Alliance restates position on flag flying at Councils

Party presses DCMS to add Somme anniversary to list of designated days The Alliance Party has restated its position on flag flying at Council buildings, saying the Executive should legislate for the flying of the Union Flag at each Council headquarters on designated days. The Party has also revealed it has written to the Department […]

Long meets Bombardier apprentices in House of Commons

Alliance East Belfast MP Naomi Long attended an apprenticeship reception in the House of Commons that was organised by ADS Group, the aerospace trade association. The event was in recognition of the role of apprentices in the £24bn UK aerospace industry.She met two apprentices, Owen Thompson and Shannon McVeigh, from Bombardier’s factory in East Belfast, […]

Long welcomes announcement of introduction of legislation to ban wild animals in circuses

Alliance East Belfast MP Naomi Long has welcomed the Government’s announcement that it is to introduce legislation that will ban wild animals in circuses. It was in response to an oral question that Naomi tabled in the House of Commons in March 2012, that the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced that […]

Dickson says that there should be no celebrations over Thatcher’s funeral

Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson MLA has said there should not be any public parties to celebrate the death of Baroness Thatcher on Wednesday before, during or after her funeral. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “The family of Baroness Thatcher should be afforded the dignity and decency of being able to hold her funeral service without […]

Kelly: Antrim deserves a high quality hospital

Alliance Councillor Neil Kelly has said the people of Antrim deserve a high quality hospital, after reports emerged suggesting the emergency department at Antrim Area Hospital was ineffective and unsafe. The Antrim Councillor was speaking after a group of senior consultants in Antrim Area Hospital made their concerns known, through a letter to the Northern […]

Long sponsors debate on the Persecution of Christians in Africa and the Middle East

Alliance East Belfast MP Naomi Long will sponsor a debate in Westminster Hall today on the Persecution of Christians in Africa and the Middle East. Naomi Long MP said: “Freedom of religion and freedom of conscience are issues on which I have placed significant emphasis in my time at Westminster and I believe the evidence […]

Dickson says DUP have short memories when calling on others to fully support law and order

Alliance Justice spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has said the DUP have short term memories when calling on other parties to support law and order when a couple of months ago they were highly critical of the PSNI’s handling of flags protests. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “I think the DUP have a short term memory if […]

Dickson condemns continued protests in Londonderry

Alliance Justice spokesperson Stewart Dickson has welcomed the PSNI’s decision to send extra resources to Londonderry on Wednesday, to deal with any violence on the day of Margaret Thatcher’s funeral. Mr Dickson was speaking after trouble flared in the city – especially targeting the mainly Protestant Fountain estate – every night since the former Prime […]

Dickson says Adams can’t speak of reconciliation and a border poll at the same time

Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson MLA has criticised the continued suggestion by Gerry Adams that a border poll should take place. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “Gerry Adams cannot speak of reconciliation while at the same time calling for a border poll. A border poll will not be taking place any time soon, any talk to […]