Menu
28/05/2024
National Service Proposal 'Shameless Stunt From A Dying Govt' – SDLP
Rishi Sunak's proposal to reintroduce mandatory national service has been described as a "shameless stunt from a dying government", by SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP.
Mr Eastwood said that the scheme would never work in Northern Ireland and questioned why billions in taxpayers money should fund it while communities here suffer significant public spending cuts.
Mr Eastwood continued: "This policy platform is unserious, unwanted and unworkable. How does Rishi Sunak think he will force kids in Northern Ireland to perform national service in the British Army or undertake 'mandatory volunteering' - a total contradiction in terms?
"Public services are on their knees and public sector workers in our health service and schools are still out on strike fighting for a fair pay deal. How can the British Government afford at least £2.5bn for this nonsense but not stump up the cash for junior doctors or classroom assistants or school bus drivers? It's absolutely perverse and it's all about winning back voters in England who have abandoned the Conservatives.
"Voters here will see right through it and understand that this is exactly why we need strong, vocal MPs at Westminster to call this out and vote it down."
Mr Eastwood said that the scheme would never work in Northern Ireland and questioned why billions in taxpayers money should fund it while communities here suffer significant public spending cuts.
Mr Eastwood continued: "This policy platform is unserious, unwanted and unworkable. How does Rishi Sunak think he will force kids in Northern Ireland to perform national service in the British Army or undertake 'mandatory volunteering' - a total contradiction in terms?
"Public services are on their knees and public sector workers in our health service and schools are still out on strike fighting for a fair pay deal. How can the British Government afford at least £2.5bn for this nonsense but not stump up the cash for junior doctors or classroom assistants or school bus drivers? It's absolutely perverse and it's all about winning back voters in England who have abandoned the Conservatives.
"Voters here will see right through it and understand that this is exactly why we need strong, vocal MPs at Westminster to call this out and vote it down."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 July 2024
Northern Ireland Private Sector Ends Q2 In Strong Growth
The June report from the Ulster Bank Northern Ireland PMI Growth Tracker indicates that the Northern Ireland private sector concluded the second quarter of the year well within growth territory. New orders grew at the quickest rate since February 2022, leading to a significant increase in business activity.
Northern Ireland Private Sector Ends Q2 In Strong Growth
The June report from the Ulster Bank Northern Ireland PMI Growth Tracker indicates that the Northern Ireland private sector concluded the second quarter of the year well within growth territory. New orders grew at the quickest rate since February 2022, leading to a significant increase in business activity.
06 September 2024
Other News In Brief
Work To Commence On £453,000 Resurfacing Project In Kilrea Work is to commence on a £453,000 reconstruction and resurfacing project on the New Row in Kilrea. The work is to start on Monday, 09 Septmebr.
Other News In Brief
Work To Commence On £453,000 Resurfacing Project In Kilrea Work is to commence on a £453,000 reconstruction and resurfacing project on the New Row in Kilrea. The work is to start on Monday, 09 Septmebr.
06 September 2024
NI's Veterans Commissioner Danny Kinahan Resigns
Northern Ireland's Veterans Commissioner Danny Kinahan has resigned. In a statement he said he "cannot provide the independent voice that veterans require". He said he stood down from the post following an "open and frank conversation" with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn.
NI's Veterans Commissioner Danny Kinahan Resigns
Northern Ireland's Veterans Commissioner Danny Kinahan has resigned. In a statement he said he "cannot provide the independent voice that veterans require". He said he stood down from the post following an "open and frank conversation" with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn.
19 August 2024
Major Public Safety Operation Continues On Newtownards
A large-scale public safety operation is ongoing in Newtownards following the discovery of a suspected historic piece of munition in the Rivenwood area of the town. A large number of homes have been evacuated as police continue with a clearance operation.
Major Public Safety Operation Continues On Newtownards
A large-scale public safety operation is ongoing in Newtownards following the discovery of a suspected historic piece of munition in the Rivenwood area of the town. A large number of homes have been evacuated as police continue with a clearance operation.
26 November 2012
Minister Disappointed At Decision On Public Service Pension Reform
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has today made clear his disappointment that the Executive has failed to agree to the use of a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) that would allow for the reform of public service pensions in Northern Ireland.
Minister Disappointed At Decision On Public Service Pension Reform
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has today made clear his disappointment that the Executive has failed to agree to the use of a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) that would allow for the reform of public service pensions in Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear periods at first, then mist and low cloud developing in many areas during the night. Light north to northwest winds freshening overnight around the coasts. Minimum temperature 11 °C.
