Other News In Brief

Police Investigate Creeper Burglary In East Belfast

Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following a report of a creeper-style burglary at a house in the Ravenhill Park area of east Belfast in the early hours of today, Wednesday, 26 March.

Detective Sergeant Kitchen said: "It was reported that sometime between 2am and 4.30am, entry was gained to a house in the Ravenhill Park area. It was reported that a red Vauxhall Astra had been stolen, and car keys, along with a TV had been taken from inside the property."

Police are currently working to locate the stolen vehicle and are asking anyone who may have been in the Ravenhill Park area between 2am and 4.30am and noticed any suspicious activity to contact them.

Detective Sergeant Kitchen added: "Enquiries are ongoing to locate the vehicle and we are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area during the time-frame of this report, and noticed any suspicious behaviour, to make contact with police on 101, quoting reference number 169 of 26/03/25. We are also interested in any dashcam, CCTV or other video footage that may be of assistance."

A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/

SDLP Secures Representation in European Parliament's S&D Grouping

The SDLP has secured representation within the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) grouping at the European Parliament, receiving an open invitation to attend group meetings.

This development follows engagement from the party after the launch of its "Our European Future" document last year, which outlined its vision for Northern Ireland's relationship with Europe.

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP emphasised the significance of this move: "Since Brexit, Northern Ireland has lost its voice and representation in the heart of Europe. We have been cut off from direct engagement in European affairs and left unable to have a say on the many issues that impact people here that are decided in Brussels."

She highlighted the SDLP's historical ties with the S&D group: "The SDLP has a long history of S&D group membership at the European Parliament and we’re delighted that we will now have an SDLP voice back around that table standing up for people in Northern Ireland and making sure their voice is heard on the issues that matter to them." Hanna expressed gratitude to her Irish Labour Party colleague, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin MEP, and other members of the S&D grouping for extending the invitation. She outlined the party's priorities, which include "dual market access, freedom of movement for our young people and the importance of European investment in Northern Ireland."

"This is an important first step in securing greater representation for Northern Ireland in Europe, but we have some way to go to undo the harm caused by Brexit," Hanna added. "The SDLP will continue to build on this work to reclaim our European future and to establish a New Ireland with European Union membership at its core."

Alliance Warns UK ETA Scheme Will Damage Island of Ireland Tourism

Alliance representatives David Honeyford MLA and Kate Nicholl MLA have reiterated their concerns that the UK Government's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme will severely harm tourism on the island of Ireland, urging a policy rethink. 

The ETA scheme, which will require EU citizens to obtain an ETA from 2 April 2025, is set to proceed despite warnings from the tourism sector. Adding to industry woes, the cost of an ETA is set to rise sharply by 60% to £16 from 9 April 2025. 

Mr Honeyford highlighted the potential impact on Northern Ireland, stating: "When almost 70% of visitors to Northern Ireland travel via the Republic, often arriving on the island into Dublin Airport, the ETA adds an additional layer of bureaucracy and expense for people that may consider travelling to NI. Rather than presenting a welcoming and inviting message that encourages people to visit all parts of the island during their visit, this scheme creates obstacles and barriers to tourists coming North. Obstacles that could do irreparable damage to our tourism sector, including reducing tourists numbers from potential growth markets such as North America. We are already aware that some international tour providers are simply not including stops in Northern Ireland in their upcoming packages. At a time when we are seeking to increase tourism numbers and spend, this is economically self-defeating and sets back years of progress." 

Ms Nicholl added to these concerns, saying: "Alliance has been consistent in calling out the pitfalls of the ETA scheme and our colleagues at Westminster secured an exemption for non-visa third-country permanent residents in Ireland in the last Parliament. However, the UK Government must go further and ensure the unique circumstances on our island and the impact this scheme will have are properly taken into account and acknowledged. At the very least, we need to see exemptions introduced for short-term international visitors to encourage tourists and tour groups to incorporate stops in Northern Ireland. What we have to offer visitors here is second to none and we must do everything we can to ensure that those businesses are provided with the conditions needed to succeed."

Both representatives emphasised the need for the UK Government to recognise the unique cross-border nature of tourism on the island and to implement exemptions to prevent significant damage to the sector.