Alliance Policing Board representative John Blair MLA has condemned those who planted a viable device at the home of a police officer near Dungiven. The device was discovered on Monday (April 19), with the Ballyquin Road remaining closed as police examine the scene. “My thoughts are with the officer, her colleagues and her loved ones. […]
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 MLA John Blair has said the violence of this week has achieved nothing except spreading fear and destruction in communities. Petrol bombs were thrown at police and vehicles hijacked and set alight during rioting in Newtownabbey last night (Saturday), which followed previous nights of violence in South Belfast and Derry-Londonderry. Police have said last […]
Alliance Policing Board member John Blair MLA has requested a report from police after figures suggested a disproportionate number of people from black, Asian and minority ethnic minority backgrounds had been stopped and searched by the PSNI. Recently compiled statistics showed 25,021 people were subject to stop and search by PSNI in the past year, […]
Alliance Policing Board member John Blair MLA has requested the Board hold a public meeting tomorrow afternoon, following the cancellation of a scheduled session. The Policing Board was originally due to meet in public, alongside a private meeting, with Chief Constable Simon Byrne expected to answer questions relating to the Bobby Storey funeral. However, the […]
It is time for cool heads and calm consideration, Alliance Policing Board representative John Blair MLA has said, following the incident at the anniversary of the Sean Graham’s bookies’ killings. During a matter of the day at the Assembly today (Monday), Mr Blair said accountable and representative policing was vital, adding it was time to […]
Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has said the PSNI must communicate the facts swiftly, relating to an incident on the Lower Ormeau Road earlier today. The South Belfast MLA stated: “Clearly this is a hugely difficult day for local people in the area and that needs to be fully recognised. Five families were bereaved on a […]
Alliance has sought an urgent meeting with the PSNI Chief Constable to discuss increasing tensions and paramilitary activity in recent weeks. The party has already expressed serious concern about the ramping up of tensions across Northern Ireland, and the prevalence of paramilitary-style attacks, shootings and activity over recent months. Alliance and a number of other […]
Alliance Policing Board member John Blair MLA has condemned those behind an attack on the PSNI which saw 26 officers injured. The attack took place while police protected contractors removing bonfire material in Distillery Street in West Belfast. Petrol bombs and other missiles were thrown. “This sort of behaviour is utterly unacceptable and I condemn […]
A full report on the PSNI response to a protest outside Belfast City Hall compared to Black Lives Matter protests last week needs to be given, Alliance Policing Board member John Blair MLA has said. Several hundred people gathered outside City Hall yesterday (Saturday) to participate in a ‘protect our statues’ protest. Following the event, […]