loyalism

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Movement in Northern Ireland that defends the principle of unionism and totally rejects any change in the status or government of Northern Ireland that might threaten its links with the UK. Loyalists will either use violence, or support the use of violence, to ensure that this link is maintained.

The roots of modern loyalist paramilitary groups lie in the Protestant Orange Order established in 1795 and the formation of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) in 1912. Both groups had the aim of promoting and defending the link between Ireland and Britain, in opposition to the movements of Irish nationalism and Irish republicanism.

Black, green, and yellow are the African National Congress (ANC) colours. Red, white, and blue are the colours of the former Dutch republics. Effective date: 27 April 1994. >>