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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Gavin Cordon

BIZARRE: Remembrance sunday rules changed to protect ni peace process - You Need To See This

The leader of the DUP Dr Ian Paisley (right) and the Scottish National Party’s Alex Salmond at the Cenotaph (Johnny Green/PA) - (PA Archive)

Tony Blair’s government changed the rules on party leaders laying wreaths at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday to protect the Northern Ireland peace process, according to newly-released official files.

Papers released by the National Archives show Northern Ireland secretary Paul Murphy said there were “pressing political reasons” why the leaders of both the main unionist parties, David Trimble and the Rev Ian Paisley, should be able to take part in the ceremony.

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