Derry City and Strabane District Council has voted to withdraw its involvement in organising or promoting any future jobs fair that includes the British Armed Forces. The decision, made at a full council meeting on Wednesday, followed concerns raised by nationalist representatives that the military's presence acts as a barrier to employment for some residents.
According to BBC News, the motion was proposed by Sinn Féin councillor Christopher Jackson, who argued that the legacy of the Armed Forces in the city has created trauma and hurt that deters jobseekers from attending recruitment events featuring military representatives.
The decision came after a September 2026 jobs fair at Ebrington Hotel where the British Army and RAF were among more than 30 employers, with the council having promoted the event. At that September council meeting, Jackson reported that residents had told him the RAF's presence had discouraged them from attending, though Mayor Grace Uí Niallais declined his motion at that time because it was a "pop-up" motion, and he agreed to bring it back for formal consideration.
Why does the military's presence matter to some residents?
Jackson stated that the presence of the British Armed Forces at employment events has become a barrier for people seeking to advance their careers.
The legacy of the British Armed forces in this city has been one of trauma, hurt and destruction of many people.He added that
to have the British Armed forces present at a jobs fair has become a barrier for many people who are seeking employment or looking to advance their careers.
Jackson emphasised that the council now has an opportunity to organise its own jobs fair without military participation.
We as a council have an opportunity to hold our own jobs fair and preparation to host a jobs fair is already underway,he told the full council meeting.
We can't have people who are resident in this council area who want to seek and further their careers be intimidated out of it.
SDLP councillor Rory Farrell voiced full support for the motion, stating that his party opposes any involvement of the British military at jobs fairs across the city and district.
We do not support any organ of the British military being invited to a jobs fair anywhere across this city and district,he said, adding that
in the event that they are present, there should be no council role whatsoever in facilitating that jobs fair.
What are the concerns about limiting employment options?
DUP councillor Niree McMorris opposed the motion, arguing that excluding any lawful employer undermines the purpose of jobs fairs.
A jobs fair should be inclusive not selective,she said, emphasising that
whatever our individual political perspectives may be, employment fairs should be about opportunity, choice and equal access to careers.
McMorris contended that
excluding the British armed forces from participating sends entirely the wrong message and denies local people the chance to hear about a legitimate and respected career path.She noted that many former members of the British Armed Forces live in the city and district and deserve neither discrimination nor exclusion.
This council should not be in the business of deciding which lawful employers are politically acceptable and which or not,she argued, adding that
if we start excluding organisations because some disagree with their role, where does that end?
McMorris stressed that residents deserved access to a range of employment opportunities and were capable of making informed decisions for themselves about career paths.
What other concerns were raised about the decision?
UUP councillor Darren Guy also raised concerns about the motion, while acknowledging the historical reasons some councillors opposed the Armed Forces' presence at jobs fairs.
The armed forces is a legitimate employer,he said, emphasising that
a jobs fair is all about choice.
Guy questioned whether the motion could conflict with the council's equality and good relations policy. He also criticised what he described as the removal of an employment option for people who might lack the qualifications or skills needed for other jobs advertised at the fair.
The constant shouts of oppression of the Irish people and the high levels of poverty in our city and district yet all we hear now is elected representatives looking to remove an avenue of employment that may be the best option for someone who doesn't have the skills or qualifications for other jobs on offer at the fair,he said.
Guy further argued that
if this council excludes the armed forces from a jobs event for political reasons there is a credible argument that the decision is inconsistent with section 3, 4 and 5 of our equal opportunities policy because it limits opportunities available to those seeking potential employment.
What is the history of military recruitment at council events?
The decision follows a pattern of controversy over military recruitment at local employment events. In 2025, the Army withdrew from a jobs fair at the council-owned Foyle Arena after nationalist councillors objected, with Communities Minister Gordon Lyons saying he was taking legal advice over the council's position. The 2025 fair had been scheduled for 9 September at Foyle Arena and was organised by the Department for Communities with local labour-market and cross-border employment partners.
The Ministry of Defence initially registered as an employer for that event but subsequently decided not to proceed with a stall following the political objections.
What happens next?
A senior solicitor at the council informed members at the meeting that, as with any motion passed, a paper would be brought before all elected members where relevant matters would be addressed and considered. The motion was passed with 34 votes in favour, five against, and no abstentions.
The council has indicated that preparations are already underway for a council-run jobs fair without the presence of the British Military, though no specific date or further details about the planned event have been announced.
