Northern Ireland’s political leaders have delivered a forceful response to the recent disorder after homes were attacked, families were left terrified and healthcare workers were forced to walk through hostile crowds.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the violence as “pure racism in its vilest form”, warning that people were feeling “under siege and under attack” and that online figures were “orchestrating hate and fear” and stoking tensions across communities.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn condemned scenes of people being “burnt out of their homes because of the colour of their skin”, adding that part of the community was being “terrorised in this way”.
He warned that the violence was damaging Northern Ireland’s reputation and said ethnic minority families were living with deep fear after reports of people being stopped in their cars and questioned about their nationality.
Political representatives also raised concerns over immigration enforcement, border security and confidence in the Common Travel Area, while stressing that lawful migrants who work in hospitals, factories and care services must be protected.
Calls were made for swift arrests, the release of suspects’ images and “very long sentences” for those responsible for racist attacks, arson, intimidation and violence against police and emergency services
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