Member's statement: Sectarian Attacks: Fountain/Bishop Street Interface
Member's statement by Mrs Julie Middleton on .
- MLA
- Mrs Julie Middleton
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 11 May 2026
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Sectarian Attacks: Fountain/Bishop Street Interface
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5523608
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Within the past week, we have seen a disgraceful escalation in sectarian attacks, which are violent in nature, in the Fountain and Bishop Street interface area. The attacks are not welcome, and they are unjustifiable. The attacks that have been witnessed in the past number of days are not a new experience for residents. To be clear, such attacks were unacceptable in the past, and they remain completely unacceptable now. Let me also be clear that we are talking about masonry, petrol bombs and fireworks being launched into a residential area, where people of all ages live, including vulnerable adults and elderly people. We are also talking about streets on which children want to play and about residents who want to live in peace and have a peaceful night's sleep. The attacks are designed to intimidate, isolate and drive people out of their homes. I have been in constant contact with the PSNI throughout the disturbances. Although I welcome the increased patrols and the arrests that were made the weekend before last and in the days that followed, we must be honest and say that the response against the perpetrators must be robust and consistent. More than just a reactive presence is needed. We need a proactive strategy that prevents such gatherings before the first sectarian slur is shouted and the first stone thrown. To those responsible, let me be clear: you are not defending anything. You are destroying your neighbours' peace of mind, well-being and mental health. Although physical damage to property can be repaired, albeit it should not have to be, the psychological toll on the residents of the Fountain and Bishop Street interface is much harder to mend. As a representative of Foyle, I will not stand by while that community is used as a punchbag. I will continue to work with the PSNI, residents —
— and community representatives.
318 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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