Belfast riots called 'race-based pogrom' as Elon Musk's online role condemned

Rioting erupted in Belfast after a knife attack involving a Sudanese suspect, an event described by the leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) as a "race-based pogrom." The unrest has prompted strong condemnation of online interventions, particularly those attributed to Elon Musk, which are seen as exacerbating tensions.

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What you’re seeing is a race-based pogrom. We are seeing men going door to door asking to get the foreigners out based exclusively on the colour of their skin.

Claire Hanna, the SDLP leader and MP for Belfast South and Mid Down, stated on Newsnight, "What you’re seeing is a race-based pogrom. We are seeing men going door to door asking to get the foreigners out based exclusively on the colour of their skin." She emphasized that the violence was not based on individuals' contributions to society or their status but solely on their race, creating a terrifying atmosphere for residents who reject such politics.

Anna Turley, the Labour party chair, criticized Elon Musk's actions on LBC, calling his attempts to stir up unrest in the UK "appalling." She argued that anyone exploiting such a situation for their political agenda is "grievously wrong and doing damage." Turley highlighted the real-world consequences, noting that children and families were forced to flee their homes in Belfast. She stressed the desire to avoid "disruption, damage, thuggery, violence on our streets" and called for condemnation of those inciting such behavior.

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I think it’s appalling. Anyone that is seeking to drive and exploit a situation like this to drive their own political agenda is grievously wrong and doing damage. He’s not someone who’s having to live in a community where the consequences of this, of the anger that is whipped up, [are felt]. We’ve seen children, families having to flee their homes on the streets of Belfast last night.

Discussions are underway regarding the government's response to the use of social media platforms like X, Musk's platform. Turley acknowledged concerns about X, stating, "I think that there are lots of concerns about X. I personally find it a really positive way to engage with some of my constituents, but there’s no doubt that there are some really deeply worrying messages being conveyed through social media." The government is reportedly taking seriously the use of disinformation in democracy. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to address the Belfast disorder during Prime Minister's Questions, with focus likely on the common travel area asylum "loophole" and the broader implications of the race-based violence.

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I think that there are lots of concerns about X. I personally find it a really positive way to engage with some of my constituents, but there’s no doubt that there are some really deeply worrying messages being conveyed through social media.