Significant PSNI operation under way in Belfast as disruption and traffic delays expected during protests

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!”

The PSNI said a “significant” policing operation will be carried out in Belfast city centre between 4.30pm and 7pm today due to protest activity planned at Donegall Square.
In a statement, they said: “We will be there to ensure the safety of participants and to facilitate the lawful exercise of freedom of expression. We urge those attending to engage with us.
“Motorists should expect disruption around Donegall Square and in Wellington Place at these times.
“Knock-on delays may be experienced throughout the city centre as a result.”

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?”

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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.

There have been further closures confirmed by Belfast businesses on Friday due to the protests planned in the city centre later today.
Popular Indian restaurant and takeaway India Gate confirmed they are not planning to open at all on Friday.
In a post they said: “In light of the planned protest at Belfast City Centre on Friday, 9th August, and the PSNI’s advisory regarding potential safety concerns, we have made the difficult decision to close the restaurant tomorrow. The safety of our staff and customers is our top priority.
“Our restaurant will be closed all day on Friday, 9th August, to ensure everyone can stay safe during this time of heightened concern. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
“We look forward to welcoming you back as usual on Saturday, 10th August.”
Tanning salon City Tanning Rooms based on High Street also said they have taken the decision to close the premises at 6pm today.

A popular Union Street eatery has said they are closing early today, following a raft of other businesses shutting their doors due to planned protests.
Spaghetti Arms – known for their wide range of daytime food and late-night street food – said in a post: “Due to the planned protest today in Belfast Spaghetti Arms will be closing at 3pm today. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Stay safe.”

A suicide prevention charity based in Belfast has confirmed their offices will be closing early today.
PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity said in a post they would be closing early at 5pm today and reopening at 10am on Saturday.
The post added: “If you are in crisis and need immediate support, please contact Lifeline at 0808 808 8000. Your mental health matters.”

Personnel from Police Scotland will be arriving in Northern Ireland from next week, said Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones. 
Further images will be released by police in order to identify further individuals involved in recent disorder, she said – and police are investigating who is orchestrating the disorder. 
“It is wrong and it is not acceptable. The scenes we have seen across Belfast have been a disgrace,” she said. 
From today, police will have additional powers of stop and search and to ask people to remove face coverings, she said. 

Police have said 23 arrests have been made so far following recent disorder across Belfast. 
Of those, 15 people have been charged and remanded in police custody, said Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones. 
There are also 6 people are in police custody who are being dealt with. 
Further arrests will be made in coming hours and days, she said. 
One person has been identified from images released of six people police want to speak to following disorder. 
The assistant chief constable appealed: “Do not let these people hide in our communities.” 

The PSNI is set to give an update on the policing operation ahead of the weekend and the outcome of disorder in Belfast.
More as we have it.

 

A number of libraries across the city will close early today due to the planned protests.
The Libraries in Belfast page online has confirmed Belfast’s Central Library will close at 2pm.
Meanwhile Grove Library, Whiterock Library and Holywood Arches Library will all close at 4pm.
The post added that they “apologise for any inconvenience”.