The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
I would like to update the House on the civil disorder in Ballymena and elsewhere in Northern Ireland. I have been in contact with the First and Deputy First Ministers and the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
The violence we have witnessed over the last three days is deeply shocking, including the attacks on police officers as they have worked to keep people safe and the attempts to burn people out of their homes. Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and has no place in Northern Ireland. Those involved will be brought to justice.
I urge all of those in positions of leadership to continue to work together to help bring this disorder to an end and to rebuild community relations, and I want to thank all those community leaders who are working hard, night and day, to bring calm back to our streets.
On Monday 9 June, approximately 4,000 people attended a peaceful vigil in the Harryville area of Ballymena to show support following reports of a sexual assault. I am saddened by those reports and my thoughts are with those affected. This case is now before the courts, and the PSNI and prosecutors must be given the time and space to do their jobs.
Despite the majority of people engaging in peaceful protest, a number of masked individuals broke away from the vigil and began to attack police officers using petrol bombs and masonry. Properties in the area were also attacked.
On Tuesday 10 June, in a second night of disorder in Ballymena, police officers again came under sustained attack from petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks. PSNI officers discharged a number of attenuating energy projectiles, and deployed a water cannon and public order dogs to disperse the crowds. Properties were again attacked and damaged, and a number of vehicles in the area were set on fire.
On Wednesday 11 June, there was further disorder in Ballymena—AEPs and water cannon were again deployed —and in Larne a group set fire to the leisure centre where some of the families displaced from the disorder in Ballymena had been taken. The fire, in the reception area, was extinguished but there is smoke damage. The families that had been in the centre had all been safely relocated. In Coleraine, disorder led to bus and train services being suspended during the evening.
As policing and justice are devolved matters in Northern Ireland, the response to the disorder is being led by the PSNI and the devolved Government. I have been receiving regular updates from the Chief Constable both on the disorder, and the impact on PSNI officers. A mutual aid request has been submitted by the PSNI to the National Police Co-ordination Centre. The PSNI has my full support as it works to bring those responsible to justice.
More than 30 police officers have been injured. The House will want to pass its best wishes to them for a speedy recovery. Police officers working to protect local communities should not have to face this kind of attack. The fact that they continue in their duties despite this is testament to their commitment to the community they serve. I will be meeting the Chief Constable and some of those officers who have been keeping people safe in Ballymena, and will have an opportunity to thank them and pass on my wishes for their swift recovery.
Peaceful protest is an important part of our democratic society but what we have seen is disorder which has harmed the local community and caused fear, suffering and disruption to those living in the area.
Northern Ireland is a welcoming, open place. In my time as Secretary of State I have spoken to many people across Northern Ireland who want to work together to build a safer, more prosperous future. The vast majority of people are shocked by this disorder and the harm it has caused.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the PSNI, the NI Ambulance Service and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, as well as to the community and local organisations and agencies, who have worked in difficult conditions over the past few days to keep people safe.
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