Blair says violence has achieved nothing except spreading fear and destruction

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 […]

Blair requests police report after statistics show disproportionate stop and search figures

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, […]

Blair requests public Policing Board session take place tomorrow

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 […]

Time for cool heads and calm consideration after Lower Ormeau policing incident, says Blair

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 seeks urgent meeting with Chief Constable over increasing tensions and paramilitary activity

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 […]