Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) will be shutting its campus doors ahead of a right-wing demonstration set to occur in Belfast on Friday. Simultaneously, a counter-protest is predicted in the vicinity of Belfast City Hall. Fearful of violent outbreaks, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Greer, advised students to refrain from engaging in any violent acts.
Professor Greer stated that Queens staunchly opposes violence, Islamophobia, racism, and xenophobia in any form. As an institution, QUB is committed to equality, diversity, a sense of belonging, and ensuring a safe, secured space for staff and students alike. Professor McGregor implored young individuals, who might partake in violence, to understand that the most significant menace to their future does not lie in refugees escaping persecution or international health staff, but from those propagating violence, harm, and rocketing the notion that these could lead to progress.
He emphasized that violence could not bring about the prosperity they desired for Belfast, as true progress can only arise through cooperation and dialogue. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed their knowledge of the upcoming demonstrations across Northern Ireland, and assured they are working tirelessly to secure everyone’s safety, while simultaneously respecting the right to peaceful protests.
Senior government officials gathered at Stormont Castle on Thursday to deliberate over the recent bouts of violent chaos erupting across Belfast’s streets. The Northern Ireland Assembly was also brought back from their summer hiatus to consider a proposition surrounding the tumult that surged in the aftermath of a protest against immigration the previous weekend.
The police force, as well as civilians, have come under assault and two enterprises owned by individuals of a minority ethnic origin were annihilated in the southern section of Belfast. Disturbances have also cropped up in the northern and western areas of the city.
There was a spate of riots across Belfast on the evenings of Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday. This turmoil aligns with broader discontent seen throughout the UK, seemingly ignited by false information circulated on digital platforms regarding the tragic murder of three young girls in Southport.