A Royal Navy patrol vessel attracted around 2,000 visitors during the Foyle Maritime Festival in Londonderry last week, despite protests from republican groups. HMS Biter was docked in the city for four days as part of the event, flying the white ensign throughout its stay.

The visit drew sharp political reactions. Foyle DUP MLA Julie Middleton defended the vessel’s presence, arguing that critics displayed a narrow intolerance which ignored Londonderry’s maritime heritage. She highlighted the city’s role as a base during the Battle of the Atlantic and noted that the German U-boat fleet surrendered in the waters of the Foyle in May 1945.

DUP councillor Chelsea Cooke said there had been calls for HMS Biter to remove the Union flag while moored. She stated the flags were not optional decorations but official symbols of the United Kingdom and the service of Royal Navy personnel.

Video footage of a protest at the quayside appeared to show roughly two dozen people, some wearing masks, carrying Irish tricolours and the flag of the Republican Socialist Youth Movement. A police officer was seen requesting the group to move away from the entrance.

People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin said many residents and visitors found the boat insulting and divisive. He argued that the council opposed the normalisation of militarism and that government resources should be directed towards housing and healthcare instead of defence spending. Independent republican councillor Gary Donnelly expressed concern that the boat’s presence set a worrying precedent.

Derry City and Strabane District Council said in a statement that visiting international vessels are a key part of the festival and participate at no cost to the council.