Other News In Brief

DUP Accused Of 'Speaking Out Of Both Sides Of Is Mouth' On Protocol

The DUP have been accused of "speaking out of both sides of is mouth" over its position on the Protocol with Sinn Féin MP John Finucane stating that their "cruel boycott of the Executive has punished workers and families".

The North Belfast MP said: "The DUP have blocked an Executive being formed now for six months and told people that the Protocol needed to be scrapped in its entirety.

"Now, DUP MLA Edwin Poots, a so-called fierce critic of the Protocol, is lobbying to amend the Tory Protocol Bill to protect parts of the Protocol because of its benefits for farmers.

"This is the same DUP that originally welcomed the Protocol as a gateway of opportunity and then got spooked by opinion polls into railing against it. Edwin Poots himself was Minister in the department implementing border control checks for over a year before trying to halt them. 

"The DUP are talking from both sides of their mouth on the Protocol.

"What we need is a negotiated settlement between the EU and British government on the Protocol to ensure people are protected from the worst impacts of Brexit to ensure businesses can continue to grasp the opportunities to create jobs and investment.

"It is unforgivable that the DUP have held up a support payment for people who are struggling to pay their bills and blocked investment in our health service. They should end the boycott and get back to work now.

"Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive today, to work together with all parties and support people who are struggling, tackle waiting lists and invest in health and social care."

Lord Mayor Signs White Ribbon On Behalf Of Belfast City Council

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Black has signed the White Ribbon Charter at City Hall on behalf of Belfast City Council.

The signing of the pledge 'never to condone or remain silent about violence against women' forms part of Council's wider commitment to support anyone who has been a victim of, or who has been affected by, domestic violence and abuse, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Through ongoing work within Council and with community partners in local neighbourhoods throughout the city, Belfast has again been accredited as a Safe City by Onus for the third year. Safe City status recognises cities that have taken a partnership approach to ensure that individuals who have experienced domestic abuse, can access the right support whenever it is needed.

Belfast City Council also holds platinum status in Onus' workplace charter on domestic violence in recognition of ongoing support and guidance for council staff experiencing domestic violence and abuse. Councillor Black was joined by Belfast City Council Chief Executive John Walsh and Christine Sheridan, Director of Human Resources.

Fatal East Belfast House Fire Under Investigation

An investigation has been launched into the cause of a fatal house fire in east Belfast.

A man has died following the fire at a house on Edenvale Crescent, off Belmont Road, shortly after 8pm pn Sunday 27 November.

Three appliances from the the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) attended the scene alongside the PSNI and the Amublance Service.

The man was reported dead at the scene.

The PSNI have appealed for anyone with any information about the fire, or any drivers who might have dashcam from the area around the time of the fire, to contact them.