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Agriculture Community Constituency Crime Government Lurgan Upper Bann Westminster

MP Concerned By Rise In Rural Crime

The DUP’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Westminster spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP is urging farmers to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity in a bid to combat rural crime in Northern Ireland. Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart expressed her concerns at the rising incidence of crime in rural communities. “Criminals are very active in our […]

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Community Government Health Stormont Westminster

Ban on Sale and Supply of Single Use Vapes By April 2025

Northern Ireland is set to ban the sale and supply of single use vapes by April 2025, in a bid to stop five million single use vapes being thrown away or littered every week across the UK. Environment Minister Andrew Muir MLA has announced his intention to prohibit the sale and supply of single use […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government South Down Westminster

Talks to Commence on Extending ‘Ancient East’ Into South Down – Hazzard

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed confirmation from Stormont’s Economy Minister Conor Murphy today that he is to commence discussions with tourism bodies about the potential of extending ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ into the north – including South Down.  The South Down MP said: “Sinn Féin have been calling for the extension of Ireland’s Ancient […]

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Community Constituency Education Government Health Lurgan Politics Upper Bann Westminster

Parties Need to be Clear on “Gender-Affirming Healthcare”

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said parties need to spell out their stance on “gender affirming healthcare” and that the Health Minister should spell out more clearly what stance will be taken by the Department of Health in light of the publication of the Cass Report. The DUP MP said, “The publication of the Cass […]

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Community Government Health Westminster

Final Stage of Cass Report Published

Dr Hilary Cass has submitted her final report and recommendations to NHS England in her role as Chair of the Independent Review of gender identity services for children and young people. The Review was commissioned by NHS England to make recommendations on how to improve NHS gender identity services, and ensure that children and young […]

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Dáil Éireann Government Politics Seanad Éireann Stormont Westminster

SDLP Calls for restoration of North-South Ministerial Council

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has called for the urgent restoration of the North South Ministerial Council to advance all-island cooperation following the resumption of devolved government earlier this year. Mr Eastwood has raised concerns that the NSMC, an institution of the Good Friday Agreement, has not yet been convened following the restoration of power […]

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Community Government Sport Stormont Westminster

SDLP: Casement Park Must Be Delivered

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has said that the redevelopment of Casement Park must be delivered. He was speaking after meeting with an Ulster GAA delegation at Stormont on Monday alongside party colleagues. Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said: “Our meeting today with Ulster GAA was extremely positive as we discussed plans for the redevelopment of […]

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Community Constituency Government Lifestyle Lurgan Upper Bann Westminster

£100,000 Extra For Marching Bands

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the announcement that the Communities Minister has allocated an additional £100,000 to the musical instruments for bands programme. The announcement came in during Question Time in the Assembly today. Welcoming the announcement the Carla said, “the marching bands fraternity in Northern Ireland is huge and as a result the […]

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Government Legacy Politics Stormont Westminster

British Government Should Repeal Cruel Legacy Act – Sinn Fein

Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey has said the British government should repeal its cruel Legacy Act. The party’s justice spokesperson was speaking after Belfast High Court ruled that the Act is in breach of the European Convention of Human Rights. Deirdre Hargey said: “We were of the view that the Legacy Act was in breach of […]

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Business Climate Community Constituency Downpatrick Government Infrastructure Politics South Down Stormont Westminster

‘Flood Damages Scheme a Major Relief For Local Businesses’ – Hazzard

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed the announcement of a scheme to support businesses damaged by recent flooding. Speaking after Economy Minister Conor Murphy announced that the scheme will open for applications next week, the South Down MP said: “The announcement of this scheme will be a huge relief for local businesses whose premises […]

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Armagh Community Constituency Government Newry Newry and Armagh Politics South Armagh Westminster

Brady Will Not Seek Re-election

Commenting on news that long-standing MP, Mickey Brady will not seek re-selection ahead of the upcoming Westminster election, Sinn Féin Leas-Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill MLA said: “For over forty years, Mickey Brady has been to the fore of giving a voice to people and working to transform communities, and played a key role in assisting people […]

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Business Government Politics Stormont Westminster

Over £685 Million For Public Sector Pay

Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has announced £688 million to prioritise public sector pay awards following Executive agreement today. The allocation was part of the £1.045bn available from the Executive Restoration package for general pressures and pay in 2023-24. Some £22 million of resource funding was also available from the Executive’s own funds. Commenting […]