Reforming the Petition of Concern (POC) mechanism is key to unlocking the potential of devolution, Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has said. Ms Bradshaw said while the mechanism was an important tool in protecting minority rights, in practice it had often been used to block the delivery of rights, while frustrating progress. She added Alliance had […]
Alliance Party Deputy Leader, Stephen Farry MLA, has challenged Sinn Féin to ensure meaningful reform of the Petition of Concern, if they are serious about delivering upon abortion reform and other rights issues. This comes after Sinn Fein adopted a new policy on abortion at their annual Ard Fheis. Stephen Farry said: “Sinn Féin are […]
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said proposals to reform the Petition of Concern mechanism have already been on the table for a year. Alliance proposals to reform the mechanism would see its use restricted to matters of national identity, the legacy of the conflict and the constitutional structure of Northern Ireland, with adjudication of the […]
Paula Bradshaw MLA has said the next step in abortion law reform is the Secretary of State amending the Petition of Concern to enable a future Assembly to decide on the issue. Ms Bradshaw was speaking after this morning’s Supreme Court verdict, which found the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission had no legal standing to […]