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The British Government has announced it is effectively ending all prosecutions related to crimes committed during the Northern Ireland Troubles. Described as an amnesty for former British soldiers and former paramilitaries, the new statute of limitations will apply to incidents prior to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. It was confirmed in parliament on Wednesday (14th […]

UK Government proposals on legacy are an assault on the rule of law and human rights, Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MP has said. Dr Farry was speaking as the Secretary of State announced the statute of limitations, designed to end all prosecutions for Troubles-related cases pre-1998. The North Down MP said it was an […]

Police are appealing for information following an assault in the Sugar Island area of Newry in the early hours of Sunday (11 July). Shortly after 2.30am, officers received a report that two men, aged in their 20’s had been assaulted by two unknown males as they were making their way towards a taxi depot. The […]

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that as many as 4,500 workers who assisted some of the most vulnerable people in society throughout the pandemic are to receive a special recognition payment of up to £500.  Minister Hargey confirmed that workers employed through the Supporting People (SP) Programme and the Homeless sector are to receive […]

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has welcomed today’s (1 July) decision to relax restrictions on live music. With effect from 5 July, live music will be able to return to licensed and unlicensed premises that sell food or alcohol. Music will also be permitted at outdoor events with no restrictions on volume. Following a visit to […]

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has welcomed the news from the European Commission that insurance green cards are no longer needed for Northern Ireland drivers travelling to the South and the rest of the European Union. Minister Mallon said: “I am delighted that as part of a package of measures announced by the European Commission related to […]

Health Minister Robin Swann has welcomed the advice on Covid booster vaccinations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The interim advice from JCVI is to plan to offer booster vaccines from September 2021 to maintain protection given by first and second doses. The Minister said: “Today’s announcement by JCVI is welcome news which […]

Aontú Deputy Leader & Cllr for Mid Ulster, Denise Mullen, has said CAPITA’s control over the Personal Independent Payment (PIP) scheme and their contract now for the Victims & Survivors Pensions is detrimental to the well-being and health of victims and survivors of the Troubles. Cllr Mullen: “This is one of the areas of all […]

An estimated 11 tonnes of loose tobacco, 1.6 million suspected counterfeit branded Excellence cigarettes, and the materials and equipment to produce many millions more have been seized by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in County Armagh. HMRC investigators including Mobile Enforcement Teams and specialists in seizing criminal assets, accompanied by the Police Service of Northern […]

Sinn Féin MLA for Newry & Armagh Liz Kimmins has urged people to go online to register to vote as the fresh electoral register opens from 1st July.  Kimmins said:  “From 1st July, everyone in the north will be removed from the electoral register by the Electoral Office.  “The new register is now open, and […]

Health Minister Robin Swann has formally opened a £10million fund designed to assist charitable organisations offering support services to people with mental ill health. The Mental Health Support Fund was announced in April this year and will administer grants ranging from £5,000 to £500,000 within three award categories: •  £5,000 to £30,000 •  £30,000 to […]

The Northern Ireland Executive is to meet today (8th July) to discuss the further easing of Covid-19 restrictions. However it looks like Stormont will not follow Westminster in cancelling all Covid-19 restrictions and returning to Normal on the 19th July. It seems the NI Executive will be a little more cautious and continue some sort […]