SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole has said that the Assembly must come together and reject the violent scenes on the streets of Belfast at the weekend.

He was speaking after the SDLP backed a petition to recall the Assembly.

South Belfast MLA Mr O’Toole said:

“My party feels that it’s important that we take an opportunity this week to come together and condemn the horrific scenes we witnessed on the streets of Belfast at the weekend. For many who call this place home the last few days have been incredibly disheartening, with far-right protestors causing havoc, in stark contrast to the wishes of the local community. South Belfast is proud of our diversity, we are a shared community where people want to live together peacefully.

“Let me be clear – there can be no room to equivocate around this issue. What we are dealing with is thugs intent on spreading fear and misinformation and attacking vulnerable people. Their hateful message will never win and that must be spoken with one voice during the Assembly recall this week. Any attempt to excuse or diminish what we saw over the past few days must be fully rejected and no quarter given to those behind this disorder.

“This recall will also be an opportunity to seek assurances that everything is being done to bring those responsible for these attacks to account. We will challenge the Executive on its work to support the communities impacted and to ensure we have the policing resources to prevent a repeat of Saturday. This cannot be allowed to continue.

“The message coming out of this recall has to be firm, that we stand with those targeted and that the people who carried out these vicious attacks and seek to sow division are the ones who are not welcome here. This is a time for leadership, not for pandering to extreme and harmful elements. We all have to do our part to stand up against this hate and racism and the SDLP won’t be found wanting on that.”