It is in the interests of the entire UK for the Prime Minister to “cut the bravado” and keep negotiating with the EU, Alliance MP Stephen Farry has said. The North Down MP was speaking after the UK Government said talks with the EU over a post-Brexit trade deal were over. Earlier, Boris Johnson said […]
Businesses in Northern Ireland need certainty in an uncertain time, Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said. The East Antrim MLA was speaking after the Assembly backed an Alliance amendment to a motion on the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, calling on the UK Government and EU to work constructively within the context of the Northern Ireland Protocol […]
Alliance Finance spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has called on the Economy Minister to urgently support businesses and workers during the second wave of COVID-19, to avoid a “cut-price lockdown” which would leave many excluded from the necessary assistance required to support livelihoods. Speaking in the Assembly this afternoon, Mr Muir asked the Minister whether she […]
Alliance Finance Spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has said the Economy Minister must provide a detailed strategy on how businesses will be supported through an expected turbulent winter period. Speaking during an Assembly debate on Tuesday, Mr Muir said the strategy published to date “doesn’t cut the mustard”, adding that businesses were now in need of […]
The Executive should be given the necessary financial support and flexibilities to enable to adequately respond to any increased public restrictions, Alliance MLAs have said. Andrew Muir MLA and Stewart Dickson MLA were speaking after asking Finance Minister Conor Murphy and Economy Minister Diane Dodds about the matter. While the Executive has not decided on […]
A number of gaps remain following the Chancellor’s announcement around the UK Government’s pandemic economy plan, Alliance MP Stephen Farry has said. Dr Farry was speaking after Rishi Sunak said a Jobs Support Scheme would replace the furlough scheme, meaning workers would get three-quarters of their regular salaries for six months. The North Down MP, […]
The Alliance Party has stepped up its campaign to urge the Economy Minister to take action for businesses and workers who currently don’t qualify for financial aid as the impact of Covid-19 continues. Stewart Dickson MLA and Andrew Muir MLA raised the issue in the Assembly today, following a special meeting with the Minister last […]
Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said the pandemic could kill off the arts in Northern Ireland unless a multi-million-pound rescue package is released. The £33 million for theatres, arts, music venues and museums was given to the Executive during the summer. However, the money has still to be released. Strangford MLA Ms Armstrong […]
Alliance Economy spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has described as “disappointing” a meeting with the Economy Minister regarding traders excluded from her grant schemes, but said he hopes progress will still be made in achieving parity for them. Mr Dickson was speaking after meeting with Diane Dodds, alongside members of the Excluded NI group. The organisation […]
Alliance Councillor Sorcha Eastwood has said a youth employment scheme is urgently needed in Northern Ireland, after young people across the rest of Great Britain start benefiting from similar schemes today. The Kickstart Scheme was announced by the Chancellor on July 8, allowing young people a chance at gaining work and experience, while young people […]