Other News In Brief

NI Policing Board Announce New Appointments To PSNI Senior Executive Team

The Northern Ireland Policing Board has announced the appointment of two new Assistant Chief Officers and two Assistant Chief Constables to the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Service Executive Team.

Mark McNaughten has been appointed as Assistant Chief Officer for Corporate Services and Aldrina Magwood as Assistant Chief Officer for Strategic Planning and Transformation.

Bobby Singleton and Chris Todd have been appointed as new Assistant Chief Constables.

Welcoming the announcement, Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: "Following a competitive selection process by the Board, I am delighted to welcome four new people into these senior roles.

"Each person brings fresh talent and experience to our team. This will support our plans for service modernisation and help us to deliver on the ambitions within our Policing Plan.

"Both the Service Executive Team and I wish them every success and look forward to working together with them."

SDLP 'Disappointed' DUP To Force Council To Honour Disgraced Prince

The SDLP have said that they are "disappointed" that DUP councillors have rejected a proposal that Belfast City Hall not fly the Union Flag to mark Prince Andrew's birthday.

SDLP Councillor Dónal Lyons had proposed that the flag not be flown on February 19, given the allegations the Duke of York is facing.

He suggested working with unionist councillors to find a more appropriate alternative day to fly the flag, so no designated days would be lost.

The proposal passed at a meeting of the council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on Friday by 12 votes to 6.

SDLP Group Leader Councillor Lyons said: "It's extremely disheartening that despite my attempt to find a solution that would accommodate all parties, while saving the council from the spectacle of honouring someone facing the allegations before Prince Andrew, the DUP has obstinately rejected the proposal and seems adamant on pushing council to recognise this man.

"I cannot see why any councillor would want to fly the Union Flag from City Hall to mark the birthday of Prince Andrew. He has been stripped of all his royal duties, military honours and his family have distanced themselves from him due to the controversy surrounding him, but still the DUP want to see him honoured in Belfast.

"I would urge the DUP to seriously consider the impact this decision would have and the message it would send to women in our society. We have heard much conversation recently about the need for men to stand up and act as allies and call out unacceptable behaviour towards women and girls when we see it. To honour Prince Andrew in the current climate would bring shame upon our council and our city.

"This matter will come before full council again in February and I would ask every councillor to back my proposal. I am more than happy to help facilitate an alternative day for the flag to be flown so the unionist community do not lose out on a designated day. We have a duty as councillors to speak out and represent everyone in our community. To allow the flying of the Union flag to go ahead to mark Prince Andrew's birthday would be a retrograde step."

Proposed Amendment To Justice Bill To Ban Smacking

The Green Party NI has tabled an amendment to the Justice Bill to ban the physical chastisement of children, known as 'equal protection'.

Behind the proposed amendment, Green Party NI MLA for North Down, Rachel Woods, said: "There is a need for equal protection in Northern Ireland. The Scottish Greens secured the first equal protection law in the UK, and now similar legal protections exist in Wales and the Republic of Ireland. Children and young people in Northern Ireland deserve the same legal protections.

"In the Justice Committee last week, we secured majority support for the inclusion of an 'Equal Protection' Clause in the Justice Sexual Offences Bill. However, at this week's meeting, due to the absence of Sinn Féin and UUP MLAs, who had been present earlier in the meeting, and opposition from the DUP, there was not a majority in support.

"I am extremely disappointed that the amendment did not receive Committee support, but I have tabled an amendment along with SDLP MLA Sinéad Bradley, and have invited all other MLAs to add their name to it.

"When I joined the Justice Committee two years ago this week, I stated I would fight for youth justice issues, such as raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility and equal protection. I will do whatever it takes to have this debated in the Assembly, and ensure children's rights are protected in law. This reflects the strong public opinion in favour of a smacking ban. The evidence is clear that physical chastisement is harmful, and our laws should reflect that. Support, information and resources should be forthcoming from the Executive."