Debate contribution: Sectarian and Racist Intimidation

Debate contribution by Mr Colm Gildernew on 16 September 2025.

MLA

Mr Colm Gildernew

Party at the time

Sinn Féin

Date

16 September 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

Sectarian and Racist Intimidation

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5111752

Read the official Assembly record

Text

Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

I thank the Members who tabled the motion on such an important issue. In June this year, racist intimidation took place on the streets of Ballymena, Larne and other places in some of the worst racially motivated riots that the North has ever seen. In the months since, there have been concerning sectarian and racist attacks in Belfast and other places that have left whole communities living in fear and driven some families from their homes. Let me be very clear: those attacks are unacceptable and disgraceful, and they must stop. We must be unequivocal in our condemnation of those attacks and do all that we can to support the families who were targeted. Racism and sectarianism have no place in our society, and we all have a duty to face down the individuals and organisations responsible for sowing the seeds of hatred and division. A chairde,

figures released by the PSNI last month show that the number of recorded race hate crimes is at an all-time high, with 1,329 recorded incidents. That is an increase of 48% on the previous year. As someone who lives in a constituency with an ethnically diverse population, I know all too well the positive contribution and value that people from different backgrounds make to our communities every day. Many of our businesses benefit from the skills, experience, energy and commitment that people from overseas bring with them, and the same can be said of our health service. I also know that they and their children bring huge dynamism and energy to our schools, sports clubs and wider communities. We value all of that. I condemn the appalling ongoing situation in the lower Oldpark area of north Belfast, where sectarian and racist attacks have been carried out on the homes of Catholic and ethnic minority families, forcing them to flee the area. My thoughts are with all those who have been affected. It is widely believed that loyalist paramilitaries are coordinating those attacks. It is clear that those responsible see Catholics and ethnic minorities as legitimate targets for attack. We have seen windows smashed and cars damaged, and, unfortunately, death threats have been made against young families with children. That robs families and young children not only of their home but of the sense of safety, security and sanctuary that we all expect to experience and, indeed, take for granted.

Thank you. I would be keen to hear the Minister talk about a review of that decision, how its implementation is playing out and his thoughts on it. We also need to see the PSNI step up its action and bring those responsible before the courts. The motion calls for political leaders to use their platforms to call out the attacks. It is disappointing that the Minister for Communities has not been overly vocal in condemning them. After what happened in Ballymena and Larne, the Minister should reflect —.

I will.

I have to say, Minister, that I think that, at the time of the riots — the incidents in Larne in particular — you failed to speak out strongly and clearly in a way. Many people believe that. The Minister should reflect on the responsibility that he carries for communities and how his words matter. The Minister also has responsibility for housing and therefore has a duty to support victims of intimidation in securing accommodation. Perhaps he can give us an update on any involvement or contact that he has had since with the victims of the recent intimidation and, importantly, tell us what he will do to ensure that those who seek to create a fully segregated housing system do not succeed.

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

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 13:16 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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