PSNI says it 'won't tolerate a repeat of the scenes in Ballymena' at planned protest in Portadown against 'illegal migrants'

It follows the widespread sharing on social media of a flyer asking people to join a rally in protest against ‘illegal migrants’ in Jervis Street Portadown this evening following days of protests, violence and destruction in Ballymena and Larne.

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The minister of Thomas Street Methodist Church in Portadown, Rev Darrin Thompson said: “With the trouble we have seen in Ballymena, Larne and other places this last few nights the people of Portadown are obviously worried about the protest later.

"Part of this protest will take place in and around Thomas Street. I’ve contacted our MP and MLA’s to express concern, but also to remind them of the biblical principles of welcoming the stranger, and to love your neighbour. I’ve called on our church family to be praying tonight, and as a church we are to here to help and support anyone in need.

"Just last Friday I stood up at Conference in my own church to speak of the wonderful diversity on our doorstep, and again today I’m thanking God for that. We will always love our neighbour.”

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart called for those involved to ‘remain calm and respectful’. "We must also remember that many people from different cultures have been part of our community in Portadown and surrounding areas for years. They are working in our hospitals, schools, and businesses contributing positively to society.”

Upper Bann MLA John O’Dowd urged ‘political leadership’ and called for a ‘boycott of a racist protest’. Backing the boycott was Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, Cllr Jessica Johnston.

She said: "I am calling on all politicians, particularly those with influence in the greater Portadown area, to distance themselves from this protest and to publicly encourage a boycott. Anything less would be a total abdication of leadership at a time when it is needed most.”

The flyer urges people to ‘take a stand and stop welcoming these illegal migrant gangs flocking into our town’.

It suggests protesters walk from Jervis Street to the town centre before going to Thomas Street and Edward Street and mentions HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) and a hostel.

In a letter to tenants Arbour Housing advised that the protest ‘could lead to an unsafe situation and we would recommend that you stay with family or friends during the protest’.

"Recent protests in other areas has led to a disruption in traffic and damage to property and we would recommend that measures are taken to secure your property and belongings.”

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “We are aware of social media posts calling for protests across Northern Ireland this evening and in the week ahead.

“We urge anyone who plans to attend these protests to engage with us as we will be doing our part to ensure the safety of participants and to facilitate the lawful exercise of freedom of expression.

“Police will not tolerate a repeat of the scenes we saw last night in Ballymena and other parts of Northern Ireland.

“We will continue to diligently monitor the situation to ensure an appropriate and proportionate policing response and we will be engaging with groups likely to be affected by any protest activity.”

Further advice and information can be found here - https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/processions-and-protests.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart MP said she was aware of the proposed protest adding: “Let me be clear: there is a legitimate concern across our society about illegal immigration and the need for firm policies. Those concerns should be heard. But they must be expressed within the boundaries of the law.

"Protests that are conducted within the law are a legitimate form of democratic expression, allowing individuals and groups to voice their opinions, advocate for change, and hold those in power accountable while respecting the rights of others and maintaining public order.

"I will be meeting with the police today along with DUP colleagues to discuss their approach and the wider context, including recent events such as the Gaza parade and the community concerns that continue to surface surrounding the permission given for this parade.

"I urge all involved to remain calm and respectful. Lawful protest is a right in any free society, but it must not tip into confrontation or chaos. We have already seen in Ballymena how genuine grievances can be hijacked by a minority and spiral into violence. That is neither wanted nor welcome.

"We must also remember that many people from different cultures have been part of our community in Portadown and surrounding areas for years. They are working in our hospitals, schools, and businesses contributing positively to society.

"I strongly encourage everyone to remain calm and to never cross the line into criminal behaviour. The consequences of that can last a lifetime.

"Let’s ensure that whatever message is being sent is done so clearly, peacefully, and responsibly. I am here to support, challenge and ensure that the law is upheld.”

Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd said: “I have urged all political representatives to show leadership and call for a boycott of a racist protest reportedly planned for Thursday evening in Portadown.

"There are reports of a demonstration being organised, with one flyer circulated suggesting the protest will target several homes and a hostel in the area.

"Reports of a racist protest being organised in Portadown by faceless elements are deeply disturbing and disgraceful,” said the Upper Bann MLA.

Alliance Deputy Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, Cllr Jessica Johnston called for calm across the area after social media reports of planned protests.

Councillor Johnston said while people have the right to protest, scenes witnessed across NI in recent days should not be replicated in the local area.

“The right to peacefully protest is a crucial aspect of our democracy, but we have seen people going out to deliberately cause violence and mayhem, while stoking racial tension,” she said.

“That is not acceptable anywhere. We have seen other areas descend into unrest and chaos, which achieves nothing except creating fear, hate and division, while also seeing the mindless destruction of people’s own areas and vital public services. I don’t want to see the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon area be the same.

“My heart goes out to all the newcomer and ethnic minority families who will not doubt be feeling fearful at this time. I want to reassure them the vast majority of people in our community are decent, inclusive and welcoming.

"I appeal to anyone looking at social media posts concerning planned protests to avoid them, and to those attempting to organise such protests, I urge to think again – remember there is a young girl at the heart of this situation and please don’t use her trauma and pain as an excuse to cause trouble locally.

"I am calling on all politicians, particularly those with influence in the greater Portadown area, to distance themselves from this protest and to publicly encourage a boycott,” she said. "Anything less would be a total abdication of leadership at a time when it is needed most.

"We have already seen the misery that racist thugs have inflicted on the people of Ballymena and elsewhere — those scenes must not be repeated in Portadown.”

Upper Bann MLA Doug Beattie MC said: “People have the right to peaceful protest and the state has a duty to respect, facilitate and protect this right. I hope this is what we see with the protest taking place in Portadown tonight and we do not see a repeat of the scenes plastered all over our TV screens in Ballymena and Larne.

"I have a genuine concern that malign influences are intent on creating the circumstances to promote violence and some from Portadown might get caught up in it.

"I would appeal for calm, I would ask everyone to be mindful that getting involved in violence will not have the effects you think it will but could end up with you getting a criminal record long after those who incited the violence have left.

"I have seen responsible comments from many organisations that have influence with different communities in the town and I would ask that people listen to their advice and if they are attending the demonstration that it remains peaceful at all times,” said Mr Beattie.