Closest matches to “Past time active loyalist paramilitary groups treated same as dissident republicans, says Eastwood”
From other parties, ranked by how close their text is in meaning. Close in meaning is not the same as agreeing. Include Alliance · Back to the release
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Loyalist paramilitary groups should disband now – Kelly
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly calls on loyalist paramilitary groups to disband now after threats issued to Irish government ministers under the Loyalist Communities Council, which he describes as outrageous and dangerous.
Justice and policing Issue: Loyalist Communities Council threats to Irish government ministers Original release: Loyalist paramilitary groups should disband now – Kelly (opens in a new tab)
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Loyalist paramilitary threats to council facilities must be unequivocally opposed – Brennan
Sinn Féin councillor Natasha Brennan calls on political leaders to jointly oppose threats made by loyalist paramilitaries against Belfast City Council facilities, saying such groups offer only fear and division and should disband.
Justice and policing Local government Issue: Loyalist paramilitary threats to Belfast City Council facilities Original release: Loyalist paramilitary threats to council facilities must be unequivocally opposed – Brennan (opens in a new tab)
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Eastwood: Disrupt and dismantle paramilitaries
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP responds to the raising of the terrorism threat level in the North due to rising dissident republican activity, saying such groups have been defeated politically and must disband. He calls for public support for PSNI efforts to disrupt and dismantle paramilitary groups.
Justice and policing Issue: Raised national threat level following attempted murder of police officer John Caldwell Original release: Eastwood: Disrupt and dismantle paramilitaries (opens in a new tab)
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Gaston Shows Support for Veterans
TUV North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston says he met supporters of Soldier F at Laganside Court and claims unionists and UK veterans see double standards in how terrorists and ex-servicemen are treated. He points to a former serviceman facing court and IRA members receiving letters of comfort and Royal…
Community relations and legacy Justice and policing Issue: Soldier F Bloody Sunday murder trial begins in Belfast Original release: Gaston Shows Support for Veterans (opens in a new tab)
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30 years of Loyalist ceasefires is enough. Time for disbandment – Nesbitt
UUP MLA Mike Nesbitt, also a Policing Board member, calls for loyalist paramilitary groups to fully disband and disarm by October 2024, the 30th anniversary of their 1994 ceasefires. He says the groups should be held to that deadline, and that tackling deprivation and criminality needs wider…
Justice and policing Community relations and legacy Issue: 30th anniversary of loyalist paramilitary ceasefires call for disbandment Original release: 30 years of Loyalist ceasefires is enough. Time for disbandment – Nesbitt (opens in a new tab)
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Hanna calls on Government to tackle paramilitaries following disorder
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP urges the UK Government to tackle paramilitarism after racist disorder, citing loyalist groups' role and calling for a full review of funding to paramilitary-linked groups and enhanced organised crime action.
Justice and policing Community relations and legacy Issue: Racist disorder in Northern Ireland and paramilitary involvement Original release: Hanna calls on Government to tackle paramilitaries following disorder (opens in a new tab)
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Hanna: Time has passed for engagement with paramilitaries
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP says the time for government engagement with paramilitaries has passed, responding to Hilary Benn's confirmation of planned engagement with groups to encourage disbandment. She calls for delegitimising the groups, investing in policing and neighbourhood policing, and…
Justice and policing Community relations and legacy Issue: UK and Irish governments engagement with paramilitary groups on disbandment Original release: Hanna: Time has passed for engagement with paramilitaries (opens in a new tab)
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Why are Loyalist Paramilitaries, armouries intact, are allowed exist at all? – Herdman
Aontú West Belfast Rep Gerard Herdman calls for a public inquiry into why loyalist paramilitaries are being tolerated, questioning whether this reflects incompetence or deliberate policy. He also urges all parties, especially the DUP, to condemn threats from the Loyalist Communities Council and…
Justice and policing Community relations and legacy Original release: Why are Loyalist Paramilitaries, armouries intact, are allowed exist at all? – Herdman (opens in a new tab)
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Time for armed paramilitary gangs to get off the backs of the community – Kelly
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly urges armed loyalist and republican groups to halt their attacks, following the raised threat level and recent petrol bomb attacks and intimidation in East Belfast, Bangor and Newtownards.
