I agree. Despite the fact that the British have a lot to answer for, including their actions in Northern Ireland. (Although it didn’t justify the ITA (or Loyalist terrorist groups for that matter) targeting civilians.)
The thing is, though, what is there to say about the UK’s past actions? Apart from to agree that the actions of the British army’s actions in Northern Ireland were completely disgraceful. A lot of British people said as much at the time as well. And I haven’t seen any posts attempting to justify these atrocities, like Bloody Sunday.
And yes, there were many disgraceful acts that the British Empire was guilty of. But again, no one is saying otherwise, are they? Of course there were atrocities committed in our name and a lot of British people have expressed shame about them.
But what can we do about it now, apart from express sorrow that these things happened. We can’t go back in time and change anything.
And yes, there have been countries looking for independence from the UK (although not looking to leave the Commonwealth). Barbados cut ties with the UK Monarchy last year. Australia had a referendum, but voted not to become a republic. They’re not being prevented from doing so.
But none of this means that British posters on this thread shouldn’t be allowed to criticise the acts of ICE that are taking place now. It’s right to speak out against atrocities that are happening now, not in the past.