Opposing hate crime

As Lord Mayor of Belfast, I read the following statement at the start of the monthly meeting of Belfast City Council tonight.

Later in the meeting, there was a debate about hate crime in which parties united to condemn racism.

“Members you will know that our great city has suffered a number of racist attacks on families and individuals who come from minority groups since we last met. On behalf of all of us, I want to express abhorrence at those attacks, our absolute rejection of racism and our support for PSNI efforts to bring those responsible to book. I know you will want to join me in welcoming next week’s initiative in City Hall by the PSNI, church and community leaders to unite against racism.”