10 June 2026
Commenting on disorder in Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland last night, SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP said:
“The scenes we saw last night were absolutely heartbreaking and disgusting. It is difficult to find the words to describe what unfolded. We saw young children burnt out of their homes, property destroyed and community infrastructure attacked. This is not something any of us want to see on the streets of the place we call home.
“We have to be clear – last night was nothing short of a racist pogrom. Of course people have the right to be angry and upset about the attack in north Belfast, but that was seized upon as an excuse to bring masked men and disorder onto our streets and target innocent people. I want to thank the emergency services and community leaders who worked throughout the night to keep people safe.
“There are people across Northern Ireland living in real fear today. Unable to go to work, unable to send their children to school and wondering if their home will be the one to burn tonight. These are our friends, our neighbours and people who make a real contribution to our society. It is shameful that anyone is being forced to live with that fear.
“This disorder was whipped up by toxic far-right elements online who light the touch paper and then sit back while communities suffer the consequences and young people ruin their lives. Closer to home, some politicians should reflect on their own language. A failure to condemn these attitudes and a willingness to indulge them has contributed to what we saw last night.
“While people may have concerns, this is not the context for a discussion on immigration. A victim is still lying critically ill in hospital and this violence does nothing to help him or his family. I once again appeal for calm and political leadership in the hours and days ahead. We can have no repeat of the scenes we witnessed last night.”