9 July 2025

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has said the lack of leadership on bonfire-related issues is failing communities.

It follows serious concerns raised about a bonfire in South Belfast located beside asbestos and an electricity substation powering local hospitals.

An effigy depicting refugees has also been placed atop a bonfire in Moygashel.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Ms Hanna said:

“Over the coming days, hundreds of bonfires will be lit across Northern Ireland. In many areas, they will pass without incident and be enjoyed by young and old alike, as a moment of community celebration and cultural expression.

“The SDLP supports the right of people to mark traditions in a safe and respectful way, but that cannot mean turning a blind eye to very real and serious concerns around public safety and community cohesion. There is nothing cultural or traditional about exposing people to asbestos, endangering critical infrastructure or fuelling racial hatred through effigies demonising immigrants.

“There has been real progress in recent years around safety and managing contentious elements of bonfires and the SDLP has been a key supporter of this progress through Belfast City Council and in other parts of the North. However, that progress is being undermined by a lack of leadership and by a small number of self-appointed figures who seek to drag communities backwards and who seem to thrive on confrontation and media engagement.

"While political failures have allowed this situation to get to this stage - the Monarch Way asbestos should have been moved months ago - there must now be firm and immediate action from authorities and elected leaders to protect people and uphold basic standards of decency and safety.”