The party has submitted a recall petition and called on other parties to sign, to ensure the Assembly will be recalled to discuss a motion about the disorder and violence seen in the city. Alliance’s Executive Office spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA condemned the scenes.

“What we saw in Belfast on Saturday was criminal damage carried out with a clear racial motivation. This wanton destruction is rejected by the people of the city, who stand with the victims against thuggery,” she said.

“Such attacks are the result of hate being stirred up on an ongoing basis. As a South Belfast MLA, those carrying out the violence did not represent our area.

“Our political leaders now have to act decisively. The First Minister and deputy First Minister need to reverse the de-prioritisation of good relations work, urgently bring forward the draft Race Relations Order, expedite the development of a renewed Racial Equality Strategy and to recognise the genuine sense of fear and dread now experienced by individuals and families who have made Belfast their home. 

“We also need to see urgent and decisive action to bring those who committed such destruction to justice.

“South Belfast is a proudly diverse constituency and we are proud so many people of all backgrounds and from all corners of the globe have come hee. This diversity is welcome evidence of how we are leaving the dark days of the past behind. We are not going to let those with nothing to offer but hate and bile wreck the progress we have made.

“I would call on all MLAs to sign this recall petition and take the opportunity to speak with one clear voice on behalf of Belfast and everywhere else, saying if you attack one member of our community, regardless of creed or colour, you attack all members of our community.”

The motion reads:

“That this Assembly condemns the criminal damage and targeting of businesses at the weekend; rejects all forms of Islamophobia, xenophobia and racism; endorses the work of voluntary sector organisations combatting racism and supporting those impacted by it; recognises that Police Service of Northern Ireland resources are stretched and could have been much more effectively deployed elsewhere; and calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister, by the end of 2024, to finalise the draft Refugee Integration Strategy and associated Thematic Delivery Plan, to bring forward work on the renewed Race Relations Order and to set out the process of replacing the current, outdated Racial Equality Strategy.”