Debate contribution: Racist Incidents

Debate contribution by Ms Sinéad McLaughlin on 12 November 2024.

MLA

Ms Sinéad McLaughlin

Party at the time

Social Democratic and Labour Party

Date

12 November 2024

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Committee Business

Heading

Racist Incidents

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4658358

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I have no doubt that everyone in the Chamber will agree that the events of the summer were profoundly disturbing and deeply troubling for communities and, in particular, for those in our communities who are from ethnic minority backgrounds. This debate is about action and not warm words. My colleague Matthew O'Toole raised the issue with the deputy First Minister yesterday and asked why, disappointingly, there had been precious little action from the Executive to date. A surge to the far right, hatred and racism spilled on to our streets with devastating consequences last August. I express our solidarity with all those who were intimidated by the violence and who feared for their place in Northern Irish society as a result. Those attacks had one main objective, which was to sow fear, distrust and hatred in Northern Ireland and to intimidate members of our shared community who have built their lives, their families and their businesses here. Everyone here knows that such incidents are far from spontaneous. They are the products of years of dangerous rhetoric and anti-immigrant sentiment. They are also the product of paramilitary influence, which still looms large in the lives of many of our young people. It was right that politicians from across different parties condemned those attacks during the summer and it is right that we repeat those condemnations today. Condemnation, however, is not enough. In the aftermath of the riots in the summer, thousands of people came on to the streets to protest against racism and violence but, too often, we have felt that the Government here have been far too slow to react and to demonstrate the same kind of solidarity. This motion is a chance for the Assembly to come together to commit to making the changes that are required and to ensure that lessons are learned. Such lessons can only be learned in the context of a comprehensive review. This review must thoroughly examine what took place, why it happened and who was involved. It must go further to provide us with proposals and real, actionable measures to prevent those horrific incidents from happening again. In addition to addressing the events of the summer, we must work proactively to combat racism at every level. That includes making progress on the current outstanding areas within the Executive Office's responsibility that can help to build a culture of respect, understanding and inclusivity. The review that will be produced by the Executive Office as a result of the motion should also seek to give a fulsome update on the racial equality and refugee integration strategies. We need appropriate and meaningful legislation with stand-alone hate crime legislation built in. Accountability is vital here, and we must see progress being made without any further delay. I say again to those who have been affected by such racist incidents, "You are not alone; you have a place and a role in our community, while racists do not and never will". We must ensure that each person feels that they have a place here and that they are valued as an integral part of our society. Let us unite in purpose and action and commit to making Northern Ireland a society that celebrates its diversity, respects all its people and provides a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Together, we can create a future that is free from fear, division and hatred. Let the Assembly lead the way by demonstrating that we are committed to the values of inclusion, unity and respect for everyone. Let us have a rapid review, but, please, let us also have action.

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

Assessment

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Assessed 21 October 2026 at 11:32 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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