Jim Allister MP highlights Ballymena violence and immigration issues in House of Commons

North Antrim MP Jim Allister

North Antrim MP Jim Allister has addressed the House of Commons today (Wednesday 11 June) regarding the recent violent disturbances in Ballymena, condemning the unrest while urging the UK Government to examine what he described as immigration-related tensions in Northern Ireland.

In a speech delivered today in Parliament, Mr Allister described the recent scenes of disorder in Ballymena as “grotesque and wanton violence” and expressed particular concern over the reported sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.

“The whole House, as I am, will be appalled by the grotesque and wanton violence which has afflicted Ballymena in my constituency,” Mr Allister stated. “And also appalled by a sexual assault on a young, 14 year old girl. There can be no excuse for the resulting violence.”

While unequivocally condemning the violence, Mr Allister used his speech to highlight what he characterised as underlying tensions linked to immigration — particularly the movement of people into Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland.

“The Government must be aware of underlying tensions produced by uncontrolled and often undocumented immigration,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Allister raised the issue of migrants entering the Republic of Ireland under EU freedom of movement, then travelling into Northern Ireland without sufficient checks.

“Would it be in order to ask that the Government should make a statement to this House on what it is going to do to constrain the flow of migrants who legitimately travel under freedom of movement from one EU country to another, in this case, into the Republic of Ireland, and then pass unchecked from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland?”

He went on to suggest that this dynamic has been a “contributor, particularly in respect of Roma” communities, and linked it to what he called “the concentration and the problem that has consequently resulted.”

Mr Allister’s comments are likely to provoke debate, coming amid a tense local atmosphere following a series of public disturbances in Ballymena.

Police and local authorities have called for calm, while also reiterating their commitment to investigating criminal acts, including the reported assault.

The MP’s remarks come as Northern Ireland grapples with complex social dynamics, where issues of migration, integration, and community cohesion continue to challenge policymakers and local services.