Theresa Villiers: End flag protests and begin talks 2 March 2013 Last updated at 10:14 By Gareth Gordon BBC NI political correspondent It is time for flag protests to stop and talking to begin, Secretary of State Theresa Villiers is to tell the Alliance Party conference. The party has been at the centre of the storm over the limiting of the flying of the union flag at Belfast City Hall. Councillors' homes and party offices have been attacked and deputy leader Naomi Long has faced a death threat. Ms Villiers is to say the government will not be moved by riots and attacks on police. She will tell the conference that there must not be a repeat of the violent scenes witnessed in Belfast last summer. So the conference on Saturday represents a time to take stock. It remains to be seen what it all will mean for the party's electoral fortunes. But leader David Ford has told the BBC he does not believe it will pay a political price. Undoubtedly though, the human price paid by some of its members will contribute to what is expected to be an emotional occasion.