Belfast disorder: Police Scotland sends 80 officers

Justice Minister Naomi Long is actively working to secure funding for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) as it brings in reinforcements from Scotland. The PSNI has received 80 officers, falling short of the 120 requested, to assist with ongoing duties, particularly in light of recent unrest in Londonderry involving nationalist youths. Long expressed her full support for the PSNI's request for additional help, emphasizing the importance of providing relief to local officers. In her statement, Long acknowledged the financial implications of this reinforcement, noting that the PSNI's budget will be impacted by the additional personnel. She confirmed that the chief constable had coordinated with the National Police Co-ordination Centre (NPCC) to secure the officers, and she is in discussions with finance officials and the UK Government to ensure sustainable funding for current and future operations. Long highlighted the pressing need for increased resources within the PSNI and the broader justice system, vowing to collaborate with the chief constable and other partners to navigate the challenging financial landscape. She, along with her Executive colleagues, is committed to advocating for sustainable funding from the UK government and the Treasury to support public services in Northern Ireland. The officers from Scotland are expected to be deployed for approximately one week, as the PSNI continues to address the ongoing challenges it faces in maintaining public safety and order.