Menu
16/09/2008
Troubled PM Pushes For Assembly Policing Role
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has used his visit to Northern Ireland today to urge a 'final push' toward achieving the devolution of policing and justice powers to the NI Executive.
The beleaguered PM addressed Assembly Members at Stormont and also met party leaders, and as expected, used the opportunity to press First Minister Peter Robinson (pictured) over the contentious issue.
The Prime Minister called on all the local political leaders to "set a date" for the transfer of policing and justice powers.
Gordon Brown told MLAs that a minority should not be allowed to exercise a veto on progress.
He argued that the Assembly could not address issues like youth disorder unless they were responsible for the "levers of change".
However, disagreement over this last step in the handing over of power to locally elected representatives may already have stymied plans for a long-awaited NI Executive meeting, which was planned for Thursday.
It is being stalled by Sinn Féin, whose representatives said not enough "political progress" has been made.
The PM, who also toured east Belfast aerospace firm Bombardier during the visit, has his own troubles too as he is in the middle of attempts to force a leadership contest in the Labour Party and while the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) has today rejected requests for leadership nomination forms from MPs unhappy with Mr Brown's performance, his position still looks shaky.
See: Brown Belfast Bound To Boost Embattled Executive
(BMcC)
The beleaguered PM addressed Assembly Members at Stormont and also met party leaders, and as expected, used the opportunity to press First Minister Peter Robinson (pictured) over the contentious issue.
The Prime Minister called on all the local political leaders to "set a date" for the transfer of policing and justice powers.
Gordon Brown told MLAs that a minority should not be allowed to exercise a veto on progress.
He argued that the Assembly could not address issues like youth disorder unless they were responsible for the "levers of change".
However, disagreement over this last step in the handing over of power to locally elected representatives may already have stymied plans for a long-awaited NI Executive meeting, which was planned for Thursday.
It is being stalled by Sinn Féin, whose representatives said not enough "political progress" has been made.
The PM, who also toured east Belfast aerospace firm Bombardier during the visit, has his own troubles too as he is in the middle of attempts to force a leadership contest in the Labour Party and while the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) has today rejected requests for leadership nomination forms from MPs unhappy with Mr Brown's performance, his position still looks shaky.
See: Brown Belfast Bound To Boost Embattled Executive
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 June 2021
DUP To Elect New Leader On 26 June
The DUP are set to elect a new leader on Saturday 26 June, Party Chairman Lord Marrow has confirmed. A new leader is being sought following the resignation of Edwin Poots after just 21 days. Lord Marrow said: "The Party Officers have set the date of Saturday 26th June as the date for a meeting to elect a new leader.
DUP To Elect New Leader On 26 June
The DUP are set to elect a new leader on Saturday 26 June, Party Chairman Lord Marrow has confirmed. A new leader is being sought following the resignation of Edwin Poots after just 21 days. Lord Marrow said: "The Party Officers have set the date of Saturday 26th June as the date for a meeting to elect a new leader.
07 July 2009
London Policing Talks To Focus On Funding
Financing a devolved policing and justice department is expected to be the centrepiece of talks between First Minister Peter Robinson and Prime Minister Gordon Brown later today. Mr Robinson will meet the PM in London amid mounting speculation that powers will be transferred to Stormont soon.
London Policing Talks To Focus On Funding
Financing a devolved policing and justice department is expected to be the centrepiece of talks between First Minister Peter Robinson and Prime Minister Gordon Brown later today. Mr Robinson will meet the PM in London amid mounting speculation that powers will be transferred to Stormont soon.
10 September 2008
Brown Belfast Bound To Boost Embattled Executive
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has reportedly planned a stop-off in Northern Ireland next week to meet with the fractured Executive. Downing Street has yet to confirm the details of the visit, but it is expected Mr Brown will touch down in Belfast on Tuesday, when he will meet top Ministers at the devolved Stormont government.
Brown Belfast Bound To Boost Embattled Executive
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has reportedly planned a stop-off in Northern Ireland next week to meet with the fractured Executive. Downing Street has yet to confirm the details of the visit, but it is expected Mr Brown will touch down in Belfast on Tuesday, when he will meet top Ministers at the devolved Stormont government.
27 June 2003
Integrated education attracts increased support
A recent study on the attitude of people in Northern Ireland to integrated education has found that eight out of ten people consider integrated education is vital to peace and reconciliation in the province.
Integrated education attracts increased support
A recent study on the attitude of people in Northern Ireland to integrated education has found that eight out of ten people consider integrated education is vital to peace and reconciliation in the province.
01 July 2009
Robinson's No 10 Policing Talks Deferred
Scheduled talks between First Minister Peter Robinson and Prime Minister Gordon Brown (pictured) were deferred today, amid mounting speculation policing and justice powers could be devolved to Stormont within weeks. Instead Mr Robinson will have a telephone conversation with Mr Brown.
Robinson's No 10 Policing Talks Deferred
Scheduled talks between First Minister Peter Robinson and Prime Minister Gordon Brown (pictured) were deferred today, amid mounting speculation policing and justice powers could be devolved to Stormont within weeks. Instead Mr Robinson will have a telephone conversation with Mr Brown.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
