DUP MP Carla Lockhart has defended her actions after facing criticism for being photographed standing with masked men during a counter protest to a pro-Palestine march in Scarva, County Down.
Political Backlash
The Upper Bann MP received condemnation from several political figures, including South Down MP Chris Hazzard, Alliance Party leader Naomi Long, and SDLP leader Claire Hanna.
On Saturday, hundreds gathered in the village of Scarva to oppose the Great March for Gaza, organized by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), which was scheduled to pass along the Newry towpath from Lurgan to Newry.
Heavy Police Presence
A significant police operation was in place, focusing on enforcing Parades Commission conditions to prevent marchers from entering Scarva. Several bridges in the village were blocked off. Police resources included water cannons, armored Land Rovers, and Tactical Support Group officers.
Ms Lockhart criticized the police presence, stating it disrupted local residents, failed to reduce anxiety and tensions, and blocked Scarva Bridge where the counter demonstration had been planned.
A large number of protesters instead gathered further up the village near a new housing development, just across a narrow canal from the march. March organizers claimed they faced “slurs hurled from an un-notified counter protest in a field outside Scarva.”
Lockhart's Defense
During the event, Ms Lockhart was photographed near masked individuals as the march passed. In a social media post, she said: “I will never apologise for standing with my community. When tensions were high, leadership meant showing up, engaging constructively and helping ensure calm heads prevailed.”
DUP leader Gavin Robinson backed Ms Lockhart, describing her, along with South Down MLA Diane Forsythe and Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley, as “providing leadership.” He added: “I’ve stood on the ground in many riot situations. Most people commenting haven’t a clue what they’re talking about.”
Criticism from Opponents
South Down MP Chris Hazzard of Sinn Féin posted on X that his constituency “is a welcoming place defined by beautiful forests, mountains, and beaches – not masked intimidation.” Ms Lockhart responded: “In the absence of their own MP I had to step in and ensure calm heads prevailed.”
She added a claim that the family of William Heenan, a man murdered by the Provisional IRA in 1985, “have tried to engage with you about the murder of their Dad. They haven’t found their MP so welcoming.”
Ms Long said to Ms Lockhart: “The crowd you were playing to were wearing masks and shouting abuse. You’ve yet to condemn it.” Ms Hanna described the images from Scarva as “bleak and disturbing,” adding: “Taunts at peaceful marchers, an MP surrounded by masked men in 2026. Political leaders who won’t condemn bullying and intimidation, wherever it comes from, won’t take society anywhere good.”
Further Exchanges
Ms Lockhart also hit back at criticism from Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood, who posted: “Standing in a crowd with people covering faces with masks or scarves whilst the crowd shout obscenities and abuse is not something we should be anywhere near.” Ms Lockhart responded: “Playing to the crowd when you have none of the facts only serves as click bait. As an elected representative you should do better.”
