NI Assembly agrees statement backing policing and opposing violence

The special Stormont debate concerning the spate of loylist disorder today was called by Naomi Long, and she opened it by proposing a motion clearly opposing violence and supporting the rule of law.
By Adam Kula
Published 8th Apr 2021, 15:07 BST
Naomi Long speaking in the Assembly todayNaomi Long speaking in the Assembly today
Naomi Long speaking in the Assembly today

The Alliance Party leader and justice minister also branded the entire situation both “depressing” and “disgraceful” – and likened the idea of adults encouraging children to take part in street disorder as tantamount to “child abuse”.

Whilst unionists have stressed their dismay at the conduct of the PSNI’s top brass concerning Bobby Storey’s funeral, there was no dissent in the chamber concerning Mrs Long’s motion in support of “policing” in general.

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The motion, which was agreed without a vote, reads as follows:

“That this Assembly notes with concern the violence on our streets over recent days and condemns without equivocation those involved;

“Sends best wishes to those police officers attacked or injured whilst protecting the community and extends its sympathy to those members of the public who have suffered distress, loss or damage as a result;

“Re-affirms its full commitment to support for policing and for the rule of law;

“Recognises that leadership comes with responsibility;

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“Recommits to upholding a culture of lawfulness in both actions and in words;

“And calls for an immediate and complete end to this violence.”

More from this reporter:

Click here: Loyalist protests: ‘I get why people want DUP to quit Policing Board – but now is not the time’

Click here: Loyalist riots: Fears out-of-town elements seeking violent Friday clash

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