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Belfast City Council have confirmed they are investigating a video posted online which shows Britain First deputy leader Jayda Fransen sitting in the Mayor's chair and wearing Councillor's robes.

In the video posted by Britain First NI on Facebook, Fransen, from Anerly, London is seen wearing the red Councillor's robes and giving supporters an update on the events which unfolded earlier in the afternoon at a Belfast court.

Tonight, a spokesperson for Belfast City Council said 'procedures' for filming had not been followed.

A Belfast City Council spokesperson said: “Council has been made aware of the video post and is currently looking into the circumstances. The usual procedures for those wishing to film or use council premises were not followed. We received no request nor were we made aware of these plans.”

It's understood the visit to the Council chambers was facilitated by Independent Councillor Jolene Bunting.

Alliance Councillor Sian O’Neill said: “This video disrespects an office which all parties on the Council have sought to undertake in as inclusive a manner as possible.

"It is an abuse by Councillor Bunting of her privilege to access the robes, the chamber and the Lord Mayor’s chair to create a false perception of a link between the Council and Britain First, and Alliance has contacted the Chief Executive to investigate it.



“Normally when Councillors bring visitors on a tour of City Hall, it is a positive experience designed to make people feel more included in the workings of the city and proud of it. This behaviour is in direct contrast to that, being deliberately designed to alienate large sections of our community and create division. Councillor Bunting is doing nothing but bringing shame on herself and the Council.”

It was confirmed in court this afternoon that Fransen will stand trial over alleged hate speeches in Belfast.

The Britain First deputy leader was told allegations that she used threatening, abusive or insulting words at a demonstration last summer will be determined at a hearing on April 6.

The 31-year-old is contesting charges related to a speech made at a ‘Northern Ireland Against Terrorism’ rally at City Hall.

She is also fighting separate claims that she incited racial hatred by anti-Islamic remarks at peace wall on her return to Belfast last month.