Anti-immigrant sentiment appears to have united people across long-standing sectarian divisions in Northern Ireland, with British Union Jack and Irish flags flying side by side at protests against mass immigration.
In the heart of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland and once the epicenter of decades of violent conflict known as the Troubles, anti-immigration activists on both sides of the “united” Ireland debate set aside their differences and united in the cause of ending mass immigration to the Emerald Isle.
At the scene of the protest, GB News Northern Ireland correspondent Dougie Beattie said in amazement: “For the first time in my life I saw the Union Jack flying next to the tricolour.”
Beattie pointed out that the mass anti-immigration protests organised following Monday’s mass stabbing at a children’s dance party in Southport, England, were made up mainly of working-class people, some of whom were from Dubliners.
In stark contrast, he said, the pro-immigration counter-demonstrations were made up mainly of middle- and upper-class people who have been least affected by mass immigration policies. Palestinian, Antifa and Pride flags were the mainstays at the pro-immigration demonstrations, rather than the British flag or the tricolour.
Mr Beatty said pro-immigration crowds were reported to have chanted “Get the Nazi scum out of our town” at working-class anti-mass immigration protesters, who in turn chanted “Muslims out!”
The Northern Ireland Police Service deployed riot vehicles and officers. Said “We are aware that there are a number of protests planned across Northern Ireland today and we will be taking part to ensure the safety of all involved,” the government said.
Police briefly set up a cordon around the Islamic Center on University Street as a mass anti-immigration demonstration passed by.
Several businesses in Belfast were raided and at least two people are reported to have been arrested. Belfast Telegraph Reports.
England riots: Sunderland arson, police attacked as anger grows over mass stabbing of childrenhttps://t.co/dKzDLFXQgA
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