Three people have been arrested after widespread disorder in Belfast last night after a knife attack in which victim Stephen Ogilvie lost an eye.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis told the Commons: "I would like to pay tribute to the police and the other emergency services for their work last night."
"Faced with an extraordinarily challenging situation, they responded with great courage and they are owed our thanks.
"Our message to those responsible for last night’s disorder is altogether different. To them, we say this, 'you will be caught, and you will face the consequences of your actions'."
He continued: "As of this morning, there have been three arrests, but more will surely follow. To those considering joining further disorder, my message is clear, do not do it. You will be held accountable for your actions. You will feel the full face of the law."
The security minister said there was "no excuse for the disgraceful scenes of violence and disorder that occurred in Northern Ireland last night" describing alleged attacks against ethnic minority people as "sickening".
He said: "The attack on Monday evening has understandably caused anger and profound concern. However, there is a line between concern and disorder, and we must never allow it to be crossed.
"So, let me be absolutely clear, there is no excuse for the disgraceful scenes of violence and disorder that occurred in Northern Ireland last night."
Three people have now been arrested over Belfast protests
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Dan Jarvis confirmed three people have been arrested
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Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has said there are questions "for the authorities in Ireland" in relation to the Sudanese man alleged to have committed the knife attack in Belfast on Monday.
The PSNI has said Hadi Alodid entered Northern Ireland across the Irish border in February 2023 having flown to Dublin from Paris.
He claimed asylum upon arrival and in September 2023 was granted leave to remain in the UK until 2028.
Mr Benn told reporters at PSNI HQ: "I called Minister (Helen) McEntee last night because I was keen to brief her on what had happened, given what we now know about how the suspect arrived in Northern Ireland.
"Obviously there are questions for us, some of which have been asked today and there will be questions too to the authorities in Ireland about what they know about the individual, because all of that may contribute to the investigation process that is rightly continuing, being led by the chief constable."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS FROM BELFAST
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn (left) and Chief Constable Jon Boutcher
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Sinn Féin Lord Mayor of Belfast Róis-Máire Donnelly has said police have warned her "threats have been made against my life" following the stabbing attack in the city, adding: "These threats will not deter me from fulfilling my role".
All Translink bus departures will stop at 5pm and there will be no train services departing after 6pm because of expected protests, the Northern Ireland public transport operator said.
Meanwhile, worshippers at Glasgow’s largest mosque were locked in as tensions flared following a stabbing in Northern Ireland, with police saying people were "attacked because of the colour of their skin".
Three men, one aged 31 and the others aged 18, were arrested on Wednesday in Glasgow following the unrest, in which three members of the public and two police officers were hurt, Police Scotland said.
Burned out cars and houses on Lendrick Street in east Belfast
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Police Scotland said officers also attended "disruptive but peaceful" demonstrations in Edinburgh, Falkirk, Perth, Ayr and Paisley, and no arrests were made.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said: "Our priority is public safety and last night we had a conventional police response to demonstrations across the country.
"We understand the concerns people have about their communities and will always balance the right to freedom of expression with the need to tackle crime without fear or favour.
"Officers responded to disorder and violence, including incidents in Glasgow where members of the public were attacked because of the colour of their skin. Officers were also attacked.
"I would strongly condemn that offending and send a clear message that there is no place for racism and violence in Scotland."
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