Noel Gallagher and Susan Sarandon among celebrities to sign Drumcree march letter
The letter, addressed to Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant, calls on him to work with the Irish government to appoint an “independent international mediator” to “facilitate a robust, durable solution”.
It added that “central to any just resolution must be the primacy and protection of the local community”.
It also said it was “paramount that the residents be protected from any form of forced processions that disregard their consent, safety and right to live in peace free from intimidation”.
The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) confirmed it has received the letter and said the secretary of state continues to engage with all parties for a resolution.
Dexy’s Midnight Runners frontman Kevin Rowland, who signed the letter, told BBC News NI that it “originated from an honest response to the situation on the Garvaghy Road”.
“The letter speaks for itself. It came about from conversations from those of us looking on from afar.
“It was an organic process inspired by the courage of the residents.
“As concerned individuals, we are not seeking to build an organisation or alternative platform to the voices of the residents. We would only wish to amplify their voices.”
Others among the 48 signatories include Trainspotting writer Irvine Welsh, movie director Ken Loach, Graham ‘Suggs’ McPherson from Madness, Kneecap, Imelda May, Maxine Peake and trade unionist Mick Lynch.
There have also been letters to Sir Chris from members of the Protestant community concerning Garvaghy Road, external, a group of MPs, external and Members of Congress in the US, external.
