Thousands of counter protestors gather at Belfast City Hall ahead of anti-migrant rally

There are chants coming from the anti racism crowd.
“Belfast is anti facist”
“Refugees are welcome here”
“Migrant rights workers rights, same struggle’

A small number of anti-immigration protesters have arrived in Belfast city centre, where thousands of counter-protestors have already gathered – along with a heavy police presence.

Among the crowd are politicians from Sinn Fein including MP John Finucane and People Before Profit councillor Michael Collins. Representatives from Unite and NIPSA also present

Counter protestors have gathered outside Belfast City Hall holding anti-racism banners and placards. So far there is music playing and a relaxed atmosphere

There is no sign of any anti-migrant protestors at Belfast City Hall currently, although already thousands have gathered for a counter protest.

Last Saturday evening I condemned the violence which had broken out in South Belfast and, over the past few days, as Speaker, I led the arrangements for the Assembly to come together yesterday to call for the violence to end.  While as Speaker I could not take part in that debate, as a constituency representative, over the past week I and my office, have been engaging with victims of racist attacks, PSNI, community organisations, local businesses, and many individuals in this very diverse community.

 

The rioting has been devastating primarily to the victims but it has also been immensely harmful to the wider community.

 

As we approach this weekend, I would urge calm and restraint and for individuals not  to get involved in violence of any kind. Already, a considerable number of people have been charged with offences, which will likely lead to prison sentences.

 

Very often, faceless people on social media encourage people on to the streets but leave others to take part and carry the consequences.  It is clear that everyone loses out of violence.  There is no justification for it and, if anything, it will make attracting investment and securing solutions to other local issues for every part of our community, much more difficult.

 

A 55-year-old man has been arrested in Belfast by police investigating online posts relating to recent public disorder. 
He has been arrested on suspicion of publishing written material intended to stir up hatred.
Meanwhile, detectives investigating recent public disorder have arrested a 53-year-old man under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
They have both been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning.

Ulster Unionist Party deputy leader and MLA for Lagan Valley Robbie Butler has said some of his elderly constituents are afraid to go to the shop and health workers are frightened about carrying out their jobs in light of recent disorder. 
Mr Butler, a former firefighter, spoke out against recent events and said an earlier joint statement by health trusts should serve as a “stark reminder” that planned anti-immigration protests are “hurting absolutely everyone – particularly the most vulnerable”. 
Mr Butler, a former firefighter, added: “It needs to end.”
He continued: “The loss of these services will mean hundreds of missed GP appointments, missed day centre respite for learning disabled clients and many missed appointments for things like speech & language or physiotherapy, adding to an already dangerously backlogged health service.
“This week I have been contacted by elderly constituents afraid to go to the shops, parents who are fearful for their children’s safety when school returns and community health workers who are frightened about doing their jobs in certain areas.
“Whilst Northern Ireland is not suffering these race hate tensions alone, we really should know better and be able to react to what really should be called political failure.
“After decades of conflict, where paramilitaries ruined the lives of thousands of lives, young men in particular, we once again see our young people being manipulated and bombarded with false and hateful words, being drawn into a conflict which is not theirs. Those who are responsible for ruining these young lives need to be held to account.
“I urge everyone to take a pause and consider that the failings we are all impacted by are not the fault of migrants, but of politics in many jurisdictions. The failure to have a government here for 5 years from the past 8 has infinitely had more of a negative impact on the housing waiting list and our crumbling health service, than any other issue.
“Let’s put our children first, not on a protest line or filling their minds with hate, but by doubling our efforts to fix what is broken and to build a Northern Ireland that we can all be proud of and that they will want to be part of!”

A Belfast nightclub is closed this weekend due to planned protests in the city. 
Alibi, on Bradbury Place, usually opens on Friday and Saturday but said it had taken the decision for safety purposes. 
Posting on social media, they said: “Due to the ongoing protests in town and resulting high-level police presence and road closures, we have decided to close tonight. 
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, but we believe this is the best course of action to ensure the safety of our staff and customers. We’ll be back next week, business as usual.”

Meet Derry girl Líle whose image went viral during the week when our photographer Aodhan Roberts snapped her among the crowd at Wednesday’s Unity Against Division rally in the city holding a sign that read ‘All human, all equal’.

 

It is “completely unacceptable” that businesses are set to close early because of the threat of violence, the president of the Belfast Chamber has said. 
Gavin Annon was speaking about how many businesses will remain closed or close early in light of planned protests on Friday night. 
Mr Annon said: “It is completely unacceptable that so many businesses have taken the decision to close early and cease operating because of the violence, or threat of violence, surrounding the protests being carried out in Belfast. These businesses are the heartbeat of our city, and the hard-working owners and staff should not have their livelihoods impacted while trying to carry out their jobs. “This is particularly damaging during peak tourism season, projecting a very poor and inaccurate impression of our city.
“Belfast Chamber recognises people’s right to protest peacefully, and is continuing to work closely with stakeholders to address challenges such as the lack of housing, but we once again strongly condemn the violence.
“We are engaging with all relevant authorities and monitoring the situation closely. Our city and its business community deserve better.”

DUP MP Gregory Campbell has spoken out against recent violence on the streets of Northern Ireland, saying “the intimidation of foreign nationals is cruel and utterly wrong”. 
Mr Campbell, the MP for East Londonderry, said: “I grew up in Londonderry at a time when there was violence on the streets. I opposed it then and still oppose it now. Peaceful protest and placing your vote in a ballot box is how policy change is made in a democracy.
“Over recent days there has been a united message from across much of the political spectrum that the violence and disorder we have witnessed is wrong, and it must stop now.
“The intimidation of foreign nationals, on whom our economy and health service depend, is cruel and utterly wrong. The people living here are not to blame for bad Government policy. It is Government policy that needs challenged and changed rather than attacking people and property.
“Everyone in a leadership role within our community has a duty to play their part in de-escalating this situation. This is a time to be careful in the language we use, reducing tensions not stoking them up further. This includes those attending ‘anti racist’ protests.
“The proliferation of Palestinian flags at these gatherings is divisive given the ongoing escalation of tensions in the Middle East. “Furthermore, the prominence of a banner at a recent rally in Londonderry stating, ‘Don’t wound a snake – kill it’, whilst a historic reference to the abolitionist movement in America, is unhelpful language at a ‘peaceful’ protest which is entirely counterproductive to a united response to the violence.”

“There should be nothing to fear from a proper debate about immigration. But first of all, let’s address a few myths, shall we?”

Read Fionola Meredith’s weekly column

The Strand Cinema has said their Minors Club screening on Saturday due to the potential for disruption.
In a post the cinema said: “Due to disturbances in the area, we’ve made the decision to cancel our Minors Club screening tomorrow afternoon.
“We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.”
Meanwhile both the Belfast Liverpool FC shop and KFC at Donegall Place have closed early this afternoon.