Debate contribution: Racial Equality Legislation

Debate contribution by Mr Mark Durkan on 13 October 2026.

MLA: Mr Mark Durkan
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 13 October 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Opposition Business
Heading: Racial Equality Legislation
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5790008

Text

Thanks, Deputy Speaker. Everyone who calls Northern Ireland home, and everyone who has made Northern Ireland their home, deserves to feel safe, valued and welcome. That should be the bare minimum, but, for too many people, that is not their reality. Recent events around Drumcree have reminded us of how quickly tensions can rise and how easily division over our past can be exploited. Racial hatred is not confined to our past; it is a stark reality in our present. Last summer — it is not just over the summer that this happens, but that is when it is most prevalent — we again witnessed widespread and orchestrated attacks on the homes of immigrants. Families who should have felt safe behind their own front doors were left frightened and wondering whether they truly belonged here.
People who contribute positively to our economy and society, some of whose families have lived here for generations, became targets simply because they are black or brown. It has been good to hear so many contributors acknowledge the positive contribution that newcomers make to our society. We all appreciate that. Last summer, however, my office was contacted by several parents and even grandparents who were worried about their children. Some kept them away from football practice. Teenagers stayed at home rather than risk a trip into the city centre. Think about that: children who should be worrying about homework, school tests and playing with friends were worrying about whether it was safe to go outside. Many are still worried. No parent should have to fear for their child simply because of the colour of their skin. No child should have to question whether they belong in the place that they call home. The issue became more personal for me when my child came home from school talking about an immigrant child in their class who had been absent. Having heard whispers among classmates and been exposed to the news, my child feared that something terrible might have happened. That stayed with me. It showed me how racism reaches beyond those who are directly targeted and most impacted on. It spreads fear among classmates, families and communities. Our children see the headlines, hear the rhetoric and absorb the atmosphere that we create. We promised our ceasefire babies and every generation since a more peaceful, prosperous and integrated home — a future in which children would not inherit our fears and the divisions of the past. We cannot keep that promise if we fail to confront racism today. That requires more than words; it requires leadership, accountability and protection in law.
I will not get an extra minute. Racial equality legislation remains another undelivered promise of the Executive, despite its inclusion in the 2025-26 legislative programme. Mr Dickson referred to the fact that race hate incidents and crimes reached record levels in that year. Behind those figures are real people. Behind the doors are real families who are frightened in their homes: children afraid to attend activities, and parents worrying about whether their loved ones will return home safely. We must ask the Executive Office this: why has the legislation not been introduced, and when will that promise be delivered? Minister Reilly outlined some work that has been done and said that we cannot stand still. We agree on that. To many people affected, however, it seems not like we are standing still but like we are going backwards. Every Member has a responsibility to challenge hatred, temper their language and consider the consequences of their words and actions. We cannot ask communities to build trust while some of our conduct undermines it. We cannot claim to be building a shared future while some of our neighbours wonder whether they have a future here at all. We should be angry that people still live with that fear, but let that anger be purposeful: let it drive us to act, to protect and to change things for the better. Deliver the legislation, challenge the hate and lead with decency, compassion and humanity.

674 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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