Alliance MLAs will host information sessions to outline changes being introduced to minibus licensing which may impact transport for schools and other organisations. Under current rules, drivers with regular car licences can operate minibuses on a not for profit basis for schools, charities and community transport associations. However, new guidance issued by the Department for […]
Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has said other political parties “can and should deliver on promises” after details of political donations were once again unable to be published. The Electoral Commission said it was extremely disappointed it was unable to reveal the details due to the UK Government not having made the necessary legislation. Whilst […]
Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown has welcomed news consultation is to begin on a City Deal for Belfast. The South Belfast Councillor was speaking after the announcement was made during the Chancellor’s budget on Wednesday afternoon. He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Belfast; a city deal would bring investment, employment and – without […]
Alliance Economy spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has said any new money for Northern Ireland must be used to drive transformation rather than pushing difficult decisions down the line. Dr Farry was speaking after Chancellor Philip Hammond allocated an extra £660 million to Northern Ireland in his Budget, as well as a consultation on a city […]
Alliance Councillor Kate Nicholl has said today is “the first day of the future of Zimbabwe” after President Robert Mugabe resigned. The South Belfast Councillor, who spent the first 13 years of her life in the African country, said she was delighted to see the resignation of Mr Mugabe. “Under Robert Mugabe’s 37-year presidency, he […]
Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has said any statute of limitations for soldiers who carried out illegal killings in the Troubles would be an insult to those members of the security forces who served honourably and within the law. Mrs Long was speaking after Sinn Féin alleged, following a meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May, […]
Alliance Economy spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has urged the Department for Infrastructure to approve a second North-South interconnector after it was passed a Planning Appeals Commission report into the project. Dr Farry said it was vital for the security of energy supply and competitive costs. It follows a public inquiry earlier this year. “This is […]
Alliance Brexit spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has welcomed comments made by the EU Chief Negotiator making the case for Northern Ireland to remain in the customs union and Single Market after Brexit. Speaking at the Centre for European Reform conference in London today, Michel Barnier said Northern Ireland already had special rules concerning its relationship […]
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said there is a need for Civil Service Permanent Secretaries to ensure Departments complete full impact assessments to stop the most vulnerable from being targeted by budget cuts in 18/19. It follows a letter from the Assembly All-Party Group on Older People to the Department of Health asking for clarification […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has called on the Director of Public Prosecutions to publish codes of practice relating to the ‘rape clause’, after he appeared to replicate a Department for Work and Pensions Minister’s guidance women reporting rape during benefits claims were unlikely to be prosecuted. The matter arises from the amendment to […]