Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn condemns violence in Belfast linked to anti-immigration protests, calling it “racist thuggery.” He says people are stopped in cars and targeted based on the colour of their skin, following a serious knife attack reported on Monday. Benn also argues that the behaviour reflects targeting individuals by race rather than legitimate concern.
Police report further disorder during a second night of protests. Across the outlets provided, 16 people are arrested and 12 police officers are injured. Police use water cannon against rioters during the unrest. The disorder follows earlier incidents and includes damage and clashes around the city.
A DUP figure, Gavin Robinson, says the need to protect borders into the UK remains a priority, while also commenting that he believes there is “less” violence on the second night compared with Monday. The reports frame the events as a mix of anti-immigration messaging and violent street clashes, with political figures and police responding as arrests are made and injuries reported.
