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Business Community Government International Politics Stormont Westminster

Jim Allister Warns Against Constitutionally Damaging Deal

TUV Leader Jim Allister has slammed any potential Protocol deal. Statement by TUV leader:- “When all is said and done the critical test of any Sunak deal with the EU will be constitutional, not economic. “It is the imposition and supremacy of EU law and subjection to the EU Customs Code which have Art 6 […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Education Government Politics Stormont Westminster

Teachers Entitled to Fair Pay and Working Conditions – Sinn Fein

Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has expressed his support for teachers who are set to go on strike for the first time in five years in a dispute over pay. Pat Sheehan said: “The teaching workforce play an invaluable role in the education of our children. “Teachers are entitled to fair pay and conditions. “Teachers shouldn’t have to […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Westminster

Firefighters Call on House of Lords to Oppose ‘Authoritarian’ Anti Strike Legislation

The House of Lords is scheduled to debate the Minimum Service Levels Bill at its second reading this afternoon. Trade unions from across the UK and Europe have condemned the bill as an attack on workers’ right to strike. Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Matt Wrack said: “When firefighters and public service workers are put […]

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Community Government Health Politics Stormont Westminster

SDLP to Support Dáithí’s Law in Commons

The Social Democratic and Labour Party will support Dáithí’s Law when it comes before the House of Commons on Wednesday.  SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said the passing of the legislation is the result of a long campaign from the MacGabhann family and praised their determination and resilience to make their Bill a reality.  Foyle MP […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Stormont Westminster

Northern Ireland Housing Executive Must Ensure Tenants Receive Value For Money! – UUP

Ulster Unionist East Belfast MLA and Communities spokesperson Andy Allen MBE has raised concern at the announcement of a 7% increase in rent charges for NIHE tenants and challenged the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to ensure they deliver value for money. Speaking as the increase was announced, Mr. Allen said: “This will come as another […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Stormont Westminster

‘Housing Executive Rent Rise Will Add More Pressure to Families!’ – Sinn Fein

Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson has said the rise in Housing Executive rents will pile more pressure on families who are already struggling. The party’s housing spokesperson said an Executive is needed now to protect people. Ciara Ferguson said: “Confirmation that Housing Executive rents will be increased by 7% is deeply concerning and will add […]

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Government Politics Stormont Westminster

The Challenge to the PM on the Protocol 

TUV Leader Jim Allister has called the potential Protocol deal as unacceptable. Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister: “If this is a Prime Minister who is disinterested in being Prime Minister of a United Kingdom and is prepared to cede sovereignty over law-making to a foreign power then he’s not heading for a deal which […]

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Agriculture Business Community Constituency Government Lurgan Upper Bann Westminster

Pig Farmers Urged Not to Miss Funding Deadline

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has urged pig producers across Northern Ireland to be mindful of the upcoming deadline for DAERAs Exceptional Costs Pig Scheme. Applications will close to the scheme on February 21, 2023. Speaking ahead of the deadline, the DUP EFRA Spokesperson said: “The Exceptional Costs Pig Scheme is currently open to applications. […]

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ABC Council Community Constituency Council Election 2023 Elections Government Lurgan Politics Upper Bann Westminster

Community Sector Deserves Better- Haughian

Sinn Féin  Cllr Keith Haughian has said local community groups are now facing the loss of important jobs and services as a result the British Government failure to replace lost EU funds in full. Cllr Haughian said: “Jobs and services from which thousands in our communities benefit could be lost because if the loss of […]

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Agriculture Community Constituency Government Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann Westminster

Lockhart Urges Government to Address Egg Industry Concerns

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has written to the DEFRA Secretary, Foreign Secretary and Cabinet Office to stress the importance of the Government working with the Northern Ireland egg industry, with a derogation impacting upon egg production due to expire at the end of this month. The DUP EFRA Spokesperson said: “The EU last year […]

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Business Campaigns Community Cost of Living Council Government Politics Stormont Westminster

SDLP Opposes Belfast Rates Hike

SDLP Councillors on Belfast City Council have voted against a proposal to increase the local rate to 7.99% as families across the city struggle with the cost of living crisis.  Speaking after tonight’s meeting of Belfast City Council, SDLP Group Leader Dónal Lyons said: “Belfast City Council should not be considering a significant rate hike […]

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Community Constituency Government Health Lurgan Upper Bann Westminster

Progress in Cancer Care Services Welcomed

Local Member of Parliament Carla Lockhart has welcomed confirmation from the Southern Trust that they are moving forward with plans to provide a new assessment space in the Mandeville Unit in Craigavon Area Hospital for cancer patients. Welcoming the news, the DUP MP said: “For some time I have been engaging with the Trust on […]