Independent Media | Campaigning Journalism
While everyone focused on the royal wedding, Theresa May made a very sinister figure a lord
13 life peers were appointed to the House of Lords on Friday 18 May. One of those appointees, the former DUP MP Reverend Willie McCrea, hasn’t been discussed much by the mainstream media. But British people should be very concerned about the man Theresa May just put in parliament.
The DUP and Reverend Willie McCrea?
Since the confidence and supply arrangement between the Tories and the DUP began in June 2017, the DUP has been an effective partner of the UK Government. But the reverend McCrea’s brand of politics, referred to as ‘firebrand’, has a sinister side.
Social media users voiced their disgust at his appointment. Unlike most of the mainstream media, several contributors spoke about McCrea, his past, and the possible consequences of his appointment:
Sweet mother of God they're making Willie McCrea a Lord https://t.co/8HJBvVkUHu
— Jamie Kennedy (@JkUmisma) May 17, 2018
Worth recalling Theresa May’s new nominee to the House of Lords Willie McCrea once shared a platform with convicted terrorist and known sectarian mass murderer of Catholics Billy Wright pic.twitter.com/Hw5RqtNqcb
— Michael Kelly (@MichaelKellyIC) May 18, 2018
Willie McCrea rejected by the people of Mid Ulster, rejected by the people of South Antrim and levered into the House of Lords through the only thing keeping May in Power
— Cathal Mallaghan (@CMallaghanSF) May 18, 2018
Interesting. Appointing Willie McCrea to the HoL to ‘pack the chamber for Brexit’ might not sit well for British-Irish relations given his previous support for air strikes on Irish towns, among other things… You just couldn’t make it up! https://t.co/KSpBTNduW0
— Edward Burke (@Edward__Burke) May 18, 2018
‘King Rat’
Loyalist killer Billy Wright, aka ‘King Rat’, was a member of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). Wright led a “reign of terror” against Catholics during the conflict in Northern Ireland. He later formed a break away group called the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) in 1996.
McCrea appeared together with Wright on a public platform in September 1996. This was after Wright formed the LVF. McCrea was subpoenaed in 2007 to appear before a public inquiry to explain their relationship and the possible meetings between them. Both men opposed the early stages of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA).
Bombing Irish border towns
Meanwhile, 1986 state papers revealed that McCrea called for the British government to launch “Libyan-type strikes” on Irish border towns during the conflict. McCrea’s calls appeared to be inspired by the US attack on Libya on 14 April 1986.
Disgusting
McCrea’s appointment, along with nine appointments from the Conservative Party, is reportedly an attempt by Theresa May to prevent further Brexit defeats in the Upper House. At the same time, McCrea’s appointment will no doubt please her partners in the DUP.
But May’s desperate attempts retain power has now bolstered the DUP and put a very worrying figure into parliament.
Get Involved!
– Join The Canary, so we can keep holding the powerful to account.
– Read and support other independent media outlets:
Media Diversified, Novara Media, Corporate Watch, Red Pepper, New Internationalist, Common Space, Media Lens, Bella Caledonia, Vox Political, Evolve Politics, Real Media, Reel News, STRIKE! magazine, The Bristol Cable, The Meteor, The Skwawkbox, Salford Star, The Ferret.
Featured image via Flickr/Number 10
Since you're here ...
We know you don't need a lecture. You wouldn't be here if you didn't care.
Now, more than ever, we need your help to challenge the rightwing press and hold power to account. Please help us survive and thrive.
Support