Shock in Belfest

In response to recent anti-immigration protests that escalated into violent attacks, Hilary Benn has strongly condemned the “racist violence” in Belfast, asserting that it “does not represent Northern Ireland.”

Hilary Benn expressed his profound shock and anger after learning about the “rampaging disorder” that targeted local business owners. Speaking at a community center in Belfast, he urged all elected officials to unequivocally denounce the violence. “This does not represent Northern Ireland. It doesn’t represent the great city of Belfast,” Benn emphasized.

While acknowledging the right to protest, Benn firmly rejected any justification for violence against specific communities. He shared the fears of community members, some of whom he met, who are now afraid to leave their homes. Benn highlighted the plight of health workers contemplating leaving the region due to the unrest and called for empathy, urging people to imagine their family business or home under attack. “When people are at home and they don’t feel safe, that reflects very badly on all of us,” he noted.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly also addressed the issue, stressing that concerns about access to public services are “wholly separate” from violence “fueled by racism.” She acknowledged the need to address affordable housing concerns through governmental and democratic means.

In the wake of several race-related hate crimes, six individuals aged 14 to 41 have been arrested, including a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of riotous behavior, common assault, and criminal damage. Incidents included an attack on a 15-year-old boy and vandalism of a Middle Eastern supermarket.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones reported that officers have been dealing with assaults, criminal damage, and arson over three nights. She described the recent scenes as “a disgrace” and stated, “We continue to engage with the groups affected by this criminality and hope these arrests show the community that we are taking action.” The police are reviewing footage to identify those involved and have called on the public to provide information to help identify the perpetrators.