Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has called on the Director of Public Prosecutions to publish codes of practice relating to the ‘rape clause’, after he appeared to replicate a Department for Work and Pensions Minister’s guidance women reporting rape during benefits claims were unlikely to be prosecuted. The matter arises from the amendment to […]
Alliance activist Stephen Donnelly has expressed his concern and disappointment over reports Omagh Electoral Office will close its doors for good in December. The local campaigner was speaking after the decision was taken despite a public consultation over the future of two other Northern Ireland district offices still on-going. If the closure goes ahead the […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has urged Translink to install an anti-sectarian poster campaign on its trains and buses. The campaign by Scottish anti-sectarian group Nil by Mouth shows a train map to various local prisons, with a caption stating ‘Use sectarian language on the train and who knows where you’ll end up?’ Mr Dickson responded […]
Alliance Lagan Valley representatives have praised the emergency services for their quick response to the fire at a tower block in Dunmurry this evening. The blaze broke out at Coolmoyne House in Seymour Hill. Flames and smoke are believed to have affected homes on the ninth or tenth floor of the building. Alliance representatives including […]
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has expressed disappointment after Ulster Bank announced it was to close another number of branches. The 11 closures – affecting branches in Killyleagh, Portrush and Ballyclare among others – are scheduled to happen in May and follow nine other closures this past March. The move will see the loss of around […]
Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has challenged the British and Irish Governments to quickly announce the next step in the talks, to prevent further drift in the process. Mrs Long was speaking after the Secretary of State brought legislation for the Northern Ireland Budget to Westminster. It is expected to pass through Parliament by the […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has cautioned extra health money must include an allocation to improve pay in the sector, as figures again showed the cost of living soaring. As UK inflation remained at a five-year high, the South Belfast MLA stated: “The current structure of pay awards in the health sector was based […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said Brexit legislation is rewriting devolution without the input of MLAs. The East Antrim MLA was speaking as MPs began debating the Committee stage of the EU Withdrawal Bill in the House of Commons. He said the current political impasse meant we had no input. “This legislation has the potential […]
Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MLA has said the talks process must become more inclusive, after Sinn Féin claimed the current phase was over. Dr Farry said the process to date had mainly been a “two-party conversation without any impetus” which needed to change if they were to have a chance of success. “It is […]
Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has challenged the DUP and Sinn Fein to re-assess their priorities after it emerged terminally ill patients are being placed on hospice waiting lists as care packages are cut. The South Belfast MLA said: “We have to ask extremely serious questions about what the DUP’s and Sinn Fein’s priorities are […]