Belfast riots: How our broken asylum system continues to fuel unrest
From Talking Politics by ITV News
June 10, 2026 · 32 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the recent Belfast riots and the impact of the asylum system on political unrest.
Tom and Robert are joined by Northern Ireland Reporter Stewart Robson following a night of violence and unrest in Belfast after Monday's stabbing attack. Stewart shares what he witnessed on the ground, describing a "real determination from some people to make it as dangerous as possible", and outlines the latest developments in the case - as the politicans, police and the victim's family call for calm". Tom and Robert unpack how the economic reality is fuelling anti-immigrant sentiment, discuss why successive Governments have struggled to control immigration, and look at whether opposing parties and their plans to fix the problems have any hope of success.
People in this episode
Hosts: Tom, Robert
Guest: Stewart Robson
Topics covered
- Belfast riots
- asylum system
- anti-immigrant sentiment
- political unrest
- immigration control
Keywords
- Belfast
- riots
- asylum system
- immigration
- politics
- unrest
- anti-immigrant sentiment
Mentioned in this episode
Places: Belfast, Northern Ireland
More episodes of Talking Politics
- Why John Healey's resignation is 'devastating' for Keir Starmer · June 11, 2026 · 20 min
- Henry Nowak murder: 'Incompetence' or 'two-tier policing'? · June 3, 2026 · 35 min
- How embarrassing are new Mandelson files for Labour? · June 1, 2026 · 25 min
- Andy Burnham is in but can he win? · May 18, 2026 · 23 min
- Keir Starmer: Is the coup over? · May 12, 2026 · 19 min
- Can Keir Starmer survive this week as PM? · May 11, 2026 · 33 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Talking Politics podcast page.