Reaction to the rioters from a range of bodies across NI
Retail NI Comments on Public Disorder
Commenting on the on-going public disorder across Northern Ireland, Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: “Last night’s attacks on the homes and businesses of members of our migrant communities are utterly reprehensible and have no place in the Northern Ireland of 2026.
“We should not forget the significant contribution that migrant communities make to our public services and to the retail sector, both as employers and employees within Northern Ireland’s largest private-sector industry.
“This ongoing, racially motivated disorder is causing significant damage to Northern Ireland’s economy and its international reputation as a place to live, work and invest.
“Retail NI continues to engage with the PSNI as the situation develops. Business owners should make their own assessment regarding opening hours, while keeping in mind the safety of staff and customers, as well as any disruption to public transport services.”
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Givan says every effort should be made to minimise disruption to teaching and learning
Education Minister Paul Givan has strongly condemned the incidents of violence and the potential for further disruption.
Paul Givan said: “The attack in North Belfast on Monday night was wrong. However, the violence that has followed is deeply concerning and must be condemned. Violence has no place in our society and is wholly unacceptable.
“I engaged with the Police Service of Northern Ireland this morning to ensure we have the appropriate measures in place to support our schools, including pupils and staff.
“The advice remains that education provision should continue. Every effort should be made to minimise disruption to teaching and learning.
“Timetabled public examinations will go ahead as planned this afternoon, and schools should make every effort to remain open for pupils sitting exams.
“While there are reports circulating on social media regarding potential further protests, a blanket decision to close all schools across Northern Ireland would be neither practical nor proportionate.”
Commenting on the impact on children and young people, the Minister concluded: “I am also conscious of the impact on children and young people, particularly those from a minority ethnic background.
“Our school communities provide welcoming and supportive settings where all children can learn, play and grow up together.
“The Department will actively work with a range of partners to provide appropriate assistance to any schools or pupils impacted by recent events as their safety and wellbeing are my Department’s highest priority.”
School leaders are advised to continue monitoring developments in their local areas and to take any actions deemed necessary and proportionate, based on local circumstances. The Department recognises that, in some cases, individual schools may need to make decisions in response to specific local risks.
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Statement from Jon Burrows MLA, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party
“This morning I spoke personally with the father of Stephen Ogilvy, who was the victim of a horrendous attack in North Belfast on Monday night.
“I want to thank Mr Ogilvy for taking the time to speak with me at such a distressing time for his family.
“His son remains in ICU following the devastating injuries he sustained, but is stable. The injuries inflicted upon him are truly shocking and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his entire family.
“The victim’s father has also asked me to pass on a direct appeal to those spreading disinformation online: please stop. This has shockingly included false posts on social media at various times that his son has died.
“This is causing immense additional distress to a family already going through an unimaginable ordeal.
“I echo that appeal wholeheartedly and urge everyone to act with decency and respect for this family.
“I offered my full solidarity and support to the whole family today.
“I will be meeting with the Secretary of State tomorrow, where I will be raising issues directly related to this case.
“It is important that those in political leadership engage with issues like immigration, the security of our borders and the protection of all our citizens, whilst also standing unequivocally on the side of law and order.
“I also appeal again for parents to ensure their children are not out on the streets and involved in disorder.
“Tomorrow I will be asking the Secretary of State to meet the family of Stephen Ogilvy in the coming days.”
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Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins condemns violent attacks on public infrastructure
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has condemned violent attacks on public infrastructure tonight.
She said: “The attack in North Belfast last night was heinous and wrong.
“However, what we have seen this evening is to be utterly condemned. Attacking homes, burning family cars, attacking businesses, and damaging our public transport and our roads is totally unacceptable and it must be called out by all political leaders.
“Racism, intimidation and violence are wrong wherever they occur, and it is clear that this attack is being used to spread fear, hatred and division.
“Mindlessly damaging our public transport and our infrastructure achieves nothing, other than to remove vital services and resources from communities who rely on them.
“My thoughts are with the driver and passenger in the Glider that was hijacked and set alight. Thankfully, I’m told both are okay, but it must have been a very frightening experience for them.
“I commend Translink staff who were out working to deliver vital public transport links to local communities this evening before despicable action caused services to be suspended.”
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Translink Comments On Services
A Translink spokesperson said: “Due to expected protests, all Translink bus and rail services will be suspended this eveining (Wednesday 10 June).
“There will be no bus departures after 5pm and no train services will depart after 6pm.
“There is currently a temporary suspension of some bus services until 1.30pm after which time services will resume.
“We are working closely with a range of stakeholders, including the PSNI, our Trade Unions, and other key partners to make appropriate arrangements to keep our passengers, staff and the wider public safe.
“Passengers are advised that services may be subject to alteration or cancellation. Where possible, passengers should travel earlier in the day and allow extra time for their journeys.
“Suspending services is always a last resort, but the safety of our customers and staff remains our top priority. We want to give people as much advance notice as possible so they can plan accordingly.
“We thank our staff and customers for their continued support at this time.
“We intend to be in a position to resume normal services tomorrow morning, and passengers are encouraged to check the latest travel updates via Translink social channels and the Journey Planner app.”
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JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVES OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE TRUSTS
The CEOs of the health trusts in NI have made a joint statement reacting to the current rioting and disription in Nortern Ireland.
They said: “We are deeply concerned and appalled at the violence which we are witnessing in our communities.
“It is completely unacceptable that our international staff, who provide an invaluable service, should be intimidated or feel too frightened to come to work.
“The current unrest is having a profound impact on all of our services, which are already under enormous strain.
“All the Trusts are trying to operate as normally as possible but the disruption is making this increasingly difficult.
“As Chief Executives, we value every single member of our staff, who are trying to care for vulnerable people, both in our hospitals and in the community every day.
“The safety of our patients, service users and our staff is paramount.
“It is imperative that everyone who works across our Health and Social Care Service, including Care Homes, Community Pharmacies, Home Care and Primary Care, are able to provide essential care to everyone that needs it, without fear or intimidation.
“We would like to sincerely thank all our staff for their continued dedication, in really difficult circumstances.”
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