Summary

  • The Northern Ireland Assembly has been recalled from its summer recess following violent disorder in Northern Ireland

  • Ahead of the recall, the executive met at Stormont Castle

  • Violence first erupted in Belfast on Saturday night, after an anti-immigration protest at the city hall in the afternoon

  • Chief Constable Jon Boutcher briefed ministers and says the PSNI will deal with this disorder

  • MLAs backed a motion condemning the recent disorder and rejecting “all forms of racism” in Northern Ireland

Live Reporting

Edited by Amy Stewart

  1. Why is the Assembly being recalled?

    A row of police Land Rovers block Donegall Rd in Belfast while a bin sits on fire in front of itPA Media

    The Alliance Party issued a proposal for the Assembly to be recalled earlier this week, which was backed by Sinn Féin, the SDLP and independent unionist Claire Sugden.

    It is to discuss violence and disorder on the streets of Belfast.

    The assembly is to reconvene on Thursday to debate a motion condemning the criminal damage affecting businesses and rejecting “all forms of Islamophobia, xenophobia and racism”.

    It recognises the work of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and other public sector bodies in “protecting our communities during the recent unrest”.

    The motion also calls for action from First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, such as bringing forward a draft Refugee Integration Strategy to the Northern Ireland Executive.

    The recall was confirmed in a letter to members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) from the Speaker, the DUP's Edwin Poots.

  2. NI Executive ministers news conference

    Good morning.

    A news conference following the meeting of Northern Ireland Executive, after the recent violence that has erupted in Belfast is due to take place shortly.

    Click the play button at the top of the page to watch.

    At midday, when the Assembly is recalled to discuss the recent violence in Belfast, we'll be streaming it and bringing you text updates from the chamber.