Queen's University to close ahead of potential far-right violence

Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) has announced it will be closed today amidst fears of further far-right violence.

Last weekend saw anti-immigration rallies devolve into riots, with cars burned and local businesses damaged.

Another far-right rally is planned outside Belfast City Hall this evening, with an anti-racism counter protest also taking place.

In a statement posted on social media, QUB President and chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer condemned “Without reservation” the recent violence.

He advised young people not to put "their personal futures at risk by partaking in violence and disruption.”

“As a precautionary measure, to ensure staff and students travelling to campus are not put at any risk, we have made the decision to close the University campus on Friday 9 August” he added.

At Queen's, we abhor violence and condemn without reservation #Islamophobia, #Racism and #Xenophobia in all forms and the recent violence that has taken place in #Belfast.

Our President and @QUBVChancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, issued this statement today urging young people… pic.twitter.com/XgiYR7M0Fl

— Queen's University Belfast 🎓 (@QUBelfast) August 8, 2024

Ministers held a meeting at Stormont to discuss the rioting, with MLAs being recalled from summer recess to the Northern Ireland assembly.

A counter protest has been set up by a coalition of several organisations, with the aim of showing solidarity with Belfast’s migrant and refugee community.

Gardaí are working in conjunction with the PSNI after it was revealed several prominent far-right agitators from the Republic had travelled to Belfast for the rally, with a banner reading ‘Coolock says no’ being displayed.