Dickson Calls for an End to Recent Street Violence

On 8th April 2021, the Assembly was recalled by Alliance Party MLAs, to discuss the recent violence on the streets in Northern Ireland.

Mr Dickson ended the debated by summarising the overwhelming agreement that this violence is harming communities and must end, that the rule of law must be upheld, and that everyone must work together to find a solution to concerns.

Mr Dickson commented: "The violence on our streets over the past week is opportunistic and serves only to undermine the communities in which this destruction takes place. This includes the communities of my own constituency of East Antrim, where regrettably we have seen attacks on police, and property.

"Police officers undertaking their duty to protect our people have been attacked and injured, people have had cars stolen and destroyed, public property has been damaged and indeed those perpetrating the violence have been injured themselves and rightfully arrested.

"I want to express my, and my Party’s unequivocal support for the PSNI for the work they do, in extremely challenging circumstances. As well as our best wishes to those injured, and sympathy for the members of the public who have faced distress while their property and communities are damaged.

Mr Dickson concluded: "The violence must stop. No-one should be above Covid restrictions or the law in general. We as political representatives have an example to set."