Alliance Policing Board member John Blair MLA has congratulated new PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne, as he takes up the role. He will succeed George Hamilton as the PSNI’s fifth chief constable. South Antrim MLA Mr Blair said he would face many tests in the position. “I congratulate Simon Byrne and wish him every success […]
Alliance Policing Board member John Blair MLA has said the erection of banners in support of ‘Soldier F’ is creating a chill factor in many areas. Mr Blair was speaking after a meeting between an Alliance delegation and senior PSNI officers. It follows the display of a number of such banners across Northern Ireland. “Alliance […]
Alliance Policing Board member John Blair MLA has said there needs to be an urgent investigation into police handling of the arrests of two journalists over the suspected theft of confidential files. Mr Blair, who was speaking after attending a meeting of the Policing Board in which outgoing Chief Constable George Hamilton was questioned on […]
South Antrim Alliance MLA John Blair has condemned an attack on a Catholic Church in Ballyclare, which police are treating as a hate crime. He said: “Discovered on Easter Sunday, this was a despicable attack set to cause pain and distress. “Everyone has the right to feel safe in their place of worship. The community […]
Alliance Policing Board member John Blair MLA has said there remains an onus on all of us to help tackle intolerance, after questioning the PSNI on hate crimes against Muslims. Mr Blair’s question at today’s meeting of the Policing Board comes after recent figures showed there have been at least 320 hate crimes against people […]
Alliance South Antrim MLA John Blair has reiterated his call for an independent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after new figures revealed the extent of the pollution problems of a local river. Following a request from Mr Blair, the Northern Ireland Environmental Agency stated since records began in 2012, there have been 676 reported incidents of […]
Alliance Environmental spokesperson John Blair MLA has paid tribute to campaigners opposed to the expansion of pig farms in Newtownabbey after an application to build more was deferred by the local Council. Mr Blair spoke against the proposed pig farm at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on Monday night. He has consistently […]
Alliance Policing Board member John Blair MLA has questioned whether Sinn Féin can remain on the interview panel to appoint a new Chief Constable after Mary-Lou McDonald said she didn’t believe George Hamilton’s replacement should come from within the current PSNI leadership. The Sinn Féin president said she didn’t have confidence in the current leadership […]
Alliance MLA John Blair has welcomed confirmation the Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary is willing to attend a meeting of the Policing Board to answer questions around the arrest of two journalists in relation to alleged theft of documents from the Police Ombudsman’s Office. Following a question at today’s Policing Board meeting from Mr Blair, […]
Alliance MLA John Blair has said a functioning Policing Board is crucial in giving the community confidence in the PSNI. Mr Blair, the party’s new Policing Board representative, was speaking after the first meeting of the newly reconstituted Board, its first meeting in two years. “The key to community confidence in the PSNI is accountability […]