Latest releases
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3,441 releases
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Blair welcomes ban on wet wipes containing plastics
Alliance environment spokesperson John Blair MLA welcomes DAERA Minister Andrew Muir's plan to introduce a UK-wide ban on plastic-containing wet wipes by the end of 2024, citing an 18-month transition and microplastic harms.
Environment and climate Issue: DAERA plans UK-wide ban on plastic-containing wet wipes Original release: Blair welcomes ban on wet wipes containing plastics (opens in a new tab)
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Five-week Universal Credit wait forcing some to turn to illegal money lenders, says Mulholland, as Alliance launch policy document
Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland says the five‑week delay for a first Universal Credit payment is pushing claimants into illegal money lenders, hunger and mental distress, and unveils the ‘No More Time to Wait’ document proposing wider crisis grants, cheaper advance repayments, a two‑week child tax‑free
Social security and welfare Economy and employment Issue: Universal Credit five‑week first payment wait Original release: Five-week Universal Credit wait forcing some to turn to illegal money lenders, says Mulholland, as Alliance launch policy document (opens in a new tab)
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Conference 2024 - Diane Dodds MLA
DUP Health spokesperson Diane Dodds says the party is preparing a response to the Department of Health's proposed Public Health Legislation over concerns about personal liberties. She also calls for a new approach to waiting lists, including partnerships beyond Northern Ireland, and better…
Health Original release: Conference 2024 - Diane Dodds MLA (opens in a new tab)
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If the Health Minister is opposed to mandatory vaccination why is he consulting on it?
Traditional Unionist Voice says Health Minister Mike Nesbitt should not be consulting on mandatory vaccination after stating he opposes it, and warns the Public Health Bill also grants powers for domestic travel bans, compulsory medical examinations, hospital orders and new offences for headteachers
Health Issue: Department of Health consultation on new Public Health Bill powers Original release: If the Health Minister is opposed to mandatory vaccination why is he consulting on it? (opens in a new tab)
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Racial Equality Indicators demonstrate urgent need for First Minister and deputy First Minister to speed up delivery, says Bradshaw
Alliance's Paula Bradshaw MLA says the latest Racial Equality Indicators show rising racist incidents over the past decade and urges the Stormont First Minister and deputy First Minister to accelerate action on minority ethnic issues. She ties this to ending paramilitary control in communities.
Disability and equality Justice and policing Issue: Racial Equality Indicators publication and Race Relations Panel testimony to Stormont committee Original release: Racial Equality Indicators demonstrate urgent need for First Minister and deputy First Minister to speed up delivery, says Bradshaw (opens in a new tab)
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United Against Racism Counter Demo
People Before Profit urges supporters to join a United Against Racism counter-demonstration on Thursday 19 September at 1.30pm, opposing a planned far-right march at the bottom of Grafton Street in Dublin. It says recent pushback against the far right in Belfast and Dundalk should be repeated in…
Disability and equality Issue: Planned far‑right march on Grafton Street, Dublin Original release: United Against Racism Counter Demo (opens in a new tab)
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Bradshaw submits petition calling for 24/7 access to thrombectomy
Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw submitted a petition to the Assembly Speaker urging the Minister to deliver 24/7 thrombectomy for eligible stroke survivors, highlighting current low access and the need for infrastructure, equipment and training.
Health Disability and equality Issue: Petition for 24/7 thrombectomy service Original release: Bradshaw submits petition calling for 24/7 access to thrombectomy (opens in a new tab)
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Waiting List Crisis Requires New Approach – Dodds
DUP health spokesperson Diane Dodds MLA calls on Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to implement the Bengoa report and press the Treasury for more funding, after a 9.4% rise in people awaiting first consultant-led outpatient appointments. She has tabled an Assembly motion calling for additional…
Health Public finance and taxation Issue: Rise in first consultant-led outpatient waiting lists in NI trusts Original release: Waiting List Crisis Requires New Approach – Dodds (opens in a new tab)
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Launch of strategy to tackle gender-based violence welcome, but it must be backed with action, says Egan.
Alliance MLA Connie Egan welcomes the introduction of the new Strategic Framework and Action Plan to end violence against women and girls, but says it must be matched with concrete action, commitment and funding.
