quote:

A Democratic Unionist MP has caused controversy by declining to advocate for the removal of flags celebrating terrorist organisations currently being flown in her constituency.

Flags promoting the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) have been raised in shared housing developments that are part of the Together Building United Communities programme.

The UVF killed hundreds of people after its formation in 1966 and is classified as a terrorist organisation by the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and United States.

However Emma Little Pengelly, who became MP for the area little over a month ago, said that when she spoke to residents she found no widespread demand for their removal.

She reported she had received a mixed reaction to them when she visited around 100 homes in the areas where the flags are being flown, finding the majority of those she spoke to "didn't want a public fuss around this matter".