Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Recent Disorder 2026-07-08

Wednesday 8 July 2026 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government met Northern Ireland political party leaders on 11 June to discuss disorder.
  • Steps being taken involve political leaders affirming equality and dignity for all lawful residents.
  • Government is working on rebuilding and restoring affected communities following disorder.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Janet Daby Lab
Northern Ireland
Context

Following recent unrest and violence, Janet Daby asked about discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Question

What discussions has the government had with the Northern Ireland Executive on recent disorder in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Hilary Benn

I met the leaders of the main Northern Ireland political parties on Thursday 11 June to discuss the terrible disorder. The attack on Mr Ogilvie was truly shocking, but the racist violence that we saw in response had no justification whatsoever.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures or plans not addressed

How: The Answerer Described Meetings And Shock At The Events Without Committing To Specific Actions.

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Q2 John Grady Lab
Northern Ireland Community Security
Context

Following recent racist violence, John Grady raised concerns about the safety and rights of the Roma community.

Question

What steps is my right hon. Friend taking with the Northern Ireland Executive to safeguard the Roma community in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Hilary Benn

The single most important thing that we can all do as political leaders is to be absolutely clear that everyone who has made the United Kingdom their home lawfully should be treated with equality, respect and dignity, regardless of where they come from. That is one of the characteristics of our country.

Not addressed: No concrete steps or measures mentioned

How: The Answerer Provided A General Statement About Treating Everyone With Equality Without Specifics.

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Q3 Janet Daby Lab
Northern Ireland Community Security
Context

In response to recent disorder, Janet Daby sought details on rebuilding efforts in affected areas.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend please say what is being done to rebuild and restore every aspect of these communities, from dealing with their trauma to ensuring their protection and restoring the loss of possessions?

Answer from Hilary Benn

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for what she says, and I agree with her. There was terrible disorder in Ballymena last year, as a result of which a number of steps were taken to bring the community together. It was noticeable that the recent disorder that we saw in Belfast was not replicated in Ballymena. That is an example of communities working together to build trust and respect, and we need to see a lot more of it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific rebuilding or protection plans mentioned

How: The Answerer Referenced Past Actions Without Committing To New Steps.

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Q4 Carla Lockhart DUP
Migrants & Borders Northern Ireland
Context

Concerned about the border with the Republic of Ireland, Carla Lockhart asked about measures to protect citizens from illegal immigration.

Question

Does the Secretary of State accept that while there can never be any excuse for criminal disorder, there is equally no excuse for a border policy that leaves Northern Ireland exposed? How many more incidents will it take before he and this Government deal with the open border with the Republic of Ireland?

Answer from Hilary Benn

I hope the hon. Lady will recognise that the common travel area, which is more than a century old, is of great benefit to the citizens of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Many people in Northern Ireland live their lives across that border every single day. Anyone who suggests—I know that she is not doing so—that there should be immigration controls on that border is not being realistic, and it would not be the appropriate action to take. As I indicated in answer to an earlier question, we are increasing immigration enforcement activity across the United Kingdom, including in Northern Ireland, as a result of which 1,000 people have been removed in the two years since the election, including 500 who have been returned to the Republic of Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No clear timeline or commitment for policy changes

How: The Answerer Defended Existing Policy Without Committing To Change.

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Q5 Alex Easton Ind
Policing & Resources
Context

In recognition of the PSNI's efforts during recent disorder, Alex Easton requested an update on funding for a modern training facility.

Question

Will the Secretary of State join me in commending the officers of the PSNI, who have responded to the recent disorder with professionalism and integrity? Does he agree that they deserve the very best support, including a modern, high-quality training facility, and can he give the House an update on when that is going to be funded?

Answer from Hilary Benn

I join the hon. Gentleman in thanking and praising the brave officers of the PSNI. My hon. Friend the Member for Wirral West (Matthew Patrick) and I visited the officers at Strandtown police station, who dealt with the disorder when the bus was set on fire on 10 June. More than 40 of them were injured, and we wish them a speedy recovery. I know that the hon. Gentleman is a doughty advocate for the new training centre, and I look forward to discussing the matter further with him.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No update on funding or timeline provided

How: The Answerer Praised Psni But Did Not Commit To Providing An Update.

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