Belfast riots: How our broken asylum system continues to fuel unrest

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

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