Derry Anti‑War Coalition criticises RAF appearance at cross‑border jobs fair

Davy McAuley of the DAWC claimed Communities Minister Gordon Lyons was aware of objections to British military recruitment in Derry “and the corporate position of our local authority”.

The cross-border jobs fair took place in the city on Tuesday.

“From intelligence gathering, RAF reconnaissance flights over Gaza to providing military hardware and training to the IDF- these actions are all illegal under international law,” Mr McAuley contended, claiming that in allowing the Air Force to participate, organisers “have put us in a position of complicity”.

In sentiments echoed by a number of Derry Councillors, Mr McAuley added: “Derry is clearly a city opposed to genocide and imperialist wars. We stand for peace and global justice, not promoting militarism.”

In response, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “My Department works in partnership with local councils and other partners to deliver job fairs across Northern Ireland. Over the last two years our regional job fairs have showcased over 12,500 local, quality job opportunities, with more than 8,000 people attending.

“I value the contribution of all employers who participate in these events, including the Army and the Royal Air Force, and I welcome their continued engagement with our employment services.

“No individual, political representative or pressure group has the right to dictate which lawful career opportunities are available to the public.”

“The actions witnessed at this event were unacceptable,” the Minister added. “Attempts to disrupt or prevent organisations from engaging with jobseekers undermine the very purpose of these events and are a disservice to the people they are intended to help.

“It is particularly disappointing that an elected representative chose to engage in conduct which sought to restrict choice and opportunity for others. Public representatives should champion opportunity and respect democratic freedoms.

“The inflammatory claims subsequently made by the Derry Anti-War Coalition are entirely misplaced," he further claimed. “The employers attending this event were there to provide information on careers and employment opportunities. Efforts to politicise a jobs fair have no place in a modern, inclusive society.

“My Department will continue to work with all legitimate employers and partners to ensure that people across Northern Ireland have access to the widest possible range of employment and training opportunities.”

At the jobs fair Independent councillor Gary Donnelly told a RAF engagement team member: “We (council) have a corporate position against militarism.”

He asked the engagement team member if they inform young people that planes may fly from Greece to Gaza on intelligence missions.

Colr. Donnelly said: “You shouldn't be here. Can you rule out that they won't be flying aircraft and gathering intelligence and be complicit in a genocide?”

DUP Foyle MLA Julie Middleton said those staffing recruitment stands should not have been subjected to attempts to force them from the event.

"Such behaviour does not represent the welcoming and forward-looking city that Londonderry should be,” she said.

In response to MLA Middleton, People Before Profit Colr. Shaun Harkin said: “The DUP might not like it, but Derry City and Strabane District Council has a clear position opposing militarism and supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which seeks to hold Israel and those complicit with it accountable for the genocide of Palestinians.”

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council said that the Jobs Fair is a Department for Communities led initiative.

The Derry and Strabane Labour Market Partnership partnered with DFC, and CBPES (Cross Border Partnership Employment Services) to co-ordinate and promote the event.

The Ministry of Defence was approached for comment but referred the Journal to the event organisers.