DUP calls for special council meeting to address ‘serious concerns' over Kneecap's Belfast concert
It comes as dozens of artists defend under-fire Belfast rappers
The DUP has requested a special meeting of Belfast City Council be called to condemn remarks attributed to a west Belfast rap group.
The party says it 'has serious concerns' about Kneecap being a support act at Belfast Vital this August, which is being held on property owned by Belfast City Council.
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Irish Times
5 hours ago
- Irish Times
The DUP couldn't have chosen a worse moment to get tough on immigration
Hours before racist violence broke out in Ballymena on Monday night, the Democratic Unionist Party ( DUP ) had warned that the north Antrim town was on a knife-edge over immigration . In a statement to the Assembly , North Antrim DUP representative Paul Frew reminded members he had told them weeks ago people in his constituency were 'living in fear'. There had since been two serious sexual assaults on teenage girls, sending 'shock waves through Ballymena and further afield', he said, yet there was no sign of immigration-related problems being addressed by police, councils, Stormont or Westminster. On the same day in Stormont, other DUP members made statements about immigration in general and its impact in their areas. The party has clearly decided to adopt a more hardline stance on the issue, with what now looks like appalling timing. On Tuesday, 17 Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers were injured during a second night of unrest. [ Ballymena unrest: Those involved have nothing to offer but 'division and disorder', North's political parties say Opens in new window ] The DUP cannot be held responsible for the violence, however, and will have been genuinely alarmed by it. A change in position it was pursuing with some caution will now be seen to require more caution, yet also to be more urgent. Whatever approach the DUP takes to that conundrum, it is set to become the first major party on the island of Ireland to diverge from the political consensus on immigration. READ MORE The focus of the DUP's Assembly statements on Monday was north Belfast, which has experienced visible demographic change in recent years, partly driven by a new British government policy of moving asylum seekers out of hotels into the community. Phillip Brett, a DUP MLA for North Belfast, said the private rental market is 'out of control' as a result, with his constituents being evicted as landlords take contracts with Mears, the company managing asylum accommodation. This was acknowledged by DUP communities minister Gordon Lyons, whose remit includes housing. He chided other Assembly members for pretending the problem does not exist. 'The worst thing we can do is ignore it,' he warned. The DUP promoted these statements on social media, where it was also promoting a campaign on Monday by its Belfast councillors to protect playgrounds from indecent behaviour. This follows a recent alleged incident in north Belfast, for which an asylum seeker has been charged. All three main unionist parties are now tiny organisations, unable to project much presence on the ground, let alone exercise authority On all of these concerns, the DUP is not leading its voters but desperately trying to keep up with them. Brexit has destroyed its reputation for competence and shattered the unionist bloc vote it once won by default. If it is seen to be failing its supporters on another issue they care about deeply, large numbers of them will simply abandon it. The party is already a shadow of its former self. Frew may be personally popular in north Antrim but he is the DUP's only remaining Assembly member in what was its electoral heartland. Ian Paisley sensationally lost the constituency's Westminster seat to the TUV last year. Brexit also cost the DUP its Westminster seat in North Belfast, lost to Sinn Féin in 2019. Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly of the DUP speaks to local residents during a visit to Clonavon Terrace following a second night of violence in Ballymena this week. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire Dismayed to see further disorder last night. Violence is always wrong. I have been in constant contact throughout last night with PSNI and in contact with local elected representatives. This disorder and violence must stop and justice be allowed to prevail. — Emma Little-Pengelly BL (@little_pengelly) Before the disorder broke out on Monday night, an estimated 2,500 Ballymena residents had held a tense but peaceful protest in support of the assault victims. Unionist politicians were present but scarcely visible: the protest had been organised organically via social media. All three main unionist parties are now tiny organisations, unable to project much presence on the ground, let alone exercise authority. Posting Assembly statements online may look like a pathetic attempt to regain relevance. Nevertheless, breaking the consensus on immigration will have knock-on effects throughout northern politics, with a secondary impact on the south via Sinn Féin. The DUP wants to set itself apart from other parties on this issue, as Lyons's chiding showed. It competes for votes with the TUV, UUP and Alliance; all three will have to decide whether and by how much to adjust their positions. The DUP could struggle to maintain its own position. Most of its statements so far have been measured and responsible, and it is correct that problems are being foolishly ignored. However, the party leadership is generally more moderate than its members and many of its elected representatives. It could find it has unleashed sentiments that carry it swiftly to the right. Nationalist parties must decide how to handle an emerging orange/green divide on immigration. Lauding nationalist tolerance over unionist intolerance is itself rather obviously divisive. The SDLP has little to lose by sticking to its principles but Sinn Féin is more exposed, as the immigration pressures it is wrestling with in the Republic are starting to affect its constituents north of the Border. Demographic change in north Belfast reached nationalist neighbourhoods first because they are closer to the city centre and have more suitable accommodation. Although this has gone remarkably smoothly, there have inevitably been some problems. Sinn Féin's response to this will be greatly complicated by the DUP raising the same problems streets away. Immigration and the asylum system are not devolved, so every party at Stormont can complain about it without accepting any blame. There is always the hope they can unite around that.
