Due to what Northern Ireland’s first minister Michelle O’Neill has dubbed as “sheer bigotry and malice”, Belfast has been suffering a surge of cruel chaos in the past week. Speaking last Thursday, in anticipation of an urgent reconvening of the Stormont Assembly to address assaults on migrant homes and businesses, Ms O’Neill was resolute in her efforts to “shatter the illusion” that immigration was at the root of the violent outbreaks. There was a firm consensus among Executive ministers to “resist racism”, she asserted. In response to the corresponding distress, they have collectively maintained that law enforcement will ensure those accountable for the chaos will face strict penalties.
Ministers received a briefing by PSNI chief constable Jon Boutcher on potential future disturbances an hour before the debate. After a fourth night of disruption in Belfast, Mr Boutcher confirmed his decision to request 120 officers from Police Scotland to bolster local resources in Northern Ireland. Mr Boutcher emphasised the necessity of these additional resources in preparing for potential future disturbances.
Since the outset of these altercations, which were instigated by an anti-immigration protest outside Belfast City Hall on the weekend, 17 people have been detained. The PSNI chief confided to journalists about his meeting with Muslim community leaders the night before, expressing shared concerns about the safety of migrant societies.
Spectators in Stormont’s public assembly gallery on Thursday included representatives from ethnic minority community associations, who expressed commendation throughout the discussions. The MLAs subsequently supported a resolution urging them to denounce the violent acts and oppose “all racism” in Northern Ireland. A proposed amendment by the DUP advocating the preservation of the right to “peaceful protest as a vital component of any democratic society” was rejected after a vote.
In the vicinity of the Parliament buildings, an extensive gathering of trade union members, who represent healthcare industry workers, along with community organisations, participated in an anti-racism rally coordinated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
The Northern Ireland Council Voluntary Action’s (Nicva) leader drew cheers from the crowd when she announced that they refuse to accept the racial violence. Celine McStravick pointed out that such actions are not just an assault on individuals but an attack on the foundation of society.
Although immigration issues primarily fall under the jurisdiction of Westminster, a part of the recall motion urged the first minister along with her deputy to establish a Refugee Integration Strategy by the year-end. Additionally, it called for the replacement of the antiquated Racial Equality Strategy. In contrast to Britain, Northern Ireland lacks such a strategy.
During the discussion, Ms O’Neill vowed to prioritise this strategy. She also highlighted communal fear due to street violence, with health workers, nurses, families and young people living in fear of venturing outside.
Emma Little-Pengelly, the deputy first minister, described the narratives of migrant health workers contemplating leaving Northern Ireland following the attacks as “deeply worrying”. She praised their valuable contribution towards frontline services.
In her speech, she dismissed violence as a solution and expressed the collective stand against violence, disorder and racism. Naomi Long, the minister for justice, also voiced her hopes for revising hate crime laws and urged her fellow assembly members to assist in making this change.
Warnings about misleading information concerning employment advice in Belfast ahead of scheduled protests were issued on Thursday evening by the PSNI. They clarified that the advice hadn’t originated from the Police Service of Northern Ireland and urged people to follow official police social media channels for credible updates about upcoming protests.
A substantial police operation has been planned for Friday in response to the expected protests across the North. Currently, most unrest has been contained within Belfast. As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on maintaining safety and supporting peaceful protests, as emphasised by the spokesman.