Speaking after meeting staff working in the North Health and Social Care Trust area at the Causeway Hospital Emma Little Pengelly said,
“In the wake of disturbing scenes in parts of Belfast there have been reports that some healthcare staff who have come to Northern Ireland are considering leaving due to fears for their safety. We must send out a united message across our community that threats, intimidation and violence are entirely wrong and can never be justified. Those engaging in such behaviour do not represent the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland.
Our Health Service relies on many of these highly trained and skilled workers who come here and make a huge contribution. They, like many others are part of our community and we want to reassure them of our support. Those who have been engaging in violence are bringing shame on our society and cannot claim to be acting out of concern for the communities they are bringing destruction to.”
Gregory Campbell added, “Discussions about immigration policy or any other kind of protest cannot and will not be advanced through vandalism and violence. The police deserve our support in tackling this disorder and bringing to justice anyone who has stepped outside the law. However, alongside they are doing so at a significant disadvantage because they do not have the full resources necessary to respond.
Our Health Service too faces significant challenges, and these pressures will only be made worse if we lose valued staff from Northern Ireland because they do not feel safe. Concerns about immigration policy across the United Kingdom must be addressed by Government with a demonstration of action behind the many promises made by both the previous and the current Government. However, that must also come with action against those who engage in violence and disorder with a knowledge that they will be brought to justice for their actions.”