Lunn expresses shock after launch of murder investigation

Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has said he is shocked after the discovery of a man’s body in North Belfast led to police launching a murder investigation. Two men, aged 26 and 28, have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the discovery in Orient Gardens off the Cliftonville Road. Police have asked anyone in the […]

Farry says Lords Brexit vote encouraging step to avoiding hard border

Alliance Brexit spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has said a House of Lords vote to adopt an amendment to the Brexit Bill requiring the Government to negotiate a fresh customs union with the EU is an encouraging step in avoiding a hard border. Peers voted 348 to 225 in favour of a plan requiring Ministers to […]

Majority of people back extending Sunday opening hours, says Nicholl

Alliance Councillor Kate Nicholl has said the findings of a consultation into Sunday trading hours show the majority of people in Belfast back extending them. Councillor Nicholl was speaking ahead of a meeting of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on Friday at which the results of a public consultation into whether the […]

Second referendum on terms of Brexit deal should be held, says Donnelly

A second referendum should be held on the terms of the UK’s exit from the EU, Alliance West Tyrone Westminster candidate Stephen Donnelly has said. Mr Donnelly said a year out from Brexit, the best way through the process was for the UK to remain within a customs union with the EU and Northern Ireland […]

Ford asks party leaders to join him in call for review on criminal law

Alliance MLA David Ford has written to party leaders asking them to join him in calling for a review of how criminal law operates in light of the recent high-profile rape trial here. Mr Ford said the trial at Belfast Crown Court highlighted a number of issues of concern regarding the application of the law […]

Any suspension of use of mesh in surgery should extend to Northern Ireland, says Bradshaw

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has suggested if a motion seeking the suspension of the use of surgical mesh passes the House of Commons it should be clarified by the UK Government that the suspension will also apply in Northern Ireland. The motion, being brought by Labour MP Emma Hardy tomorrow (Thursday), follows scores […]

Lyttle says proper reform of our teacher training system needed

Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said proper reform of our teacher training system is needed. Mr Lyttle was speaking after the relaunch of the Investing in the Teaching Workforce scheme by the Department of Education. It will see teachers aged over 55 retire early in 2018/19 and be replaced by those who have […]

Bradshaw says removal of arts money disgraceful

Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw has expressed concern at the latest round of cuts to arts funding, as 43 organisations had their funding cut due to budget pressures on the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The cumulative loss to the sector over the past six years now stands at £23 million. “Alliance supports increased […]

McDonough Brown welcomes new Residents’ parking scheme

Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown has welcomed the launch of Northern Ireland’s first Residents’ Parking Scheme, which went live in South Belfast today. A supporter of the scheme, the South Belfast Councillor said it was hopefully the start of move to come, helping local residents park with ease close to their homes. Emmet McDonough Brown […]

Lunn deeply concerned by UK air strikes in Syria

Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has said it is “deeply concerning” the UK authorised air strikes in Syria without Parliamentary approval and lacking any clear strategy for ending the conflict in the country. Mr Lunn was speaking as Prime Minister Theresa May faced questions in Parliament about the action, which saw the UK join the US […]