Justice and policing Issue: Raised national threat level following attempted murder of police officer John Caldwell Original release: Time for armed paramilitary gangs to get off the backs of the community – Kelly (opens in a new tab)
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Paramilitary gangs must not be allowed to linger - Frew
DUP Justice Spokesperson Paul Frew says paramilitary groups must not be allowed to linger, responding to an independent report on paramilitary transition to disbandment. He calls for a pathway for those committed to leaving the past behind, while those refusing to give up violence should face the…
Justice and policing Community relations and legacy Issue: Independent Report on Paramilitary Group Transition to Disbandment published Original release: Paramilitary gangs must not be allowed to linger - Frew (opens in a new tab)Archived copy (captured later), Internet Archive capture of 9 November 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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‘Armed loyalist gangs should leave the stage’ – Dillon
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon condemns reports of masked loyalists trying to drive a family out of their Carrickfergus home, and says loyalist paramilitaries continue involvement in murder, extortion and drug dealing, calling for them to step back from public life.
Justice and policing Community relations and legacy Issue: Carrickfergus family intimidation by masked loyalist gang reports Original release: ‘Armed loyalist gangs should leave the stage’ – Dillon (opens in a new tab)
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Kelly calls on armed loyalist gangs to disband
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly says reports of guns and pipe bombs found in East Belfast, linked to the UVF, are deeply concerning and calls on armed loyalist gangs to disband now. He cites recent weapons finds and threats to Irish government ministers.
Justice and policing Issue: East Belfast guns and pipe bombs seizure linked to UVF Original release: Kelly calls on armed loyalist gangs to disband (opens in a new tab)
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Eastwood rejects British Government legacy spin as ‘out and out lie’
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP accuses the British Government of an "out and out lie" over claims its legacy legislation promotes reconciliation, arguing it shields state forces and paramilitaries from prosecution and breaches the Stormont House Agreement. The SDLP says it will oppose the bill at…
Community relations and legacy Justice and policing Issue: British Government legacy legislation abandoning Stormont House Agreement Original release: Eastwood rejects British Government legacy spin as ‘out and out lie’ (opens in a new tab)
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DUP has switched sides in Protocol battle
TUV leader Jim Allister says the DUP's continued fight against the Protocol is a sham after its return to Stormont, claiming the party now implements the Protocol it pledged to oppose. He says TUV will keep opposing the Protocol and calling out its implementers.
Constitutional affairs International affairs Issue: Donaldson Deal and DUP return to Stormont Executive Original release: DUP has switched sides in Protocol battle (opens in a new tab)
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Loyalist paramilitaries causing fear and division - Gerry Carroll MLA
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll says the Donegal Road bonfire in south Belfast's Village area shows the threat of loyalist violence and intimidation persists around the Twelfth. He claims loyalist paramilitaries still hold a tight grip on local communities, cites asbestos and safety…
Justice and policing Community relations and legacy Issue: Asbestos at bonfire site near Meridi Street, south Belfast Original release: Loyalist paramilitaries causing fear and division - Gerry Carroll MLA (opens in a new tab)
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The days of men and women being sent to fill jail cells or early graves in this country should be over – Beattie
UUP leader Doug Beattie MLA rejects a Loyalist Communities Council letter's suggestion of a return to pre-ceasefire tactics, saying the Protocol should be opposed through talks and political process. He blames the DUP for failing to secure the First Minister post at St Andrew's.
Constitutional affairs International affairs Issue: Loyalist Communities Council letter on Protocol and pre-ceasefire tactics Original release: The days of men and women being sent to fill jail cells or early graves in this country should be over – Beattie (opens in a new tab)
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Sir Jeffrey – Government needs to focus on replacing the Protocol
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP says the Government must focus on replacing the Protocol with arrangements unionists can support before meeting the Secretary of State, warning there can be no stable Executive or Assembly until Northern Ireland's place in the UK internal market is restored. He…
Constitutional affairs International affairs Original release: Sir Jeffrey – Government needs to focus on replacing the Protocol (opens in a new tab)
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SDLP: Paramilitaries must leave the stage
Justice and policing Original release: SDLP: Paramilitaries must leave the stage (opens in a new tab)
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Events of the weekend show very things which are under attack from the Protocol and pan-Nationalist front
TUV leader Jim Allister, speaking from London after the Coronation, says displays of British culture and identity are being undermined by the Protocol and a pan-Nationalist agenda. He calls on Unionists to push for Northern Ireland's full restoration to the UK and rejects any return to Stormont…
Constitutional affairs International affairs Issue: Coronation weekend celebrations and Protocol criticism Original release: Events of the weekend show very things which are under attack from the Protocol and pan-Nationalist front (opens in a new tab)
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DUP - “police action must now follow Londonderry parade”
DUP MLA for Foyle Gary Middleton calls for swift police action and prosecutions over a republican parade in Londonderry that he says breached a Parades Commission determination through paramilitary-style uniforms and proscribed flags.
