Other News In Brief

UUP Express 'Strong Concerns' Over Impact Of MOT And Driving Test Price Hikes

Ulster Unionist Party Infrastructure spokesperson, John Stewart, has voiced "strong concerns" on the impact on motorists of increases in both MOT and practical car driving test costs.

Mr. Stewart said: "A month ago I challenged the department to address the unacceptable delays for motorists who were trying to book MOT tests, calling for the issuing of temporary exemption certificates, which had been used at the height of the pandemic, to be reinstated.

"It seems this call has fallen on deaf ears, with the department instead announcing today that the cost of MOT tests will increase in a little over 3 weeks by £7.50 for a private car and £8.50 for taxis.

"Individuals who are trying to book tests today are very unlikely to be able to find an available date ahead of this price rise, placing further financial hardship on many who are struggling to keep their heads above water.

"Additionally, the announcement that practical car driving tests are to increase from £45.50 to £65 for a weekday test and from £62.50 to an astounding £95 for evening or weekend tests is simply unbelievable. Those who are seeking a driving licence to obtain work, and particularly those who live in our more rural areas, are being severely disadvantaged by these increases.

"While I understand that tough decisions need to be made by departments at a time when there is no Executive at Stormont to provide direction, any increase in costs that further burden those who are already struggling to make ends meet must be challenged and where possible, reviewed.

"It is my intention to seek clarification on the reasoning behind these, unacceptably large, increases."

Legacy Bill Shows 'Moral Turpitude' Of UK Government – Green Party

Green Party deputy leader, Lesley Veronica has criticized the UK government and the passing of the controversial Legacy Bill.

Reacting to the passing of the Legacy Bill at Westminster Lesley said: "The passing of this bill is a clear indication of the moral turpitude of the current UK Government

"Rejected by all of NI's political party's, victims' groups, human rights groups and the Irish government and strongly resisted in the Lords.

"The disregard for the impact this will have on survivors of the conflict is staggering. It has granted an effective amnesty to both British state forces and paramilitaries for atrocities committed during the conflict.

"Today, I think of all those who have already been waiting too long for inquests into the deaths of their loved ones and can only imagine their disappointment and pain at being let down again.

"For four years I sat with members of the Forum for the Commission for Victims and Survivors NI and it was a privilege. To be among people who had suffered so much and whose only desire was to prevent future conflict by facing the past.

"The government could learn a few lessons from them, not least in humility.

"This is a dark day for British democracy and for peace building in NI. You do not deal with legacy issues by sweeping them under the carpet. It is only by shining a light into our darkest corners that we will make a firm foundation for peace. This bill actively prevents that from happening.

"So now we potentially face a two-tier justice system with troubles victims yet again at the bottom of the pile, while protagonists get state protection. The UK further damages its international reputation with the passage of this legislation and I have no doubt it will face many legal challenges in the days and months ahead.

For now, however the Green Party are thinking primarily for all of those for whom justice has been denied for too long and for whom this news today will be yet another burden to bear."

Alliance's Connie Egan 'Shocked' By Report On Violence Against Women And Girls

Everyone has a part to play in tackling violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland, Alliance spokesperson Connie Egan has said.

Speaking following the launch of NI Executive Office research revealing the shocking level of abuse and violence experienced by women and girls in Northern Ireland.

The North Down MLA said: "These reports provide a critical insight into the violence, harm and abuse women and girls are facing every day throughout our society in deeply alarming numbers.

"The normalised nature of 'everyday violence' demonstrated in some of the report's findings makes it clear how imperative it is we improve Relationship and Sex Education for our young people as a preventative measure. This will go a significant way in promoting healthy and positive relationships, alongside age appropriate discussions regarding violence against women and girls.

"These reports have found that girls are worried they might not be believed if they came forward, worried it might make the situation worse, and worried that what they experienced was not serious enough to report. It is clear that we need a societal shift in attitudes both in terms of preventative education and intervention, and support to ensure women and girls who have experienced violence feel supported and heard.

"The Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls is currently out to consultation. I would encourage as many people as possible to respond to this consultation to help shape the next steps the Executive Office take in order to tackle this issue head on.

"It is so important that this Framework is fit for purpose and delivers the intervention and outcomes we so desperately need."