# The Belfast Pogroms & the People Excusing Them

An episode of [The Trawl](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1634883984), 17 Jun 2026, 37 min.

Audio: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68a837db718453410e2b6f06/e/6a328621a43c1651f445070d/media.mp3

Marina and Jemma have been away for a short break, unfortunately Britain hasn't exactly held itself together while they've been away. In this Trawl, they tackle the racist violence that erupted in Belfast, why calling it a "riot" doesn't come close to describing what happened, and the politicians, pundits and social media moguls helping to fan the flames. They look at the shocking media takes that followed, from attempts to justify the attacks to outright denial of what was unfolding in plain sight. Plus, why are anti-genocide protesters and Palestine Action activists facing tougher consequences than some of the people terrorising families in their homes? There's also a tribute to the late David Hockney, whose life and work brought colour to millions, a roundup of the week's most jaw-dropping commentary, and a healthy serving of underrateds and pudding. It's a heavy one. But some weeks demand it. Get your tickets for The Trawl Live from https://thetrawl.tix.to/tickets Thank you for sharing and please do follow us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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