Debate contribution: Sectarian and Racist Intimidation

Debate contribution by Mr Brian Kingston on 16 September 2025.

MLA

Mr Brian Kingston

Party at the time

Democratic Unionist Party

Date

16 September 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

Sectarian and Racist Intimidation

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5111797

Read the official Assembly record

Text

The violent incidents that created victims this summer were disgraceful. Where they occurred in my constituency, I spent many hours door-knocking, speaking to victims, speaking to other residents and engaging with community groups, the PSNI, the Housing Executive, housing associations, other elected reps, local clergy, council officers and any others who wished to help calm the situation. Where possible, I have done that away from the glare of publicity, but, when necessary, I have spoken publicly to condemn violence and intimidation as wrong, as harmful to the entire community as well as to the victims and as not representing the views of the vast majority of people living in the area. That is my idea of a whole-community approach: meeting and working with people on the ground, being present in the area, engaging with people and monitoring tension, not just preaching from afar through the megaphone of the media. It is clear to me that there is a small, intolerant element that seeks to play on public concerns and grievances in order to increase tension and the potential for intimidation and attacks. For short periods, such people can intimidate others into silence, but it is important that they are not allowed to set the agenda for the whole community. It also does not help when some elected reps are totally dismissive of community concerns, such as concerns about incidents of inappropriate behaviour that have occurred, including indecent exposure and sexual attacks that must be thoroughly investigated, and about the difficulty of securing houses. Those are legitimate concerns. Areas that have suffered from sectarian attacks over many years see the irony and hypocrisy of Sinn Féin and others suddenly having plenty to say about the place when they were silent before. Indeed, Sinn Féin was notable for its silence throughout the summer in response to the issue of groups such as Kneecap and Bob Vylan using platforms to promote intolerance, hatred and incitement.

I am keeping to the motion, sir.

My comments are relevant. Self-appointed patrols, which can be well-meaning, risk raising tensions and can be intimidating for others.

I will briefly.

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I am coming on to that. I recognise that, in some areas, people are well-meaning and wish to prevent crime, but that can be intimidating for others. Some unvetted patrols risk falling on the wrong side of the law when they are not constituted, AccessNI-checked, properly trained or insured yet want to challenge people on the streets, as you said. Indeed, some vigilante patrols have been nothing short of a cover for thuggery and criminal attacks. Policing is the responsibility of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, as the lawful and accountable authority. There is and was always an alternative to violence. It is a pity that not all parties here recognise that fact.

The DUP is aware of the massive positive contributions that foreign nationals working and living here make to healthcare, agri-food, business and, indeed, every sector of our society. Notwithstanding our views on the need to deal with the source of illegal immigration, including on a UK-wide basis, there is absolutely no contradiction in our position that the people who are currently in our communities ought to be welcomed and supported whilst also being subject to the rule of law. The needs of people who have lived in an area for generations must continue to be met. However, we are unequivocal that the answer to concerns around community cohesion and the traditional residential character of our communities as a result of illegal immigration is not to attack persons rather than policy. The Democratic Unionist Party remains committed to building a safe and inclusive society in Northern Ireland.

616 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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