Domestic abuse victims are the collateral damage of “playing political games” with vital legislation, Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has said. Ms Bradshaw was speaking after Justice Minister Naomi Long was forced to postpone the Further Consideration stage of the Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill in the Assembly. It comes after Ms Long, alongside Finance Minister Conor […]
With future relationship talks between the UK and EU at a critical final stage, Alliance Party Deputy Leader and Brexit Spokesperson, Stephen Farry MP, has criticised Boris Johnson and the UK Government for failing to grasp the realities of its choices on Brexit. Dr Farry also stressed that Alliance would continue to oppose the insertion […]
Alliance Group Leader Alderman Amanda Grehan has said the suspension of the light shows in Lisburn city centre was inevitable. Alderman Grehan said: “Everyone loves to see a city centre busy in the run up to Christmas, and having a Christmas light show can cheer everyone up. However, Christmas 2020 is very different and we […]
There is no place for so-called punishment shootings in our society, Alliance West Belfast representative Donnamarie Higgins has said, after a man in his 30s was shot in both legs. The attack, which was reported yesterday (Thursday) around 8:10pm, took place in Downfine Walk in Turf Lodge. Ms Higgins said guns should not be on […]
Alliance Finance spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has called for legislation on gift cards to be introduced in Northern Ireland to protect consumers, after it emerged Topshop, part of the Arcadia group, has introduced new rules restricting the use of vouchers for shoppers, having gone into administration. The Arcadia group of shops, which includes Topshop, Dorothy […]
Changes to the special educational needs (SEN) statementing process designed to ensure no child is left more than 34 weeks for an assessment is welcome but more need done, Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said. The Chair of the Assembly Education Committee was speaking after Department of Education officials told the Committee this […]
Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has said he is alarmed, after it emerged significant safety issues exist at nine reservoirs in Northern Ireland, which are not expected to be dealt with until January 2022 at the earliest. There are 179 reservoirs in Northern Ireland with an estimated 83,000 people living and working in nearby […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said it is “wonderful news” after the UK approved a COVID-19 vaccine for widespread use. Health Minister Robin Swann said the first vaccinations using the Pfizer/BioNTech jab which offers up to 95 per cent protection against the virus, could begin as soon as next week. “The news a […]
The Department of Infrastructure needs to get serious when it comes to delivering its sustainable travel goals, Alliance Councillor Eric Hanvey has said. The representative for South Belfast highlighted his disappointment in the attitude of the department to the issue, saying it was unacceptable that some officials merely paid lip service to the strategy. Speaking […]
Dear Brandon, We last wrote on 22 November ‘calling on you, and the British government, to act in the public interest and hold a Public Inquiry into the 1989 killing of Pat Finucane.’ 31 years after the murder, and 20 years after the Weston Park commitments, your decision yesterday not to order a public inquiry […]