Politicians from all parties have condemned the violent scenes and attacks that have occurred in Belfast over recent days.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly visited Causeway Hospital on Wednesday to pay tribute to overseas health workers.
She was joined by Gregory Campbell MP, who said that the service at Causeway Hospital would collapse if those who moved here from other countries to work there were to leave.
Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey met the NI Secretary Hilary Benn and called for the UK government to provide urgent financial support for businesses and additional resources for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
“Racist disorder is not welcome or reflective of Belfast and our people. All hate, discrimination, racism and intimidation must be eradicated from our society.”
Justice Minister and leader of the Alliance Party, Naomi Long MLA, said the disorder is “fearmongering and intimidation of the highest level.”
“There can be no place in our community for hate: for xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia. Neither can there be any place for such intimidation and intolerance.”
Doug Beattie, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), said on X, “There is no, and can be no, excuses or justification for these racist attacks on businesses, property and people.”
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt of the UUP offered his support to health and social care workers who are feeling vulnerable and unwelcome.
“We must all stand together to reject the reprehensible behaviour and violence we have seen in recent days – there can be no justification for racism or xenophobia.”
“I am very proud of the diversity within our health service and want all staff to know that you have my full support.”
SDLP MLA for South Belfast, Matthew O’Toole, said: “What we are dealing with is thugs intent on spreading fear and misinformation and attacking vulnerable people.”
“Their hateful message will never win and that must be spoken with one voice during the Assembly recall this week. Any attempt to excuse or diminish what we saw over the past few days must be fully rejected and no quarter given to those behind this disorder.”
“The message coming out of this recall has to be firm, that we stand with those targeted and that the people who carried out these vicious attacks and seek to sow division are the ones who are not welcome here”, he continued.
Timothy Gaston MLA, the TUV‘s new MLA in North Antrim, said that his party “has always been clear that there is no place for violence, criminal damage and racism.”
He continued: “We are also clear that there is a duty on public representatives to face up to genuine issues and recognise all the concerns of the community.
“It is for that reason that I have tabled an amendment to the motion to be debated tomorrow defending the right to peaceful protest against uncontrolled immigration.
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said on X: “There is nothing legitimate about racism, islamophobia, and or the violent hatred of a bigoted minority.”
“Those who would discourage anti-racism mobilisations want to create further space for the violence we have seen in recent days,” he said.
“In Belfast, and elsewhere, we need to make a renewed effort to stamp it out, to defend migrants and refugees, and to uplift all communities together in the face of government neglect.”
Assembly recall
The Northern Ireland Assembly has been recalled and will sit on Thursday at noon, following a petition from the Alliance Party.
Image: Kevin Scott
