Transfer test should be abolished instead of turned into single test, says Lyttle

The transfer test should be abolished instead of being turned into a single test, Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said. Mr Lyttle was speaking after a confidential document was revealed which outlined plans for grammars here to run a single test with two papers from November 2023. BBC reports suggest the majority of […]

‘We must deliver better’ says Bradshaw, as Autism Bill progresses

Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has said the Autism Bill has “positive potential”, allowing outdated labels to be stripped away and addressing failings in the system in their place. The Alliance Party’s Health Spokesperson was speaking after the bill progressed to the next stage, adding it was long past time the lack of support and lack […]

Blair welcomes creation of new victims role by Justice Minister

Alliance MLA John Blair has welcomed the creation of a new role by the Justice Minister to support victims of crime. The Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate will carry out a series of tasks, including reviewing the effectiveness of laws and practices around victims, and making recommendations to better improve services to the Department of […]

Education Minister must detail contingency plans for post-primary transfer tests, says Muir

Alliance MLA Andrew Muir is to push the Education Minister to outline contingency plans for post-primary transfer tests, scheduled to take place before Christmas this year. Set to seek clarity at the Assembly today, Mr Muir said that despite calls from within the Minister’s own party for a final date for removal of all restrictions, […]

Blair: We need to restore our damaged eco systems now

Northern Ireland is in urgent need of policies to restore our damaged ecosystems, Alliance Environmental spokesperson John Blair MLA has said. Mr Blair was speaking during an Assembly debate on the UK Government’s Environment Bill, which was designed to bring in legislation and provide environmental governance following changes after Brexit. “Our exit from the EU […]

Blair criticises PSNI after ‘victim-blaming’ rape leaflets distributed again

Alliance Policing Board representative John Blair MLA has criticised the PSNI after it confirmed its officers were responsible for sharing leaflets which linked rape victims to drinking alcohol. Police said the leaflets, which were distributed to students at the Magee Campus of the Ulster University, follows a previous similar incident in Belfast last year. “This […]

We must do all we can to help those relying on system, says Armstrong

Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said she is glad to see her party colleague Stephen Farry MP fight for the retention of the £20 per week COVID uplift to universal credit. Ms Armstrong was speaking after Westminster backed calls for the Government to scrap the plans, adding it would have a serious impact […]

Health Minister should urgently convene summit to ensure surgical services can operate throughout winter, says Bradshaw

The Health Minister must convene a summit with doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to ensure surgical services can operate throughout the winter, as an initial step to tackling growing waiting lists, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said. “Alliance has been concerned about the mixed communications around school and further education re-opening, and […]