Justice and policing Disability and equality Issue: Launch of Ending Violence against Women and Girls Strategic Framework Original release: Launch of strategy to tackle gender-based violence welcome, but it must be backed with action, says Egan. (opens in a new tab)
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Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy must be properly funded, says McLaughlin
Justice and policing Public finance and taxation Original release: Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy must be properly funded, says McLaughlin (opens in a new tab)
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Translink needs to stand its ground in face of Irish language bullies
TUV deputy leader Ron McDowell says a protest at Belfast's Grand Central was another attempt by Irish language supporters to bully others, and calls on Translink to stand firm rather than accept Irish on buses and bins. He cites 2021 census figures showing 0.3% of people in Northern Ireland have…
Disability and equality Infrastructure and transport Issue: Grand Central Belfast Irish language protest and Translink signage Original release: Translink needs to stand its ground in face of Irish language bullies (opens in a new tab)
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Deputy leader attends NIHRC annual report launch
Green Party Northern Ireland Deputy Leader Lesley Veronica says the party fully supports a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland, calling it a missed Good Friday Agreement promise and a post‑Brexit necessity, and welcomes the NIHRC annual report and recent Windsor Framework court rulings while applaud
Disability and equality Constitutional affairs Issue: NIHRC annual report launch Original release: Deputy leader attends NIHRC annual report launch (opens in a new tab)
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Honesty required over health spending – Chambers
UUP health spokesperson Alan Chambers accuses DUP MLA Phillip Brett of inaccurately claiming an extra £76m was given to tackle waiting lists, saying the money is not additional, comprises £34m from UK Government and £42m from internal Department of Health prioritisation.
Health Public finance and taxation Issue: DUP claim of extra £76m for health waiting lists Original release: Honesty required over health spending – Chambers (opens in a new tab)
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Lockhart Reaffirms Support for WASPI Women at Parliamentary Event
DUP MP Carla Lockhart says she attended a Westminster event with WASPI campaigners and will keep pressing for fair, fast compensation for 1950s-born women affected by State Pension age changes, citing a March 2024 Parliamentary Ombudsman call for an apology and compensation.
Social security and welfare Disability and equality Original release: Lockhart Reaffirms Support for WASPI Women at Parliamentary Event (opens in a new tab)
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We Must Oppose Orwellian Public Health Powers - Brolly
Aontú Deputy Leader Gemma Brolly opposes proposed powers in a Department of Health consultation on a new Public Health Bill, including forced entry to premises, compulsory vaccination and detention in hospital. She calls on the Health Minister to rescind the consultation document immediately.
Health Issue: Department of Health consultation on new Public Health Bill powers Original release: We Must Oppose Orwellian Public Health Powers - Brolly (opens in a new tab)
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Labour’s Cuts to Winter Fuel Payments are Cruel and Unjust
DUP MP Carla Lockhart condemns the Labour Government’s move to reduce Winter Fuel Payments for about 200,000 Northern Ireland pensioners, calling it a cruel attack on the elderly and criticising the lengthy, complex Pension Credit application.
Social security and welfare Public finance and taxation Issue: Winter Fuel Allowance cut Commons vote Original release: Labour’s Cuts to Winter Fuel Payments are Cruel and Unjust (opens in a new tab)
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Robinson – not in our name
The DUP's Gavin Robinson MP calls on the UK Government to reconsider removing the Winter Fuel Allowance from almost 200,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland, saying it would worsen fuel poverty and that the Executive cannot afford to fund a replacement system.
Social security and welfare Public finance and taxation Issue: Winter Fuel Allowance cut Commons vote Original release: Robinson – not in our name (opens in a new tab)
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Sinn Fein MPs will assist Labour in removing winter fuel payments:…
DUP MP Gregory Campbell says Sinn Fein's abstention from taking their Commons seats will effectively help the Labour Government pass its cut to winter fuel payments for pensioners. He used a point of order to confirm the party will not attend ahead of the key vote.
Social security and welfare Public finance and taxation Issue: Winter Fuel Allowance cut Commons vote Original release: Sinn Fein MPs will assist Labour in removing winter fuel payments:… (opens in a new tab)
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Communities Minister's statement on Labour Party's Winter Fuel…
DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons tells the Assembly he is totally opposed to the UK Government's restriction of Winter Fuel Payments, saying it was unexpected, was not in Labour's manifesto and was made without notice to his department. He estimates maintaining universal payments in Northern…
Social security and welfare Public finance and taxation Issue: Winter Fuel Allowance cut Commons vote Original release: Communities Minister's statement on Labour Party's Winter Fuel… (opens in a new tab)
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Dickson welcomes introduction of hate crime legislation by Justice Minister
Alliance Justice Spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA welcomes the Justice Minister's plan to bring in hate crime legislation this mandate, citing recent racially motivated disorder and backing a statutory aggravation model in a forthcoming Sentencing Bill plus victim support in a Victims Bill.
Justice and policing Disability and equality Issue: Justice Minister's written statement on hate crime legislation Original release: Dickson welcomes introduction of hate crime legislation by Justice Minister (opens in a new tab)