Opposition to Racism

Part of Private Members' Business – in the Northern Ireland Assembly am 1:15 pm ar 8 Awst 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Jonathan Buckley Jonathan Buckley DUP 1:15, 8 Awst 2024

I will in a moment.

The additional strain — I emphasise the word "additional" — on public services such as housing, school places and council services cannot be ignored. I see this day in and day out as an elected representative. My first duty is to ensure our citizens' security, well-being and prosperity. One of the most dangerous aspects of the current debate is the tendency for commentators and politicians to brand anyone who questions uncontrolled immigration and its contributing impact on society as far right and racist. Members, the mother who has concerns about getting her child a school place is not far right or racist. The 25-year-old who cannot get housing in his local community is not far right or racist. The elderly citizen who is angered that their winter fuel payment has been taken from them whilst £80 million a day is being spent to house asylum seekers in hotels is not racist or far right, Members. To label them as such is a mischaracterisation and stifles the constructive dialogue and alienates a large section of the population who have legitimate concerns.

The current Westminster policy —.