Watched by members of ethnic minority groups, MLAs condemned the violence and backed the motion, which also called on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to bring forward work such as the Race Relations Order and Racial Equality Strategy.

“There is no place in our community for hate – for the xenophobia, racism or Islamophobia we have seen recently. My thoughts are with all those impacted by this targeted violence and intimidation. We stand with them,” said Mrs Long.

“What we’re currently witnessing is a form of radicalisation of people online through disinformation and outright lies, propagated by far right and white supremacist elements. While people have a right to an opinion when it comes to immigration, it needs to be an informed opinion.

“There have been suggestions from some this violence is a result of people with genuine concerns about immigration and they were seeking to legitimately protest. These demonstrations were never intended to legitimate or lawful – they intended to intimidate and threaten. They were hate marches.

“I want to speak directly to those people who are genuinely confused, frightened, or even angry about immigration. Your anger is misdirected. The cause of hardship is lack of investment by the last Government in public services and housing. You are being manipulated by far-right groups and social media fakery.  

“As political leaders, it is our role to counter, not to amplify, division and disinformation. If someone has a genuine concern, they should raise it with us as MLAs. There is no excuse ever for taking to the streets to intimidate others and create havoc in the community.

“If people continue to be ‘othered’ because of the colour of their skin, their religion or ethnicity, then that is racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia. That is cannot ever be legitimate and we need to work collectively to combat it.”