The Conservative Party has issued an apology for a social media video that inadvertently included footage from the Bloody Sunday massacre. The video, posted on leader Kemi Badenoch’s social media channels on Tuesday, was taken down on Friday after criticism.
Video Content and Removal
The video featured Mrs Badenoch condemning the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, with archive clips of British soldiers overlaid. Foyle MP Colum Eastwood identified at least one shot as being from Bloody Sunday, calling its use “disgusting” and “disgraceful”. A Conservative spokesman stated: “As soon as we were made aware of the footage, the video was taken down. We apologise for the inclusion of this material, which should not have been used and will not be used again.”
Bloody Sunday Context
On January 30, 1972, thirteen unarmed civilians were shot dead by the Army’s Parachute Regiment during a civil rights demonstration in Londonderry. The SDLP MP expressed shock that Mrs Badenoch would use such footage, calling it an insult to the murdered protesters.
In the video, Mrs Badenoch argued that Labour’s Bill would “drag” Troubles veterans back to court, putting elderly veterans through fresh legal battles. She pledged that the Conservatives would vote to block the legislation and repeal it in government.
Political Reactions
The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill aims to replace the controversial Legacy Act, ending the immunity scheme ruled unlawful. Mr Eastwood said the video prioritises soldiers’ interests over victims’ decades-long fight for justice. In 2010, David Cameron apologised for Bloody Sunday after the Saville Inquiry found all victims innocent. Mr Eastwood noted the contrast with the current video, stating: “We’re a long way away from former prime minister David Cameron’s powerful apology.”
