Last week reminded us all what is at stake when we allow the dehumanisation of our fellow citizens. On Tuesday, when the news and visual imagery of a vicious assault emerged, the immediate and quite unique response felt disproportionate to the one-on-one attack. When a statement from Keir Starmer comes out about a stabbing in North Belfast you can be certain that there is something bigger afoot than concern for a North Belfast man’s welfare. It was however an indication of the seriousness with which the Executive and the PSNI, viewed the inevitably violent response.
