Alliance MLA John Blair has said slavery is a global and local problem which must be eradicated completely, ahead of Anti-Slavery Day 2020. Highlighting a recent UN report which outlined the extent of modern day slavery, Mr Blair said it was no longer acceptable to sit back and do nothing, whilst an estimated 29 million […]
The First Minister and Deputy First Minister need to avoid any further delay in issuing an apology to the victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse, Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has said. South Belfast MLA Ms Bradshaw said while First Minister Arlene Foster had stated last week the Executive Office was close to appointing a […]
Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MP has welcomed a High Court judgement saying the Executive Office is acting unlawfully by delaying the introduction of a pension for victims of the Troubles, but added the issue should never have had to go to court. Dr Farry was speaking after Mr Justice McAlinden made the ruling on […]
Alliance Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced £100,000 funding for voluntary search and rescue groups in Northern Ireland. The voluntary search and rescue groups deliver assistance to the emergency services and directly to the community. They provide lifesaving search and rescue on inland waterways, mountains and caves. They also provide a specialist search dog facility […]
Alliance Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation for a proposed Adult Restorative Justice Strategy. The consultation will consider the development of a strategic approach to restorative practices at all stages of the criminal justice system, from early intervention in the community, formal diversion by statutory agencies, court-ordered disposals, custody and reintegration. Naomi Long […]
Alliance Justice Minister Naomi Long has signalled her intent to commence powers including unexplained wealth orders, account freezing and forfeiture powers for law enforcement agencies, bringing Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK. In a written statement to the Assembly, the Justice Minister informed MLAs she will be writing to the Home […]
Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has welcomed a review into the support available to prison officers, launched by the Justice Minister. Naomi Long said the review will examine if more can be done to address the issues faced by prison officers. East Belfast MLA Mr Lyttle said he had been working closely with prison officers for […]
Alliance Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA today announced the removal of the same household rule contained within the Northern Ireland Criminal injuries Compensation Scheme 2009. This change in legislation allows access to the scheme for victims of abuse and violent crime who were previously prevented from applying for criminal injuries compensation because of the long-standing rule. […]
A police operation in Derry/Londonderry has undoubtedly saved lives, Alliance Justice Minister Naomi Long has said. Speaking after the PSNI confirmed they had recovered a bomb, handgun and ammunition following an extensive search she added: “Those intent on bringing Northern Ireland back to the dark days of violence have absolutely nothing to offer our community. […]
Alliance Justice Minister Naomi Long has described those behind a viable device on the Upper Lisburn Road as “beyond reckless”. The PSNI confirmed the recovery of a viable device on the footpath on Friday night. Naomi Long said: “To leave an explosive device on a public footpath like this is beyond reckless. Those responsible have […]