Theresa May welcomed by protesters

By Judy Shaw

Theresa May arrived in Belfast today ahead of a major speech on Brexit. 

However, her arrival was not welcomed by all.

Around 100 protesters gathered at the Crescent Arts Centre during her engagements this morning.

Campaigners from the LGBT, Irish Language, Abortion and Historic institutional abuse associations said their rights are being denied by the lack of a functioning Assembly here. 

A wide range of protest groups have gathered in Belfast to welcome Prime Minister @theresa_may and tell her their rights are being denied without an executive, and without the UK government taking action. pic.twitter.com/DYP1KM79Aa

— David Hunter (@davidhunter7) July 20, 2018

A Belfast welcome for @Number10press @theresa_may and @NIOgov Karen Bradley from @SAVIA_NI @Love_EqualityNI @sinnfeinireland #TimeForTruth @dreamdearg @GerryCarrollPBP pic.twitter.com/EXakWwTTHd

— David Hunter (@davidhunter7) July 20, 2018

One abuse survivor hopes that the Prime Minister will acknowledge their protests and remember the commitment she made to help:

Sinn Fein had a number of representatives at the protest, including Senator Niall O Donnghaile, who said: "There's a broad range of groups here and that represents the broad range of issues outstanding in our society, and the broad range of commitments made by the British government that still remain unfulfilled.

"That ranges from an Irish Language Act, legacy issues, women's reproductive health, marriage equality, they're all represented here.

"We hope Theresa May gets the message when she's here that everything isn't rosy in the garden, and this isn't some kind of DUP, Brexit fantasy land."

MLA Gerry Carrol says the Conservatives aren't welcome here:

The Prime Minister went on to deliver a speech at the Waterfront Hall focusing on how her vision of Brexit, outlined in last week's Government white paper, will impact Northern Ireland and the border. Ms May says a previous backstop arrangement won't be acceptable as it would pose a risk to place a border through the union. 

The speech comes at a challenging time for the Government as Tory MP's have criticized plans for leaving the EU. 

Theresa May condemns recent violence in Belfast and the North West referring to ‘Derry- Londonderry’ saying it’s not representative of people here. As she speaks protestors stand outside (Slightly out of my & camera’s views) pic.twitter.com/JPoPWLpG1Q

— David Hunter (@davidhunter7) July 20, 2018

.@theresa_may rules out stepping in to resolve issues in Northern Ireland, again saying its for @sinnfeinireland & @duponline to form an executive with other parties. pic.twitter.com/spfxE1eBcj

— David Hunter (@davidhunter7) July 20, 2018