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09/12/2024
Other News In Brief
DUP Urge Chancellor To Press EU On GB-NI Trade Barriers
The DUP has called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use her visit to Brussels to press the European Union to remove trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Making the call, East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson said: "We have consistently warned about the unfairness of the Democratic Consent vote since October 2019, when Nigel Dodds told the House of Commons that such a vote 'drives a coach and horses through the Belfast Agreement by altering the cross-community consent mechanism'. Despite unionists voting against, this vote has been rigged to get the desired outcome.
"In Northern Ireland, we have safeguards to prevent domination by one community, such as the requirement for a majority of both unionists and nationalists in key votes. Why, then, is the decision on the NI Protocol, a deeply divisive issue, not held to the same standard? The simple answer is, they wanted a certain outcome."
Mr Wilson said that DUP MLAs would be in the chamber to "vote against the continuation of these arrangements".
He concluded: "Our campaign to restore Northern Ireland's rightful place within the United Kingdom continues. This includes the removal of EU law from Northern Ireland and the dismantling of the internal border it creates.
"The Chancellor should be using her visit to Brussels this week to advocate for this outcome. She must work to address the harm caused to businesses, competitiveness, consumer choice, and the broader economy by the implementation of the Windsor Framework."
SF Welcomes Executive Ban On Oil Drilling And Fracking
Sinn Féin has welcomed an Executive ban on all forms of onshore petroleum exploration and production – including a ban on hydraulic fracking being used for exploration and production of petroleum.
The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, Áine Murphy, said: "Sinn Féin has consistently called for a ban on all forms of onshore petroleum exploration and production, and I am delighted it's been agreed permanently by the Executive.
"This ban on all forms of onshore petroleum exploration and production – including fracking, is a positive step forward and is something that I have previously raised in the Assembly both through tabling legislation and a motion.
"Yesterday's announcement will bring the north into line with the rest of the island and many countries around the world that have taken a stand against this practice.
"This is a positive day for the environment, and will protect the wellbeing of local communities for generations to come."
Views Sought On Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Scheme
The Department for Communities has announced the launch of a new 12-week public consultation on proposed changes to the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Scheme.
The Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) public consultation, which runs until Sunday 2 March 2025, relates to the policy change which limits the annual Winter Fuel Payment to pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit or other means tested benefits.
The Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Scheme consultation is available on the Department for Communities’ website.
The Department welcomes comment on any aspects of the document by online survey, email or post.
The DUP has called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use her visit to Brussels to press the European Union to remove trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Making the call, East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson said: "We have consistently warned about the unfairness of the Democratic Consent vote since October 2019, when Nigel Dodds told the House of Commons that such a vote 'drives a coach and horses through the Belfast Agreement by altering the cross-community consent mechanism'. Despite unionists voting against, this vote has been rigged to get the desired outcome.
"In Northern Ireland, we have safeguards to prevent domination by one community, such as the requirement for a majority of both unionists and nationalists in key votes. Why, then, is the decision on the NI Protocol, a deeply divisive issue, not held to the same standard? The simple answer is, they wanted a certain outcome."
Mr Wilson said that DUP MLAs would be in the chamber to "vote against the continuation of these arrangements".
He concluded: "Our campaign to restore Northern Ireland's rightful place within the United Kingdom continues. This includes the removal of EU law from Northern Ireland and the dismantling of the internal border it creates.
"The Chancellor should be using her visit to Brussels this week to advocate for this outcome. She must work to address the harm caused to businesses, competitiveness, consumer choice, and the broader economy by the implementation of the Windsor Framework."
SF Welcomes Executive Ban On Oil Drilling And Fracking
The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, Áine Murphy, said: "Sinn Féin has consistently called for a ban on all forms of onshore petroleum exploration and production, and I am delighted it's been agreed permanently by the Executive.
"This ban on all forms of onshore petroleum exploration and production – including fracking, is a positive step forward and is something that I have previously raised in the Assembly both through tabling legislation and a motion.
"Yesterday's announcement will bring the north into line with the rest of the island and many countries around the world that have taken a stand against this practice.
"This is a positive day for the environment, and will protect the wellbeing of local communities for generations to come."
Views Sought On Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Scheme
The Department for Communities has announced the launch of a new 12-week public consultation on proposed changes to the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Scheme.
The Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) public consultation, which runs until Sunday 2 March 2025, relates to the policy change which limits the annual Winter Fuel Payment to pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit or other means tested benefits.
The Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Scheme consultation is available on the Department for Communities’ website.
The Department welcomes comment on any aspects of the document by online survey, email or post.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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20 November 2024
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
29 November 2011
Cold Comfort As Winter Deaths Fall
One of the coldest and harshest winters to hit NI in memory failed to cause any rise in the levels of winters mortalities. Despite the cold weather, last winter (December 2010 - March 2011) there was in fact a fall in the number of deaths registered.
Cold Comfort As Winter Deaths Fall
One of the coldest and harshest winters to hit NI in memory failed to cause any rise in the levels of winters mortalities. Despite the cold weather, last winter (December 2010 - March 2011) there was in fact a fall in the number of deaths registered.
06 August 2015
Call For Free Vote Regarding Same-Sex Marriage
There are reports that two churches in Northern Ireland have called for the region's politicians to be allowed a free vote regarding same-sex marriage. It is understood representatives from both the Catholic church and Presbyterian church have said party whips should be removed on the issue when it is next debated at Stormont.
Call For Free Vote Regarding Same-Sex Marriage
There are reports that two churches in Northern Ireland have called for the region's politicians to be allowed a free vote regarding same-sex marriage. It is understood representatives from both the Catholic church and Presbyterian church have said party whips should be removed on the issue when it is next debated at Stormont.
17 October 2005
Minister confirms NI smoking ban
Northern Ireland is to get a smoking ban in all workplaces and enclosed spaces, the Government has announced today. Health Minister Shawn Woodward said the decision was made following extensive consultation on the issue but that it would be April 2007 before any new legislation comes into effect in the province.
Minister confirms NI smoking ban
Northern Ireland is to get a smoking ban in all workplaces and enclosed spaces, the Government has announced today. Health Minister Shawn Woodward said the decision was made following extensive consultation on the issue but that it would be April 2007 before any new legislation comes into effect in the province.
06 December 2024
Onshore Oil And Gas Exploration Banned In Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Executive has today approved a ban on onshore oil and gas exploration and production, including fracking. Economy Minister Conor Murphy welcomed the decision, which he said was a significant step towards reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
Onshore Oil And Gas Exploration Banned In Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Executive has today approved a ban on onshore oil and gas exploration and production, including fracking. Economy Minister Conor Murphy welcomed the decision, which he said was a significant step towards reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be largely dry with patchy cloud and sunny spells through the day. Perhaps the odd shower in the north. Strong southwesterly winds, easing later. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying dry with clear spells through this evening. Clouding over later in the night with rain arriving from the southwest during the early hours. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
