‘Northern Ireland is not in flames’: Burrows urges visitors and businesses not to stay away

Inset: Ulster Unionist Party Leader and North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows

Northern Ireland’s tourism industry, hospitality sector and town centres risk suffering unnecessary economic damage if a distorted image of the region continues to dominate headlines following recent disorder, according to Ulster Unionist Party Leader and North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows.

In a strongly-worded statement, Mr Burrows said the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie and the violence that followed had rightly shocked communities across Northern Ireland, but warned against allowing isolated incidents and online misinformation to create the impression that the entire country is unsafe.

He said businesses, tourism operators and local employers could face serious consequences if visitors and customers choose to stay away based on an inaccurate perception of widespread unrest.

“The attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie was a barbaric and sickening attack that has shocked all right-minded people across Northern Ireland,” Mr Burrows said.

“My thoughts remain with Stephen and justice must now follow.

“At the same time, the scenes of disorder and violence that followed have also caused deep concern. That should be condemned unequivocally.”

Concern over Northern Ireland’s image

While condemning both the attack and subsequent disorder, the North Antrim MLA said an equally important message now needed to be communicated beyond Northern Ireland’s borders.

“However, there is a vital message that must now be heard loudly and clearly beyond Northern Ireland.

“Northern Ireland is not ‘in flames’.

“There is NOT widespread disorder across our country. The overwhelming majority of towns, cities and communities remain peaceful, welcoming and safe.”

Mr Burrows said visitor attractions, hotels, restaurants, cafés and local businesses remain open and ready to welcome customers.

He described reports of deserted streets in parts of Belfast as “heartbreaking” and warned that fears created by media coverage and social media speculation could inflict lasting damage on livelihoods and local trade.

Call to support local businesses

The UUP leader urged tourists to continue with existing travel plans and encouraged others to visit Northern Ireland despite recent events.

“I would encourage tourists to continue with their bookings and indeed encourage more people to come and experience everything Northern Ireland has to offer – from our spectacular coastline and world-class golf courses to our hotels, restaurants, cafés and visitor attractions.

“We are a proud, resilient and welcoming part of the United Kingdom with a growing international reputation for tourism, hospitality, innovation and business.”

He also called on employers, retailers and public transport providers to begin returning to normal operations where it is safe to do so.

“I would also encourage employers, retailers and organisations such as Translink to return to normality.

“While safety must always come first, we must also avoid reacting hastily to unverified rumours or AI-generated misinformation online without first confirming its authenticity.”

Mr Burrows warned that fear and misinformation can have consequences extending far beyond the immediate incidents themselves.

“We cannot allow fear, panic or misinformation to damage livelihoods, jobs and local trade.

“People should continue to go out, support local shops, visit cafés and restaurants, socialise with family and friends and support our town centres.”

Immigration debate must be handled responsibly

Addressing wider political debate surrounding the events, Mr Burrows argued that politicians have too often failed to discuss immigration issues in a way that both addresses public concerns and protects law-abiding migrants.

He said it was possible to recognise more than one truth at the same time.

“The Government must act to restore public confidence in immigration and border security,” he said.

“The public are entitled to expect that our borders are secure, that illegal immigration loopholes are closed, and that foreign criminals who commit serious offences are swiftly deported rather than shielded indefinitely by vexatious legal arguments.”

At the same time, he stressed that migrants who live and work legally in Northern Ireland must not become targets for intimidation or violence.

“Equally, we must say clearly and confidently that lawful migrants and people from every background who contribute to Northern Ireland are valued members of our society and must be protected from intimidation, racism and violence.

“Many people from overseas work in our NHS, hospitality sector, manufacturing industries and local businesses. They are our neighbours, colleagues and friends.”

Projecting confidence

Mr Burrows said Northern Ireland had overcome far greater challenges in the past and warned against allowing a damaging international narrative to take hold.

He called on political leaders from across the spectrum to use national and international media appearances to promote a more balanced picture of life in Northern Ireland.

“I am asking political leaders to project this message in national and international media interviews – because we are losing tourism and business due to a distorted view of a Northern Ireland engulfed in flames,” he said.

His intervention comes amid growing concern that images of disorder, coupled with misinformation circulating online, could undermine confidence in Northern Ireland at the height of the summer tourism season, despite the vast majority of communities remaining peaceful and daily life continuing as normal across most of the region.