Need for Racial Strategy, Says Newton
East Belfast DUP MLA, Cllr Robin Newton has called for a coherent strategy to deal with what could potentially become another worrying division within our city.
He said: "While some divisions are gradually healing in Northern Ireland, others are sadly starting to emerge. It unfortunately seems that racist attacks are taking place on an almost weekly basis and it is only set to get worse.
"With future developments planned in Belfast, such as the Titanic Quarter, and indeed, right across Northern Ireland, there is no doubt that our Province will become an increasingly attractive place for migrants to flock. Thousands of jobs will be created as this development gets underway will have a huge impact on the east of the city. Many already fill the most vital and necessary jobs in our public sector and are set to contribute greatly when new opportunities emerge.
"We should therefore accept their presence and the skills they bring rather than, at best, ignore the most narrow minded within our society to deny them of the quiet working life they seek.
"A refusal to acknowledge and manage the migrants’ situation could lead to increased racial problems. To date, government have been content to allow this emerging problem to continue unchallenged. I have first hand experience at just how difficult it is to secure funding for what was believed to be an important and worthwhile ‘hate crimes’ initiative.
"There is a need for both local government and statutory agencies to collectively devise a strategy that will not only address the issues but challenge the intolerance within our society."
