The Alliance MLA was speaking ahead of bonfires being lit in the Bogside and Creggan areas of Derry-Londonderry this evening (Friday 15 August).

“Each year, we witness a repeated cycle of sectarianism, hate, and bigotry during bonfire season," he said.

“The placing of flags and offensive materials on bonfires is utterly unacceptable and has no place in a shared society. Those responsible only seek to intimidate, sow division and hold our community back.

“Almost four years since the final report of the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition was published, is long past time that regulation was introduced by the First and deputy First Ministers to end these shameful displays.”