New statistics from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) show that racially motivated hate crimes have reached a record level. In the 12 months leading up to the end of June, there were 1,329 such crimes reported, the highest figure since records began in 2004. Alliance Party MLA Stewart Dickson described the figures as "extremely harrowing" and "shameful". He stated that over the past few years, racially motivated hate crimes have become "far too common" in Northern Ireland. The East Antrim MLA pointed to misinformation and a lack of government action as factors fuelling a "toxic racist rhetoric". He also criticised social media platforms for not adequately monitoring online hate.

Mr Dickson urged the First and deputy First Ministers to take "meaningful steps" to combat racism and prioritise action against hate crime. He highlighted the "much delayed" update to the outdated Race Relations Order, a key part of the Northern Ireland Executive's Racial Equality Strategy. He concluded that ethnic minority communities have "lost faith in the government" and deserve better, pledging to raise the issue directly with the ministers.