Justice and policing Community relations and legacy Issue: Londonderry republican parade breaching Parades Commission determination Original release: DUP - “police action must now follow Londonderry parade” (opens in a new tab)
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Eastwood calls for British Government to review Gaza protest policing
SDLP MP Colum Eastwood calls on the British Government to urgently review its policing of Gaza protests after pensioners and students were arrested in Northern Ireland over Palestine Action t-shirts and campaigning. He argues the proscription of Palestine Action is criminalising lawful protest and…
Justice and policing International affairs Issue: Palestine Action proscription and arrests at Gaza protests Original release: Eastwood calls for British Government to review Gaza protest policing (opens in a new tab)
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TUV commend organisers of event to mark International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
TUV Legacy Spokesman Sammy Morrison commends the South East Fermanagh Foundation for marking the UN day for victims of terrorism at Lisburn's Lagan Valley Island Centre. He calls on the UK and Irish governments to deliver justice and accountability for victims, and says Dublin must address its…
Community relations and legacy Justice and policing Issue: International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism event in Lisburn Original release: TUV commend organisers of event to mark International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism (opens in a new tab)
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Eastwood urges Irish Government to challenge Legacy Bill
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP urges the Irish Government to pursue legal challenges against the British Government's Legacy Bill, which passed the House of Commons, arguing it undermines victims' access to truth and accountability.
Community relations and legacy Justice and policing Issue: Westminster passage of the Legacy Bill Original release: Eastwood urges Irish Government to challenge Legacy Bill (opens in a new tab)
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Eastwood comments underscore leadership problem
DUP MLA Gary Middleton says SDLP MP Colum Eastwood's radio comments on a Derry jobs fair, which opposed Ministry of Defence involvement, showed a lack of leadership and a casual acceptance of threats of violence. He says Eastwood should answer whether terrorists should have a veto over events.
Justice and policing Issue: Londonderry jobs fair with Armed Forces participation opposition Original release: Eastwood comments underscore leadership problem (opens in a new tab)
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TUV spells out the reality of the Protocol and shortcomings of Government in submission to the House of Lords
Traditional Unionist Voice says the Protocol is severely harming Northern Ireland’s economy and sovereignty, and urges the Government to restore full UK control through the Protocol Bill, rejecting the dual regulatory regime and calling for repeal of EU-imposed rules.
Constitutional affairs International affairs Issue: House of Lords call for evidence on the Protocol Bill Original release: TUV spells out the reality of the Protocol and shortcomings of Government in submission to the House of Lords (opens in a new tab)
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DUP Challenges Council Chairman Over Glorification of Paramilitarism
The DUP's Mid Ulster Council group leader Paul McLean says Council Chairman Eugene McConnell's appearance behind a firearms banner at an event commemorating Jim Lynagh was offensive to IRA victims. The DUP says it will refer the matter to the Local Government Commissioner for Standards.
Community relations and legacy Local government Issue: Mid Ulster Council Chairman Eugene McConnell Jim Lynagh commemoration banner Original release: DUP Challenges Council Chairman Over Glorification of Paramilitarism (opens in a new tab)
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Time for paramilitaries to leave the stage – Hargey
Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey says paramilitaries have long been due to disband and leave, and calls for them to stand down immediately. She responds to an independent report on paramilitary transition, urging both governments to act on its recommendations and the PSNI to address neighbourhood…
Justice and policing Issue: Independent Report on Paramilitary Group Transition to Disbandment published Original release: Time for paramilitaries to leave the stage – Hargey (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 13 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Ulster Unionists welcome report on paramilitary transition and disbandment
Ulster Unionist councillor Pete Wray welcomes the publication of Fleur Ravensbergen's independent report on paramilitary transition to disbandment. He calls for victims to remain central, rejects any legitimisation or rewards for paramilitary groups, and says genuine disbandment must mean…
Justice and policing Community relations and legacy Issue: Independent Report on Paramilitary Group Transition to Disbandment published Original release: Ulster Unionists welcome report on paramilitary transition and disbandment (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 13 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Allister urges anti-Protocol unionists to increasingly stand together
TUV leader Jim Allister, speaking at the Newry & Armagh TUV annual dinner, urges anti-Protocol unionists to stand together and unite against any unionist implementation of the Protocol through Stormont. He says unionists of all party affiliations should not be left without a political home if the…
Constitutional affairs International affairs Original release: Allister urges anti-Protocol unionists to increasingly stand together (opens in a new tab)
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Council of Europe warned that hostility to unionist concerns must end
DUP North Antrim MP Ian Paisley tells the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly that a report claiming Brexit caused human rights backsliding in Northern Ireland is wrong, and calls for unionist concerns about the Protocol to end being treated as expendable.
Constitutional affairs International affairs Issue: PACE report on Brexit and human rights in Ireland debate Original release: Council of Europe warned that hostility to unionist concerns must end (opens in a new tab)