Northern Ireland Immigration riots: Assembly votes to condemn rioting - but rejects 'right to protest is a fundamental pillar of democracy that must be protected'

It also called on ministers to finalise the draft refugee integration strategy, bring forward the renewed race relations order, and set out the process of replacing the racial equality strategy.

The DUP proposed an amendment which attempted to add that the assembly “believes the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of any democracy and must be protected”.

However, despite being backed by DUP, UUP and TUV MLAs, it was defeated 43 votes to 28.

DUP MLA Johnny Buckley was one of several from his party who strongly condemned the violence of recent days, but insisted that his constituents find difficulties in accessing public services – in part due to immigration.

He added: “One of the most dangerous aspects of the current debate is the tendency for commentators and politicians to brand anyone who questions uncontrolled immigration and its contributed impact on society as ‘far right’ and racist.

“Members, the mother who has concerns about getting her child a school place is not far right nor racist. The 25-year-old who cannot get housing in his local community is not far right or racist.

“The elderly citizen who is angered that their winter fuel payment has been taken from them, whilst £80 million a day is being spent to house asylum seekers inside hotels is not racist, nor far right.

“To label them as such is a mischaracterisation and stifles the constructive dialogue and alienates a large section of the population who have legitimate concerns about the current Westminster policy.

“I understand I may speak from a different point of view than many members in this chamber, but it is better for me to say it in this place than people outside of this place to express it in a violent way, which is unacceptable.”