Campbell – “this is a time for careful language”

Mr Campbell said,

“I grew up in Londonderry at a time when there was violence on the streets. I opposed it then and still oppose it now. Peaceful protest and placing your vote in a ballot box is how policy change is made in a democracy.

Over recent days there has been a united message from across much of the political spectrum that the violence and disorder we have witnessed is wrong, and it must stop now.

The intimidation of foreign nationals, on whom our economy and health service depend, is cruel and utterly wrong. The people living here are not to blame for bad Government policy. It is Government policy that needs challenged and changed rather than attacking people and property.

Everyone in a leadership role within our community has a duty to play their part in de-escalating this situation. This is a time to be careful in the language we use, reducing tensions not stoking them up further. This includes those attending ‘anti racist’ protests.

The proliferation of Palestinian flags at these gatherings is divisive given the ongoing escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Furthermore, the prominence of a banner at a recent rally in Londonderry stating, ‘Don’t wound a snake – kill it’, whilst a historic reference to the abolitionist movement in America, is unhelpful language at a ‘peaceful’ protest which is entirely counterproductive to a united response to the violence.”