Opinion

Ugly rise in racist threats

One of the many disturbing consequences of the EU referendum has been the well documented rise in racist abuse directed against members of minority groups in England and Wales since the result was announced.

Among the range of victims has been a former Conservative parliamentary candidate, Shazia Awan, and the Labour MP Jess Phillips said yesterday that she intended to raise the wider issue in the House of Commons.

It was appropriate that Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness released a joint statement yesterday expressing their concern about the widespread reports of intimidation and stressing that the migrant community in Northern Ireland is welcome and valued.

However, it should also be acknowledged that the stance of some Brexit campaigners over recent weeks has at least partially created the ugly and unacceptable climate.