Arabic version: كيمي بادنوك تعتذر عن استخدام لقطات من الأحد الدامي في فيديو

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has apologised after a video opposing reforms to the Legacy Act featured footage of soldiers on Bloody Sunday. The video was shared on Tuesday and shows soldiers entering the Bogside area of Londonderry on 30 January 1972, when thirteen civil rights demonstrators were shot dead by the Army. The Conservative Party removed the video promptly after being made aware of the controversial footage.

According to BBC News, Badenoch stated that the video went out “in error” and emphasized that she did not sign off on it. Speaking to PA News, she expressed regret over the incident, noting that the video was created by very young people who did not recognize the significance of the footage from Bloody Sunday. Badenoch reiterated the party’s support for veterans while condemning the use of the footage.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood criticized the use of the footage as “disgusting and disgraceful.” He welcomed the party’s apology but called for Badenoch to extend a personal apology to the survivors and families of the Bloody Sunday victims. The video, which was published on several Conservative Party social platforms, was removed on Friday following the backlash.

The Conservative Party previously issued an apology stating that the inclusion of the footage was inappropriate and would not occur again. This incident comes in the context of ongoing debates surrounding the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which aims to replace the controversial Legacy Act that banned inquests and civil actions related to incidents during the Troubles. The bill has faced criticism from various parties and victims’ groups in Northern Ireland, highlighting the complexities surrounding the legacy of the Troubles and the treatment of veterans.

As the UK government pushes forward with the bill, it remains uncertain when it will be debated in Parliament, leaving many issues regarding veterans’ protections and historical accountability unresolved.