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
‘Someone is going to be killed' – 17 police officers injured and six people arrested after second night of violence in Northern Ireland
A further 17 police officers were injured following attacks by what has been called 'a baying mob with fireworks, masonry and petrol bombs'. None of those officers were hospitalised but it brings the number of injured police across two nights of violence to 33. Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation for NI, said: "I want to condemn again what has happened the last couple of nights not only in Ballymena but, as we've seen, extended into other areas as well. It's completely deplorable that this is happening. We need these attacks to stop, and stop very quickly.' Calm was restored to the Ballymena area after 1am. Disorder broke out shortly before 8pm and continued for several hours, with masonry and petrol bombs thrown at police officers and police vehicles. A number of homes and businesses were also attacked. During the disorder, a water cannon was deployed in an attempt to disperse the crowds, with officers also discharging a number of baton rounds. A car in north Belfast has been set alight while more than 20 baton rounds were fired by police at rioters in Ballymena last night. Some residents in Ballymena are marking doors to display their nationality while two water cannons are also at the scene of the ongoing 'serious disorder'. At least four armoured vehicles have been deployed in the Clonavon area as masked youths attacked officers in a second night of violence in the Co Antrim town. Unionist politicians have appealed for the violence to stop, with North Antrim MLA Paul Frew saying: "I fear that if this continues, someone is going to get killed." DUP leader Gavin Robinson, speaking on BBC's Nolan Show, told those rioting to 'back off' and 'leave the people of Ballymena alone'. He called for the violence to stop and referred to the peaceful vigil that preceded violence in the area on Monday night. 'They need to stop. They are destroying their own community, they are intimidating to the point of the end of their neighbours, they are not creating the space to have the arguments around the issues that have bothered them." Petrol bombs, bricks and bottles are among the missiles thrown at police. A PSNI spokesperson said at the time last night that the incident had escalated to 'serious disorder' and urged people to avoid the area. 'Police are currently dealing with serious disorder in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena,' they said. "Members of the public should avoid the area.' Around 300 protesters gathered in the area, close to where a teenage girl was alleged to have been sexually assaulted at the weekend. A peaceful vigil on Monday to support the girl and her family was followed by serious trouble. Two boys, both 14, were arrested and later charged with the attempted oral rape of the girl on June 7. Some Filipino workers in the area began putting stickers on their doors that declared their nationality, in an apparent bid to avoid attack. Some people also displayed Union Jack flags, or hung them in windows. Monday evening's violence resulted in 15 police officers suffering injuries with four homes in the area being set alight. Police in Newtownabbey said: 'Following a protest at Cloughfern, colleagues are aware of a group of young people who appear intent on engaging in some form of disorder. "So that we can avoid any allegation that we target local young people and attempt to criminalise them, I would ask for some assistance from friends, family or anyone with influence to help us protect these young people by diverting them away from the area and help us dispose of the fireworks to which they have gained access.' Translink suspended bus services in several areas of Belfast due to protests. Services on the Shore Road in north Belfast were at a standstill due to protesters blocking roadways along bus routes. Bus services along the Ravenhill Road between the east and south of the city were also diverted towards the Ormeau Embankment due to demonstrations. Protestors had blocked roads at Carlisle Circus, but have since dispersed. It's understood a crowd of around 50 gathered at the area holding placards saying: 'Protect Our Children'. Shankill Road bus services have since been restored, the public transport operator said. A Translink spokesperson said: 'Metro 11 Shankill services have been restored. Shore road services currently suspended until further notice due to protests on the routes. 'Metro 6D services diverted out and in via the Ormeau Road via the Embankment due to a protest on the Ravenhill Road.' A PSNI spokesperson said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland is aware of several protests across Northern Ireland this evening, Tuesday 10th June. Officers are in attendance and will continue to monitor the situation."
