Alliance MLA John Blair has said interventions should be carried out to tackle ‘rape myths’ throughout the justice system, including in policing. The Policing Board member said incorrect beliefs about sexual crime impact upon policing, adding the police response to sexual assault reports and incidents should be regularly reviewed and assessed as a result. Mr […]
Removing the proceeds of crime is a powerful tool when it comes to disrupting the activities of organised crime groups, Naomi Long has said. The Alliance Justice Minister was speaking as she begins the process of bringing Northern Ireland into line with legislative provisions elsewhere. Four Northern Ireland codes of practice issued under the Proceeds of […]
The UK Government now needs to apologise for the actions of the Army in the Ballymurphy massacre after a coroner ruled they were ‘entirely innocent of any wrongdoing,’ Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has said. Mrs Long was speaking following the verdict of the fresh inquests into the fatal shootings in West Belfast in August […]
Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has told the Secretary of State the briefing to media about UK Government plans to rule out future prosecutions in Troubles-related cases showed a “callous and cavalier attitude” towards the victims and survivors of the Troubles. Mrs Long made the comments to Brandon Lewis during a meeting today ahead of […]
Alliance Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA has welcomed today’s announcement by Mr Justice McAlinden of his intention to open the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme for applications from 30 June 2021. She said: “I have said from the outset, when I agreed my Department could be designated to administer the scheme, I shared the frustration of […]
Leadership is about action, not merely words, Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has said. Mrs Long was speaking during an Alliance Assembly motion in the wake of several nights of violence across Northern Ireland. The latest saw petrol bombs thrown in Lanark Way, police officers attacked and a bus burnt out. “The images we have […]
Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said that the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is a reminder that no one should receive second class treatment when accessing public services. The South Belfast MLA said: “No one should experience physical harm or discrimination in accessing the public services they require, and this […]
Domestic abuse victims are the collateral damage of “playing political games” with vital legislation, Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has said. Ms Bradshaw was speaking after Justice Minister Naomi Long was forced to postpone the Further Consideration stage of the Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill in the Assembly. It comes after Ms Long, alongside Finance Minister Conor […]
Alliance Party MLAs have come together to say enough is enough on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, as concerns continue to grow on the impact on women throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Kick starting 16 days of activism, MLAs Naomi Long, Paula Bradshaw and Kellie Armstrong have said it is up to […]
Alliance Justice Spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has said there is still work to do to bring the Justice system into the 21st century – as he welcomed the proposed changes within the Committal Reform Bill. Speaking in the Assembly, Mr Dickson commended the work Justice Minister Naomi Long is taking forward, continuing to programme of […]