Last week was an incredibly difficult week for East Belfast. On Tuesday and Wednesday night, I was on the Newtownards Road alongside local residents, community leaders, church leaders and a local councillor. During that time, we assisted residents from McMaster Street and Lendrick Street in moving safely to a nearby church following a gas leak affecting both streets. Families remained at the church until the early hours of Wednesday morning. There can be no justification for forcing people from their homes. There can be no justification for attacks on police. There can be no justification for arson, intimidation or the destruction of property. These actions do not represent the values of our community, nor do they offer solutions to the genuine challenges many people are facing. However, it is also important to understand that many people within working-class communities have, for a considerable period of time, been expressing concerns and frustrations around illegal immigration, community integration and the lack of meaningful engagement from decision-makers. Too often, people feel their views have been dismissed rather than listened to. Acknowledging these concerns does not excuse criminality. Equally, condemning violence should not prevent honest and respectful conversations about the issues many local residents continue to raise and will continue to raise. What our community needs now is calm, reflection and clear leadership from those who know this community best and have its best interests at heart. We cannot build a positive future by damaging our own streets, burning our own buses or attacking buildings that provide vital services to local people. We cannot improve our communities through disorder. Nor can we expect young people to make better choices in their lives if those in positions of influence fail to lead by example. The responsibility lies with all of us, political representatives, community leaders, parents and local residents, to lower tensions, encourage constructive conversations and ensure the events of recent days are not repeated. East Belfast is better than what we have witnessed. Our community is, and always has been, resilient. Our people are hardworking, decent, caring and genuine. The overwhelming majority want safe streets, strong communities and a better future for the next generation. That future will not be shaped by those who seek to divide, intimidate or destroy. It will be shaped by those who are willing to lead, listen, challenge and work together.

Some thoughts on the Supreme Court ruling on religion in schools in Northern Ireland. It is challenging but there are encouragements.

4.3 million children are in poverty UK govt won’t see progress on child poverty by 2029 even with high economic growth 📢 Our analysis shows under our central scenario only Scotland will see child poverty rates fall by 2029 in large part due to social security policies 1/5

Over 50 organisations have signed this open letter to the NI Executive to drop the harmful draft Anti-Poverty 'Strategy' and revert back to the expert recommendations they have had for years. Now you can add your name too! Sign and share. my.actnowni.org/petitions/op… via @actnowni