Other News In Brief

Frederick Douglas Statue Unveiled In Belfast City Centre

A bronze statue of prominent anti-slavery campaigner Frederick Douglas has been unveiled in Belfast city centre.

Douglass was a former slave who became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in America. He first visited Belfast in 1845 at the invitation of the Belfast Anti-Slavery Society and returned for a second visit in 1846.

The life-size statue was created by renowned Scottish figurative sculptors Alan Beattie Herriot and Hector Guest. It is located beside the historic First Presbyterian Church in Rosemary Street where Douglass delivered lectures during his time in Belfast.

The project was funded by Belfast City Council and the Department for Communities.

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy said: "Frederick Douglass was an inspirational leader best known for his anti-slavery writings and campaigning, but he was also an early champion of women's rights and many of his values and beliefs are as relevant today as they were in the nineteenth century.

"I'm honoured to be involved in the unveiling of a statue recognising his impact. This will help people's understanding of the positive, progressive role he played in the city's early development. It is also very fitting that it is located in Rosemary Street close to where he delivered some of his inspirational speeches."

Alliance Criticise Govt's 'Reckless' North Sea Oil And Gas Licence Deicision

The Alliance Party has criticised a "reckless decision" by the UK government to issue over 100 new North Sea oil and gas drilling licences.

The party's Climate and Energy spokesperson Eóin Tennyson MLA, said: "This is a reckless decision at the worst possible time, and will prove to be an act of economic and environmental self-harm. The UK Government has now turned to culture war politics in what is a desperate attempt to distract from its own failures.

"The issuing of these licenses is completely at odds with the Government’s own net zero targets, and is unconscionable when we are witnessing record-breaking heatwaves across the globe.

"Investment in clean, green, renewable energy remains the clearest route to cutting energy bills, creating good jobs and delivering energy security.

"We urgently need a restored and reformed Executive to take steps to introduce a comprehensive ban on current and future fossil fuel exploration and extraction in Northern Ireland whilst insulating NI from the Tories’ economic and environmental illiteracy, and deliver a Green New Deal to protect our planet and future prosperity."

SF Raise Concerns Over Unfilled GP Training Places

Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has expressed concerns after it was revealed that almost of 20% of GP training places are not being filled.

The party's health spokesperson said: "At a time when GP services are badly needed with surgeries under significant pressure due to staff shortages, it is very concerning to learn that almost a fifth of GP training places have yet to be filled.

"While the numbers and needs of patients are growing we are losing GPs through retirement, stress and changing work patterns.

"Over 13 years of savage and cruel Tory cuts have decimated public services and has left health services at breaking point.

"We need all parties working together around the Executive table to start fixing the problems in our health service as it continues to deal with unprecedented challenges."