Gov response “leaves more questions than answers”: Paul Frew demands clarity on “Red Zone” status

Inset: Paul Frew MLA (North Antrim, DUP)

North Antrim MLA Paul Frew has criticised the UK Government’s handling of immigration concerns in Ballymena, saying the Home Office’s response to his queries has failed to provide the clarity local residents urgently need.

Mr Frew originally wrote to the Northern Ireland Secretary of State in July following riots in Ballymena and reports that the town had been classified as an immigration “Red Zone”.

His letter was later transferred to the Home Office, and he has since received a reply from Alex Norris MP, the newly appointed Minister for Border Security and Asylum.

While the Minister outlined plans for changes in how asylum accommodation is assessed in Northern Ireland, Mr Frew said the letter did not address the specific concerns he had raised.

“In July of this year I contacted the Northern Ireland Secretary of State regarding the issues that remain in Ballymena on the back of the riots in the summer and the apparent classification of the town as an immigration ‘red zone’. After having my letter passed onto the Home Office, I have received a response from the Minister for Border Security & Asylum,” Mr Frew said.

“Unfortunately, this response has left me with more questions than answers. I have repeatedly pressed the government to bring forward an effective multi-agency response to ensure support is delivered on the ground in the areas that need it.

“The Minister also made no reference to the apparent classification of Ballymena as an immigration ‘Red Zone’. It is crucial that if Ballymena has been classed as such that we are provided with the details and can understand what exactly this means for the people of the town and the Police Service.”

Home Office response

In his letter, Mr Norris confirmed that the Home Office is currently using a “heatmapping model” in Northern Ireland to guide decisions on where asylum seekers should be accommodated.

This model, compiled by the Executive Office (TEO), the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), considers a range of risk factors such as:

• asylum-related threats

• gang-related violence

• sectarian tensions

• drug-related crime

• other security concerns

Mr Norris said this system will be replaced with a new “risk-based individual property check approach”, already in use elsewhere in the UK.

This method relies on local intelligence and aims to identify risks linked to individual properties rather than classifying whole neighbourhoods or towns.

“My officials are currently working with relevant departments within Northern Ireland to transition away from the heatmapping ward-based model towards a risk-based individual property check approach used in other nations and regions within the UK,” the Minister wrote.

“This allows for a more localised approach … rather than categorising entire areas. I would like to reassure you that my officials are committed to working in collaboration with all relevant departments within Northern Ireland to offer support where it is needed.”

Ballymena “Red Zone” question remains

Despite this, Mr Frew said the Minister’s response still failed to provide clarity on whether Ballymena had in fact been designated as a “Red Zone”, what criteria were applied, and what the implications would be for policing and public safety.

“I will continue to press the UK Government on their immigration policy and crucially when can we expect to see a multi-agency response dealing with the issues in the town so that we do not see a return to violence on our streets,” he added.

Mr Frew has repeatedly called for a coordinated approach involving government departments, police, and local agencies to prevent further unrest and support communities most affected by immigration-related pressures.

Explainer: What does “Red Zone” mean?

The term “Red Zone” is not an official Home Office classification but has been used locally to describe areas believed to face heightened immigration pressures or security risks.

While its exact meaning in Ballymena remains unclear, concerns have centred on whether the label implies increased policing measures, restrictions on asylum accommodation, or a recognition of particular social tensions in the area.

Mr Frew has pressed for clarification on whether such a designation exists and, if so, how it affects both residents and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.