Gaston tables amendment defending right to peaceful protest against uncontrolled immigration
NI Politics

Gaston tables amendment defending right to peaceful protest against uncontrolled immigration

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  • August 7, 2024
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TUV North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston has tabled an amendment to the motion to be debated in the Assembly tomorrow defending “the right to peaceful protest, including against uncontrolled immigration”.

Mr Gaston said:
“The events of the last few days in the aftermath of the shocking murders in Southport have rightly shocked and appalled all those who love Northern Ireland. My party has always been clear that there is no place for violence, criminal damage and racism.
“We are also clear that there is a duty on public representatives to face up to genuine issues and recognise all the concerns of the community.
“It is for that reason that I have tabled an amendment to the motion to be debated tomorrow defending the right to peaceful protest against uncontrolled immigration.
“At the time of writing, mine is the only amendment to be tabled. I trust that the Speaker will facilitate the necessary time to have this important issue debated. We cannot stick our heads in the sand and ignore legitimate concerns.”
Note to editors
The text of Mr Gaston’s amendment is as follows:
Leave out all after ‘Assembly’ and insert:

‘, while supportive of the right to peaceful protest, including against uncontrolled immigration, condemns the criminal damage and targeting of businesses in recent days; rejects all forms of Islamophobia, xenophobia and racism; endorses the work of voluntary sector organisations combatting racism and supporting those impacted by it; recognises the work of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and other public sector bodies protecting our communities during the recent unrest; calls on His Majesty’s Government to address the issue of uncontrolled immigration; further calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to finalise the draft Refugee Integration Strategy and associated Thematic Delivery Plan and present it to the Executive; and calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to bring forward the renewed Race Relations Order, and set-out the process of replacing the Racial Equality Strategy 2015-2025 by the end of 2024.’

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