Other News In Brief

DUP 'At The Mercy Of Protocol Events' – UUP

The DUP are "at the mercy of events over the Protocol", UUP Peer, Lord Empey has said.

Lord Empey said: "There has been a lot of hype in the media about the imminent announcement of a 'deal' between the UK and EU. If such a deal is done, it will soon emerge. There is also speculation that it will meet all the DUP's so called 7 tests. Everybody knows that you could drive a coach and horses through them if you so wished.

"The acid test of where Northern Ireland ends up at the conclusion of this will be –

1) Does the EU continue to make laws and regulations that apply in Northern Ireland and not in Great Britain without the consent of Westminster or Stormont?

2) Will border control posts be erected at Northern Ireland ports with the ability to impose checks on goods arriving from Great Britain?

3) Will traders in Great Britain be required to notify the authorities if they intend to move goods between GB and NI?

4) Will the European Court be the final arbiter in any case about the application of EU law in this part of the UK? 5) Will any new arrangements change the Treaty between the UK and EU of which the Protocol is part?

"One could continue to manufacture 'tests' to prove any of these points, but nothing will conceal the truth that we are in this mess because we left the EU without proper preparation and have fallen victim to a terrible negotiation conducted between 2016 and 2019.

"Many of the mitigations we can expect to see introduced have been on the table for at least a year now. There is little new out there.

"Any 'deal' will be accompanied by a political declaration from both sides telling us that we are a full part of the UK and pledging support for the Belfast Agreement, even though the spirit of the Agreement has been ignored.

"It is a shame that the DUP didn't apply tests to Boris Johnson in 2019 when, instead of breaking off support for his government which they were propping up, they fell for his plan to put a border in the Irish Sea. That's when they had real influence and didn't use it.

"Now, instead of being in control of events, they are at the mercy of events.

"I think both the UK and EU are continuing to make the same mistake again and again by excluding local politicians from the negotiations. I also think it is wrong that the people of Northern Ireland are subject to collective punishment by closing down Stormont at a time when it could be helping people during the worst cost of living crisis in living memory.

"I hope all this avoidable madness can be brought to an end soon."

Alliance Calls For Urgent Need For Education Funding

A delegation of Alliance Party MLAs has met with the Department of Education Permanent Secretary Mark Browne to highlight the need for adequate funding for education.

Speaking after the meeting, Alliance Education spokesperson Connie Egan MLA said: "A good education is a fundamental right for all children, therefore it is essential that adequate levels of funding are provided. There are many pressures right across the education landscape and we highlighted to the Permanent Secretary the importance of education in giving our children and young people the best possible start in life. I am particularly concerned that adequate provision is ensured for children with special educational needs despite budget constraints.

"I recently spoke about the alarming budgetary position of the Education Authority, which is facing a deficit of upwards of half a billion pounds in the next financial year. A teachers’ strike is planned for 21 February, followed by a period of action short of strike, reflecting the low morale among our teachers. Pressure on teachers has been growing yet their pay has fallen in real terms over recent years, so it is essential a fair pay deal is agreed which reflects the vital role teachers play.

"In addition to funding, there are a number of policy areas that should not be allowed to stall in the absence of a functioning Executive and Education Minister. While we appreciate there are limitations on what the Permanent Secretary can approve, a key area of importance is when parents vote in favour of transformation to integrated status.

"During the last mandate Alliance successfully passed the Integrated Education Bill, because we believe our young people should be educated together to help move Northern Ireland forward. There are currently 12 outstanding Development Proposals for integrated schools, and we would urge the Permanent Secretary to progress these to respect parental choice.

"It is clear the education sector is in crisis, so it is therefore unforgivable that we do not have an Education Minister in place to take control and put the interests of children first."

Accompanying Ms Egan were Alliance MLAs Kate Nicholl, Nick Mathison, Andrew Muir, Eóin Tennyson and Kellie Armstrong.

Michelle O'Neill Pays Tribute To Nicola Sturgeon

Sinn Féin Vice Presicent Michelle O'Neill has paid tribute to Nicola Sturgeon as she stands down as First Minister of Scotland.

Speaking after writing to the outgoing Scottish National Party (SNP) leader, Michelle O'Neill said: "It is with regret that I learned of Nicola Sturgeon's decision to stand down after eight years as First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Scottish National Party.

"As a friend and colleague, we have worked closely together in recent years, and I have seen the depth of dedication, commitment and energy that Nicola has given.

"I wish to pay tribute to the huge strides she has made in advancing the campaign for Scottish independence, the strong stance against Brexit and the undermining of devolution by the Tories in London.

"The world of politics and all those of us who have had the great pleasure of working with Nicola Sturgeon will miss her leadership.

"She leaves a legacy for which anyone in politics or public life would be rightly proud and I want to take this opportunity to offer every good wish to Nicola and Peter for the future."