following a series of republican demands over policing in particular.
"This runs completely contrary to the Good Friday Agreement which guaranteed parity of esteem, and just and equal treatment to nationalists and unionists alike. It is totally unacceptable to the SDLP," he said.
SDLP spokesman Mr Alex Attwood said it was important the British government "stand fully and firmly with all of the Good Friday Agreement" as there was a risk it would be seen to be bartering with both unionists and republicans.