Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has paid tribute to fire and ambulance crews who faced physical attacks and obstruction while tackling blazes during two nights of violent disorder across Northern Ireland. The minister issued a strong condemnation of the “reprehensible racist and xenophobic behaviour” directed at minority communities, while reaffirming that international health workers remain “deeply welcome” and vital to the health service.
Minister condemns attacks on emergency crews
Speaking on 11 June 2026, Mr Nesbitt thanked emergency personnel for their service during widespread violence on Tuesday and Wednesday night, which saw masked rioters burn homes and vehicles in Belfast and Newtownabbey. The minister revealed that fire crews had been specifically targeted while attempting to respond to incidents.
“We have witnessed absolutely unacceptable violence and disorder, inflicted on our communities by people with nothing to offer but division and destruction. Although it beggars belief, fire crews were prevented from getting to fires, and in some cases attacked, while simply trying to do their jobs and keep people safe.
“I want to pay tribute to our brave firefighters and ambulance crews. Time and time again, I am humbled by the way they step up to serve their communities, even where, as was sadly the case the past couple of nights, this puts them in harm’s way.”
Support for international health workers
The minister’s statement comes amid heightened concern for the safety of international Health and Social Care (HSC) staff, who make up a significant proportion of the workforce. According to analysis of census data, around 19.6% of all people working in health in Northern Ireland were born elsewhere.
Mr Nesbitt issued an unequivocal message of support for these workers, condemning the targeted attacks on minority communities:
“The HSC system in Northern Ireland has always, and continues to be, a welcoming and diverse workforce. I want to show my support to the many international workers who are vital and provide an invaluable contribution to their patients and the wider community. Without them, the HSC system would undoubtedly collapse. People should be entitled to live and work in peace, free from harm and intimidation, and I stand against this reprehensible racist and xenophobic behaviour.
“International colleagues provide the core essential skills required and support some of the most vulnerable people in our society. They deserve nothing less than our utmost gratitude and appreciation.
“Our international colleagues are deeply welcome here and their health, safety and wellbeing are of paramount importance.
“It is vital that our HSC staff are not prevented from attending their workplace. This could have real consequences for service delivery and will simply not be tolerated.”
The minister noted that Northern Ireland has a “proud reputation” of providing pastoral care for international recruits, and confirmed that HSC employers would continue offering support to staff feeling “concerned and vulnerable.”
Scale of disorder and emergency response
The violence erupted following a serious assault in north Belfast on Monday evening, triggering anti-immigrant riots that saw properties targeted based on the ethnicity of residents. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service reported attending 62 incidents on Tuesday night alone, while police deployed water cannon to disperse rioters in Newtownabbey.
At least 27 people were made homeless after attackers went “door-to-door to try and target foreign nationals,” according to statements in the House of Lords. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has since warned that sharing home addresses on social media has left families “extremely distressed.”
Rising violence against emergency personnel
The recent disorder highlights a growing pattern of violence against emergency responders. Figures obtained by Belfast Live showed Northern Ireland Ambulance Service staff faced almost 700 incidents of abuse and attacks over a 12-month period, with crews assaulted using weapons including a tomahawk hatchet, knuckle-dusters and snooker balls.
Notably, the minister’s statement did not outline specific new security measures or operational changes to protect international staff travelling to and from work, beyond existing pastoral care provisions.
Questions for the Department of Health
- What specific security protocols are being implemented to ensure international staff can travel safely to and from work during periods of civil unrest, particularly given reports that some workers were leaving shifts early due to safety fears?
- Will the Department provide additional mental health support for international workers experiencing trauma following targeted attacks on their homes and communities?
- How will the minister address the potential retention crisis if international staff, who are essential to preventing HSC collapse, choose to leave Northern Ireland due to safety concerns?
- Given that monitoring groups reportedly warned police about anti-immigration activity months before the riots, what coordination is taking place between the PSNI and HSC to protect staff addresses and workplaces?
Mr Nesbitt urged any HSC staff feeling vulnerable to reach out to their employers for support, stressing that the health service would continue to rely on its diverse workforce to care for the most vulnerable in society.