Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA Speaking in the Assembly on the Racially-Motivated Attack on the Former Shankill Gospel Hall:

"I condemn unreservedly the vile arson attack on the premises of a former gospel hall. The gentleman who was trying to build a business, create jobs and provide a service is the polar opposite of those who whipped up hysteria and those who attacked his shop. They are not patriots, and they do not have legitimate concerns. They are cowards. If they are involved in paramilitaries, they are not loyalists, because they are loyal to no one but themselves; they are gangsters. I wish the police well in catching them and anyone who incited it.

"Just yesterday and in the past number of days, we have been remembering the service and sacrifice of real patriots who got on a boat and went and liberated Europe. Let it never be forgotten that 2·5 million Indians volunteered to fight for freedom; the largest voluntary army in World War II. Indians provide a wonderful contribution to our society. They are entrepreneurial and hard-working. I am proud to have a member of the Indian community in my party. He rang me about this incident. I am trying to meet the victim of it. Those who committed this act and those who incited it are literally I do not like to use this language in the Chamber the scum of the earth. I doubt that they have done a day's work in their lives. When they are arrested and brought before the court, will we get the normal sob story and probably too much of a slap on the wrist?

"I make this clear to the Indian community and all communities in this society: there is one rule of law; we all live under it; and you deserve as much protection as anyone else. I say this to the people who did it, if they are listening: you are vile, contemptible people. You are the opposite of loyalists and the opposite of patriots. You are just the scum of the earth.

"I wish that family all the very best. They are very welcome in Northern Ireland, and I look forward to meeting them if I can."