Debate contribution: Ballymena Unrest
Debate contribution by Mr Colin Crawford on .
- MLA
- Mr Colin Crawford
- Party at the time
- Ulster Unionist Party
- Date
- 10 June 2025
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Matter of the Day
- Heading
- Ballymena Unrest
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5000925
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Like many in the House, I attended the peaceful protest in Harryville last night to show my support for and solidarity not only with the young girl who was sexually assaulted at the weekend but with other young girls and women from previous weeks. My thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with all victims. I offer them my prayers and sympathy as they journey through what they are going through. No child should ever have to endure such brutality, and no family should ever have to suffer that pain. Without doubt, the scenes in Harryville and the surrounding areas last night were deeply concerning. There is no doubt that justice must be delivered in the court, not on our streets. Peaceful protest is anyone's right, and we are all entitled to exercise that right to demand justice. However, we must never allow anger to spill over into violence: that helps no one, least of all the victims. We must give space and time to allow the police to do their job. I appeal for calm, cool heads over the next few days and nights.
185 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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