Families of UDR members who died during The Troubles are to hold a rally in Clogher this week in opposition to the UK Governments amnesty proposals.

On Thursday October 28 an event will be held at Corick House, Clogher gathering from 10.30am onwards with an official start time of 11am. The event will run until circa 12.30pm and will be followed by lunch.

South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) is organising the event after being approached by UDR families across Northern Ireland

Mr Kenny Donaldson, Director of Services at SEFF said: “The purpose of the event is to provide UDR families who were bereaved of a loved one as a result of terrorism, the opportunity to make their position clear in terms of the proposed statute of limitations/Amnesty by the UK Government.”

197 UDR soldiers died as a result of terrorism whilst serving and 67 when retired or post resigning from the Regiment.  

A statement will be read out on the day of the event at 11am within the hotel and the names of the 264 murdered UDR connected victims will be read out by Battalion.

A number of banners opposing the amnesty proposal and the effect it would have in equating security forces with terrorists will also be displayed.

Mr Donaldson continued: "The existing UK Government proposal will: Bring about the final corruption of the criminal justice process, equate terrorists with security forces and amount to the U.K State murdering Justice

“We are keen to see as many bereaved families present as is possible and we encourage families to wear their loved one's medals and to carry a picture of their loved one if they so wish.

“The UDR Family has expressed a wish to speak out on these matters and we are facilitating such an opportunity.

“It is also hoped that Regimental Associations will attend and will stand with the bereaved.”

Mr Donaldson urged those associated with the UDR to attend. He said: “We want to see the UDR Family come out in force and stand as one - against this ill-conceived legacy proposal but also to stand up for and by the name of a Regiment which contributed much in bringing about the Peace, however imperfect that we have in Northern Ireland today.

“Others outside of the UDR Family, whether Regular Army, Police, Prison Service or civilians are also welcome to attend.”

Mr Donaldson concluded: “Please contact the SEFF office on 028 677 23884 by 5pm on Tuesday October 26 to register your name with us and intention to attend.”