Opposition to Racism

Part of Private Members' Business – in the Northern Ireland Assembly am 12:45 pm ar 8 Awst 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Sinéad McLaughlin Sinéad McLaughlin Social Democratic and Labour Party 12:45, 8 Awst 2024

Absolutely. I totally agree with the Member.

Although I and many others welcome the recall of the Assembly as the right thing to happen, we want to hear more than warm words. Today, I want to hear from the First Minister and deputy First Minister, and I want to see progress towards swift agreement on the refugee integration strategy and an update on the racial equality strategy. We also want to see and will play our part in ensuring strong accountability in Westminster on this issue to ensure that the new Government there live up to their commitments and overhaul the asylum system in a fair, compassionate and just way.

As a society and as political leaders, we will all have a job of work to do to deal with the root causes of racism, Islamophobia and xenophobia. Everywhere that we find them, we need to call them out. I would like to hear from the First Ministers about how they have engaged with the PSNI on its response last weekend and how it will deal with the issues, particularly given that there is the possibility of there being more protests this weekend.