Northern Ireland

Colum Eastwood calls on the British government to get tough on anti-Irish and anti-Traveller abuse

Colum Eastwood called on the British government to get tough on anti-Irish and anti-Traveller abuse
Colum Eastwood called on the British government to get tough on anti-Irish and anti-Traveller abuse Colum Eastwood called on the British government to get tough on anti-Irish and anti-Traveller abuse

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has called on the British government to "get tougher on anti-Irish and anti-Traveller abuse".

He launched an early day motion at Westminster following an Equality and Human Rights Commission investigation into the use of a 'blacklist' by holiday camp firm Pontins targeting members of the Traveller community.

The list featured common Irish surnames.

Mr Eastwood also made reference to "unacceptable" abuse of Derry-born Republic of Ireland footballer James McClean.

The Foyle MP said: “The growing anti-Irish sentiment that has come to light over the last number of weeks and months in Britain is chilling and deeply worrying for the Irish community living here."