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North Belfast: Violent Attack
09 June 2026
Lead MP
Hilary Benn
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
ImmigrationNorthern Ireland
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Hilary Benn raised concerns about north belfast: violent attack in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Shortly after 10:30 PM last night, a man in his 40s was brutally attacked with a knife on Kinnaird Avenue in Belfast. He is currently hospitalised and suffering from severe injuries. A suspect was arrested shortly after the incident for attempted murder. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) immediately intervened and continues to investigate the case, declaring it a critical incident. While this attack is horrific, members of the public stepped forward with immense courage to assist the victim until police arrived. This display of humanity is praised throughout the House. The PSNI has extended its support and reassurance to the local community while urging everyone not to share footage out of respect for the victim's family. The Prime Minister emphasises that violence has no place on our streets, and all must help maintain calm.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Question
The attempted murder in Belfast last night was chilling. The footage is horrifying and cannot be unseen. It represents the worst of humanity, but also highlights community bravery. Community cohesion is at stake due to this incident. Will the Secretary of State confirm that uncontrolled immigration needs addressing? Does he agree that people’s concerns need reassurance?
Minister reply
The footage is indeed horrific. On immigration, net migration has decreased by 82% since the peak under the previous Government. The Government will deport foreign nationals who abuse their hospitality in the UK to commit crimes. All political leaders have a responsibility to urge calm following such incidents.
Question
The attack last night was horrifying and deeply disturbing. This act of violence sends shockwaves through the community. The PSNI must be given all necessary resources for a swift investigation, ensuring that those who intervened are honoured. What steps will be taken to ensure this?
Minister reply
The PSNI is treating this incident with utmost seriousness and pursuing inquiries diligently. A press conference will provide more information shortly. I join the hon. Member in expressing hope that bravery displayed by bystanders may, in due time, receive recognition.
Question
This brutal attack in north Belfast was horrifying and sends shockwaves through communities. The PSNI must be given space to investigate fully while the public deserves transparency. Can the Secretary of State confirm the immigration status of the attacker and outline steps taken by the Home Office?
Minister reply
The proper procedure is for the PSNI to establish facts in contact with the Home Office. More information will be made available shortly through the PSNI’s investigation. I disagree with leaving the European convention on human rights as it protects our liberty.
Question
The attack is deeply distressing and residents are horrified by this incident. The community has worked hard to build trust across divides, but this event may disrupt that progress. Will the Secretary of State reassure residents they will be kept safe with a visible police presence? He should make it clear no one can exploit these actions.
Minister reply
I agree and know the PSNI is working hard to provide reassurance to the community while maintaining a visible presence. Community leaders, politicians, and others have a responsibility to call for calm to avoid trouble and disorder.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for his well-chosen and wise words, and for his answers. Tensions are inflamed, and I am aware of protests planned throughout my constituency. How can the Secretary of State and this Government ensure that people from Portavogie to Newtownards know that their right to peacefully protest is respected and, more than that, that their Government—my Government—will make changes for safety reasons as a matter of urgency?
Minister reply
I join the hon. Member in reasserting the right of every citizen of our country to protest peacefully, but we have seen in the past that there are those, provoked by others, who have sought to use that opportunity to then promote violence and disorder. If we want to support the PSNI, people should not stretch its resources across Northern Ireland to deal with protests that do not help anyone or assist the investigation.
Question
We are all shocked by the sheer savagery of this attack. What will be done to stop the importation of an alien culture that thinks it is appropriate to try to behead someone within the United Kingdom? On the immigration status of this person, did they hold a visa before coming to the UK or obtain one after entering illegally?
Minister reply
I am sorry that the hon. and learned Gentleman used the words “alien culture”. What we oppose is anyone seeking violence against citizens of the UK from wherever they come. The proper procedure for releasing information needs to be followed, which means waiting for confirmation from the PSNI.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
While I agree with virtually everything the Secretary of State said in his opening response, I am baffled by his refusal to share whether this person came legally or illegally into the country.
Minister reply
It is very important to be absolutely sure about the facts before releasing them. The police are leading on this and providing information to the Home Office.
Question
Of course, did the assailant enter the UK as an illegal migrant or asylum seeker?
Minister reply
Until I am in a position to have that information confirmed by talking to the PSNI, I cannot confirm it to the House. As soon as I can, I will.
Question
While tribute has been paid to those who intervened and emergency services responded, may I seek reassurance that members of the public who stepped in will be recognised and not persecuted or prosecuted?
Minister reply
I agree it was an act of pure evil. Those trying to save the victim were acting proportionately and fairly. It is important that they are recognised.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Question
Tens of thousands are horrified at the circulation online of the video showing the attack. Communities in Northern Ireland demand answers, but sadly do not feel they are getting those today. What actions is this Government taking to prevent abuse of the immigration system?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman will be aware of action taken against illegal migration. Anyone who commits a crime faces due process regardless of how they came to the UK or their origin.
Question
My thoughts are very much with the victim and I echo calls for calm in our communities, but sadly I do not feel they are getting answers today. Was this individual known to authorities? How many others from the same country are currently being accommodated in Northern Ireland?
Minister reply
The public is right to be angry about what happened. Some questions will be answered once facts have been checked thoroughly before informing the House.
Question
I echo sentiments of others and extend gratitude to those in local community who intervened. Does the Secretary of State agree that we must not let heinous actions of one person be taken as an opportunity to taint an entire community?
Minister reply
I do agree with the hon. Gentleman. We must identify attackers through investigation but should not cast aspersions on a whole community.
Question
Following your answer, I also give my deepest sympathies and pay tribute to bystanders who intervened. Does the Secretary of State agree that crime and heroes come in all different hues and colours?
Minister reply
We must not inflame tensions and have a responsibility to plead for calm on behalf of all people in Northern Ireland.
Question
Calm is essential after this horrific, brutal attack—we all know that. The Secretary of State has referred to further information coming out as we speak. Will he commit to return to the House, later today if possible, to update us on the important information about the suspect, and any other information?
Minister reply
I am very happy to say to the hon. Gentleman that I will report to the House in an appropriate form as soon as I am able to do so.
Shadow Comment
Gavin Robinson
Shadow Comment
The attempted murder in Belfast last night was chillingly medieval and should be condemned by everyone. It will have profound implications for community cohesion. The shadow calls on the Government to address uncontrolled immigration, reassure the population, and protect them from concerns being ignored. He stresses the need for calm and expresses hope that this incident does not reflect the values of our nation. The perpetrator needs to face justice and deportation if found guilty.
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