Racism tops agenda in London

Sinn Féin spokesperson on racism, South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey, was in London on Wednesday to brief British MPs on the current political situation but also on the issue of racism and the increase in racist attacks, particularly in Belfast.

That very morning a Chinese woman on her way to work in his South Belfast constituency had been subjected to a racist asssault in the Lower Crescent area, off Botanic Avenue. The woman was punched to the ground and racially abused by her attacker in broad daylight in one of the busiest areas of the city.

Maskey, slamming the assault as outrageous, said that in London he would be discussing the progress and effectiveness of anti-racist legislation and the issue of funding for groups and organisations representing ethnic minorities.