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
‘Someone is going to be killed' – 17 police officers injured and six arrested after second night of violence in Northern Ireland
A further 17 police officers were injured following attacks by what has been called 'a baying mob with fireworks, masonry and petrol bombs'. None of those officers were hospitalised but it brings the number of injured officers across two nights of violence to 33. Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation for NI, said: "I want to condemn again what has happened the last couple of nights not only in Ballymena but, as we've seen, extended into other areas as well. It's completely deplorable that this is happening. We need these attacks to stop, and stop very quickly.' Calm was restored to the Ballymena area after 1am. Disorder broke out shortly before 8pm and continued for several hours with masonry and petrol bombs thrown at police officers and police vehicles. A number of homes and businesses were also attacked. During the disorder, a water cannon was deployed in an attempt to disperse the crowds, with officers also discharging a number of baton rounds. A car in north Belfast has been set alight while more than 20 baton rounds were fired by police at rioters in Ballymena last night. Some residents in Ballymena are marking doors to display their nationality while two water cannons are also at the scene of the ongoing 'serious disorder.' At least four armoured vehicles have been deployed in the Clonavon area as masked youths attacked officers in a second night of violence in the Co Antrim town. Unionist politicians have appealed for the violence to stop, with North Antrim MLA Paul Frew saying: "I fear that if this continues, someone is going to get killed." DUP leader Gavin Robinson, speaking on BBC's Nolan Show, told those rioting to 'back off' and 'leave the people of Ballymena alone'. He called for the violence to stop and referred to the peaceful vigil that preceded violence in the area on Monday night. 'They need to stop. They are destroying their own community, they are intimidating to the point of the end of their neighbours, they are not creating the space to have the arguments around the issues that have bothered them. Petrol bombs, bricks and bottles are among the missiles thrown at police. ADVERTISEMENT A PSNI spokesperson said the incident has escalated to 'serious disorder' and urged people to avoid the area. 'Police are currently dealing with serious disorder in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena,' they said. "Members of the public should avoid the area.' Around 300 protestors gathered in the area, close to where a teenage girl was alleged to have been sexually assaulted at the weekend. A peaceful vigil on Monday to support the girl and her family was followed by serious trouble. Two boys, both 14, were arrested and later charged with the attempted oral rape of the girl on June 7. Some Filipino workers in the area began putting stickers on their doors that declared their nationality, in an apparent bid to avoid attack. Some people also displayed Union flags, or hung them in windows. Monday evening's violence resulted in 15 police officers suffering injuries with four homes in the area being set alight. Meanwhile, a car was set alight in north Belfast as disorder flared in several areas of the city. Police in Newtownabbey said: 'Following a protest at Cloughfern, colleagues are aware of a group of young people who appear intent on engaging in some form of disorder. "So that we can avoid any allegation that we target local young people and attempt to criminalise them, I would ask for some assistance from friends, family or anyone with influence to help us protect these young people by diverting them away from the area and help us dispose of the fireworks to which they have gained access.' Translink suspended bus services in several areas of Belfast due to protests. Services on the Shore Road in north Belfast were at a standstill due to protestors blocking roadways along bus routes. Bus services along the Ravenhill Road between the east and south of the city were also diverted towards the Ormeau Embankment due to demonstrations. Protestors had blocked roads at Carlisle Circus, but have since dispersed. It's understood a crowd of around 50 gathered at the area holding placards saying: 'Protect Our Children.' Shankill Road bus services have since been restored the public transport operator said. A Translink spokesperson said: 'Metro 11 Shankill services have been restored. Shore road services currently suspended until further notice due to protests on the routes. 'Metro 6D services Diverted out and in via the Ormeau Road via the Embankment due to a protest on the Ravenhill Road.' A PSNI spokesperson said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland is aware of several protests across Northern Ireland this evening, Tuesday 10th June. Officers are in attendance and will continue to monitor the situation."
