Ballymena immigration issues highlighted by TUV MLA in Stormont debate

In a fiery debate at Stormont on Tuesday, 20th May, Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) MLA Timothy Gaston delivered a scathing critique of the EU Protocol’s impact on Northern Ireland’s immigration policy, accusing it of undermining UK sovereignty and exacerbating local issues in areas like Ballymena.

The Assembly discussion laid bare deep divisions over border control, translation costs, and housing pressures, with Gaston arguing that the Protocol has left Northern Ireland subject to “foreign rule” from Brussels.

Gaston opened his address by highlighting what he described as a “simple but serious truth”:

“The United Kingdom no longer controls immigration policy across its own territory.” He attributed this to the Protocol, which he claimed has placed Northern Ireland under EU influence, a situation he described as “a matter of deep regret.”

Gaston expressed frustration that some unionist politicians returned to Stormont despite earlier pledges to boycott it while the Protocol remained in place. “Here we are: back in office with the protocol still in place and bedding in more and more each day,” he said, underscoring the ongoing tensions surrounding the post-Brexit arrangement.

The debate also highlighted the practical consequences of the Protocol, with Gaston pointing to the UK’s inability to enforce a cohesive immigration policy across its territory. He referenced the Rwanda case, which he argued demonstrated that “when push comes to shove, it is not Westminster but Brussels that is in control.”

Gaston warned that “our colonial masters in the EU now hold sway in Northern Ireland,” a statement that sparked heated exchanges in the chamber.

Ballymena’s Struggles with Housing and Integration

The TUV MLA drew particular attention to the impact of immigration on his constituency of Ballymena, where he claimed working-class communities feel increasingly alienated.

“Take Harryville or Clonavon: my goodness, those were once working-class areas, but houses have been bought up by landlords who have turned them into illegal HMOs, many of which are overcrowded,” Gaston said.

He argued that local residents are not motivated by prejudice but are asking “fair questions” about the rapid changes in their neighbourhoods. “They are not racist or ignorant; they are asking, ‘Why do people not speak to us?’, or, ‘Why does no one speak up for us?’” he added.

Gaston’s comments resonated with some unionist colleagues but drew sharp criticism from others.

DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley intervened, questioning the effectiveness of the UK Government’s immigration policies. “Whilst I note his considerable concern surrounding the protocol and issues relating to immigration policy, does he accept that the UK Government’s policy is no template for anybody to follow, with its record levels of illegal and legal immigration?” Buckley asked.

Gaston acknowledged the point, expressing hope that recent election results in England would prompt the Labour Government to tighten immigration controls.

“The election results in England a number of weeks ago have changed the mindset of the Labour Government, and I trust that they will follow through on some of their commitments,” he responded.

Translation Costs and Border Control Concerns

A significant portion of Gaston’s speech focused on the financial burden of immigration, particularly the cost of translation services. Citing a written question he tabled to the Health Minister last September, Gaston revealed that the Department of Health spent £4.4 million on face-to-face interpretation services in 2023-24.

“Over £4 million of that was spent on translation for those who came to Northern Ireland and could not speak or understand a basic level of English,” he said, arguing that such expenditure highlights a “broken” system.

While stressing that no one should be denied medical care, Gaston called for an expectation that migrants have a basic command of English, describing it as a “non-controversial” issue.

The debate also touched on the lack of border control between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Gaston noted that “people who arrive in the South illegally can still come across the border into Northern Ireland, with this place having no powers to stop them or even send them back across the border.”

He contrasted this with the Irish Government’s proactive approach, which has seen 50 migrants returned to the UK in the past seven months, including six sent to Belfast with one-way train tickets.

“A sovereign nation must have control of its borders and, indeed, its destiny,” Gaston declared, criticising the Assembly for failing to grasp this fundamental principle.

Political Divisions and Nationalist Criticism

The debate was marked by sharp exchanges, with SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan challenging Gaston’s stance.

“I find it fascinating. I am sure that he would like to send pretty much most Members in the House across the border if he had the opportunity to do so,” McCrossan quipped, suggesting Gaston’s position could be summed up as “Brits in, and everyone else out.”

Gaston firmly rejected this characterisation, pointing to his own family’s immigrant heritage. “If you look at the name ‘Gaston’, you will see that my ancestors came here years ago and made this place their home. That is not the problem, and that is not what we are addressing today,” he responded.

Gaston also accused nationalist and republican members of dismissing legitimate concerns about immigration. Quoting SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan‘s summary of their stance—“Brits out, and everyone else in”—Gaston warned that such attitudes were out of touch with public sentiment.

“Shame on the republican/nationalist side of the House. You will pay come election time,” he said, criticising the Assembly for resorting to “name-calling and mud-slinging” instead of fostering constructive debate.

A Call for Unionist Unity

Gaston concluded by urging unionists to return to their pre-election stance of refusing to implement the Protocol, which he described as “Union-dismantling.”

He argued that without such a shift, Northern Ireland would remain excluded from a unified UK immigration policy. “Unless and until unionism gets back to the position that it abandoned after the election and refuses to implement the Union-dismantling protocol, no immigration policy will apply equally across the UK,” he said.

The debate underscored the ongoing challenges posed by the EU Protocol and its implications for Northern Ireland’s place within the UK. For communities in Ballymena and beyond, the issues of housing, integration, and public spending remain at the forefront of a deeply polarised discussion.

As Gaston and others continue to press for change, the question of how Northern Ireland navigates its post-Brexit reality remains unresolved.