Dickson highlights work by Justice Minister on Human Trafficking Bill

Alliance Justice spokesperson, Stewart Dickson MLA, has highlighted the work that David Ford has carried out with Lord Morrow to improve the Human Trafficking Bill. He was speaking at the Final Stage of the Bill on Tuesday. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “Although robust debate has taken place regarding one particular Clause, throughout the legislative process […]

Farry comments on conscience clause

Alliance MLA Stephen Farry, has warned that a general conscience clause would undermine current equality legislation. He was speaking after DUP MLA Paul Givan launched a consultation on a conscience clause. Stephen Farry MLA: “Equality legislation is already balanced. It contains provision for exemptions in which discrimination can be defended on the basis of ‘genuine […]

Lyttle: Departments must abide by Assembly decision on tackling cost of division

Alliance OFMDFM spokesperson, Chris Lyttle MLA, has welcomed the Assembly passing the Alliance motion on tackling the cost of division. He has said that every Executive Department must abide by the decision of the Assembly. Motion: Cost of Division ‘That this Assembly notes with concern the financial and economic impact of continued division in Northern […]

McAllister calls for Belfast Council decisions to be shared future proofed

Alliance Belfast Councillor Nuala McAllister will propose a motion at a meeting of the Shadow Council on Monday night that calls for all major Council decisions to be ‘shared-future’ proofed in order to assess their impact on sharing from different sections of the community and to ensure that there is no unnecessary duplication of services. […]

Ford says talks are an opportunity to change the future of Northern Ireland

Speaking ahead of this week’s intensified round of all-party talks, Alliance Leader David Ford MLA said: “This week of the talks presents an opportunity to deliver radical change that can reshape the future of Northern Ireland for the better. “We can provide truth, justice and services for victims; lance the boil of contentious parades; deal […]

Lyttle: Executive budgets must tackle cost of division

Alliance OFMDFM spokesperson, Chris Lyttle MLA, will propose an Assembly motion on Monday that will call on every Executive Department to take action to tackle the cost of maintaining a divided society and to audit their policies and spending plans for their impact on a shared future. Motion: Cost of Division ‘That this Assembly notes […]

Naomi Long outlining why she is backing the International Development Bill

The inspirational Anne Frank is quoted in her famous diary as stating ‘No-one has ever become poor from giving’. It is precisely that recognition that helped me decide to back the vital International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Bill, which is due to receive its third reading in the House of Commons on Friday. It […]

Cochrane encourages people to support local traders on Small Business Saturday

Alliance Chair of the Assembly Group on SMEs, Judith Cochrane, has encouraged shoppers to support their local traders on Small Business Saturday which takes place on Saturday 6th December. This will be the second time that the initiative has taken place in Northern Ireland Judith Cochrane MLA said: “After the tremendous success of the first […]

Lyttle congratulates new Commissioner for Children and Young People

Alliance Chair of the Assembly Group on Children and Young People, Chris Lyttle MLA, has congratulated Koulla Yiasouma on her appointment as the next Commissioner for Children and Young People. She will take up her position in January when the current Commissioner, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, steps down. Chris Lyttle MLA said: “I would like to congratulate […]