Foster and McGuinness tell migrants: You're welcome in NI

Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers have jointly spoken out against reports of an increase in racist abuse in parts of the UK following Thursday's EU referendum.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Jun 2016, 17:12 BST
Updated 28th Jun 2016, 09:58 BST
First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinnessFirst Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness
First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness

The DUP’s Arlene Foster – who was on the Leave side of the campaign – and Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness – who was on the Remain side – issued a statement which emphasised their appreciation for the contribution which migrants have made to Northern Ireland.

The ministers said that they wanted to reassure the migrant community in the Province that they are “welcome and valued”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mrs Foster and Mr McGuinness said: “We are very concerned at reports of racially motivated attacks in England following the referendum.

“Regardless of your views on EU and the outcome of the recent referendum, there is absolutely no place for intimidation or threats.

“Everyone regardless of racial, ethnic or religious background are entitled to live their lives free from fear.

“Migrants make a valuable contribution to our society, they enrich our lives and will continue to make a considerable contribution to our society in the future.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Earlier, speaking in the Assembly during an emergency debate on the referendum result, Mrs Foster also spoke out strongly in defence of the rights of those who have come to Northern Ireland from other countries.

Responding to a question from Sinn Fein’s Alex Maskey, the DUP leader said: “I absolutely want to take the opportunity ... to reassure [migrants] that we absolutely value what they have contributed to Northern Ireland.

“I do not think that any right-thinking person would say anything different because we recognise how they have come into our society, how they have integrated, and how they are helping us to develop economically.”

Mrs Foster added: “It is something that we should send out a strong message on from here today. The vote on Thursday was to leave the institutions of the European Union; it was not to leave Europe.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We have close ties with the peoples of Europe, and those close ties will continue.”

In parts of the British mainland, police are on heightened alert for a spike in hate crime after a flurry of incidents sparked fears of a wave of racial abuse in the wake of the EU referendum.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan asked Scotland Yard – Britain’s largest force – to be “extra vigilant” for any rise in cases.

Related topics:Arlene FosterMartin McGuinnessDUPProvince