Other News In Brief

UUP Urge BBC NI To Rethink Decision To Drop Business News Coverage

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has urged BBC Northern Ireland to rethink its proposal to drop the daily business news slots on its flagship Good Morning Ulster radio programme.

Making the call, the party's economy spokesperson, Mike Nesbitt MLA, said: "I have written to the Director of BBC NI, Adam Smyth, asking for an urgent meeting to hear his rationale, because I do not understand the decision. It strikes me as sending entirely the wrong message. Think no further than the work Joe Kennedy III is doing as President Biden's Special Envoy for Economic Affairs, trying to attract foreign direct investment here.

"It's a negative message for potential investors to read online that the state broadcaster does not rate the economy highly enough to justify a daily bulletin. Remember, the BBC have already dropped the weekly business programme that used to run for half an hour on a Friday afternoon.

"I understand there is an eternal argument between having fixed, daily slots for specific areas or covering developments on the basis of how newsworthy they are. But if this is a move to the latter, then why business news rather than sport? Or is sport to be next? These are important issues and it is incumbent on BBC NI to be transparent and accountable."

DUP Backs BVA Call For Permanent Solution On Animal Medicine Supply

The DUP has backed a call from the British Veterinary Association for a permanent solution on the supply of animal medicine to Northern Ireland.

DUP North Antrim MP Ian Paisley said: "The BVA has published its 2024 top five manifesto priority list and makes access to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland beyond 2025, number two.

"This call complements the work our DUP negotiating team has already been undertaking. We have repeatedly pressed the UK Government and Brussels to not just talk about the issue but finally agree a permanent solution.

"Losing access to key veterinary medicines could cripple our agri-food sector. Indeed, the BVA significantly argue that losing access to the sole vaccine for poultry against salmonella could create a 'serious public health emergency'.

"Without a permanent resolution, 51% (more than 1700 products) of our veterinary medicine portfolio could be discontinued in the Northern Ireland marketplace. This could lead to dire consequences for consumers, farmers and their livestock but also for companion animals such as cats, dogs and horses. If unresolved animal health and control of disease will be severely impacted."

Appeal For Information Following Andersontown Road Arson

Police in west Belfast have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a fire at commercial premises on the Andersonstown Road this morning, Tuesday 9th January.

Making the appeal, Sergeant Smyth said: "Officers on patrol in the area at 5.00am saw a vehicle and part of a shop front in flames.

"Our colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the blaze.

"At this stage, it appears that the vehicle was driven at the shop and the fire started deliberately, causing extensive damage.

Sergeant Smyth continued: "Our investigation is underway and anyone with any information, who may have been in the area at the time the incident took place, is asked to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 140 of 09/01/24. We are particularly interested in speaking to those who may have dashcam or other footage.

"If you would prefer to provide information without giving your details you can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111."