Still no solution for Northern Ireland from Prime Minister, says Farry

Alliance Brexit spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has said the Prime Minister’s Brexit statement “does little” to address the many contradictions in the UK’s Brexit position. Dr Farry was speaking after Theresa May set out what she called “the hard facts” about Brexit and pledged to “bring the country together”. “I acknowledge the Prime Minister has […]

Dickson calls for different approach on Assembly election anniversary

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said there is a need for a different approach to restoring devolution, one year on from the Assembly election. On March 2, 2017, voters went to the polls, with Alliance increasing its vote by 50 per cent – the party’s highest number of votes since 1979. It ensured the party […]

Douglas leads way in empowering more women to enter public life

Ards and North Down Council is to assess how it can effectively involve more women in politics, thanks to Alliance Councillor Karen Douglas. The Councillor for Bangor Central has successfully secured a cross-party panel debate aimed at securing better involvement of women in public life across the Borough. She said: “With International Women’s Day coming […]

Bradshaw says political leaders should be shocked by waiting times report

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said political leaders should be shocked by a new report which shows none of the Department of Health targets for waiting times are currently being met. Ms Bradshaw said the report, by the Patient Client Council and entitled Our Lived Experience of Waiting for Healthcare, showed the need […]

Ford calls for wider undercover policing inquiry

Alliance MLA David Ford has called for the inquiry into undercover policing in England and Wales to also cover activities in Northern Ireland and Scotland. The inquiry is investigating the activity of undercover officers, their conduct and impact of their activities. The Scottish Government has now called for it to be extended there. “When I […]

Time to bring forward new sexual health strategy for our most deprived young people, says Bradshaw

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has called on the Public Health Agency to not waste any more time in bringing forward a new sexual health strategy for Northern Ireland. The South Belfast MLA was speaking after the Department of Health published the Health Inequalities Annual Report 2018, which presents an analysis of health inequality […]

Armstrong launches major neonatal report

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has launched a major joint report looking at neonatal services in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Baby Report 2018, by the Bliss and TinyLife organisations, was launched at a Stormont event today sponsored by Ms Armstrong. It came as Ms Armstrong submitted an Assembly motion calling for extended maternity and paternity […]

Entire UK remaining in a Customs Union avoids stark choices, says Farry

Alliance Brexit spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has refreshed calls for the UK as a whole to remain with a Customs Union with the EU. It came in the aftermath of the publication of the draft EU Withdrawal Treaty with the UK, which essentially gives insurance guarantees around protecting the Good Friday Agreement and avoiding a […]

McDonough-Brown welcomes Belfast Bikes extension

Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough-Brown has welcomed the extension of the Belfast Bikes scheme, with extra locations announced in the Ormeau area. The Alliance team has consistently backed the scheme and last year refused to back plans to cut the scheme’s first free 30 minutes to 15. Councillor Emmet McDonough-Brown said: “The success of this scheme […]

Bradshaw backs new District Nursing Framework

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has endorsed a new District Nursing Framework which will see nursing care available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The South Belfast MLA said she warmly welcomed the Northern Ireland launch of the Nursing Now campaign, which is designed to ensure everyone has access to nursing care […]