Protests in Belfast: Migrants Have Tried Everyone’s Patience

Public anger over the incident quickly spilled into unrest. Some protests in Belfast and neighbouring towns remained peaceful, but others saw cars set alight and houses attacked. The events also triggered a wave of debate online, with many arguing that the root of the problem lies in the government’s immigration policy.

Labour is constantly criticised over claims that people who have no place in the country are entering the UK with insufficient checks. For example, last October, three migrants were given prison sentences for rape after having previously been convicted of similar offences in their home countries. Protests were also fuelled by the case of student Henry Novak, when police officers, rather than helping the victim, arrested him over alleged racist remarks. In discussions surrounding the events in Belfast, many users argue that the justice system often treats migrants more leniently than native-born British citizens. ‘The UK’s two-tier police force is doing nothing. All of this is backed by Keir Starmer, who is fond of the African striker/migrant,’ emphasises user Geoffthesaint1.

Double Standards

Critics argue that migrants are entering the country with little difficulty, while the government prevents those who openly challenge its policies from entering Britain. Before a march organised by Tommy Robinson, the anti-Islam activist and founder of the ‘English Defence League’, around a dozen foreign activists were stopped at the border. American political commentator Joey Mannarino wrote with irony: ‘I was banned from entering the UK because I was deemed “not to be in the public interest. A Sudanese migrant who literally cut off a man’s head in the middle of the street in Belfast has been granted refugee status and full financial benefits by the very same government that banned me. I have never seen a more glaring example of stupidity.' 

Authorities Turn Their Attention to the Protesters

The authorities’ response to the events in Belfast has provoked mixed reactions. Residents of Northern Ireland have been urged not to share videos from the scene, while Starmer himself said there was ‘no excuse’ for ‘the violence and disorder that threaten our communities’.

‘They’re telling YOU not to share the video. They tell YOU to look away. Every day, innocent people are paying the price for their disastrous open-borders policy, yet the Westminster elite have the audacity to lecture us on our tone,' David Shaw writes indignantly on his page. 

‘Keir Starmer has announced that protesters will be hauled before 24-hour fast-track (two-tier) courts without delay... At the same time, migrants accused of raping children are being granted bail and fined £200…,' Pippa B.  points out once again, highlighting the double standards.

The protests in Belfast have now been brought under control. However, the underlying situation remains unchanged. Critics argue that migrants continue to enter the country with little difficulty, while there has been no indication from Downing Street that such street violence will come to an end.