Menu
03/06/2013
UUP Suspends Lord Laird
The Ulster Unionist Party has suspended Lord Laird from its Westminster team following claims that he agreed to carry out parliamentary work for payment.
The news follows a report by the Sunday Times, in which undercover journalists filmed three peers appearing to offer help to a fake solar energy company.
The BBC's Panorama programme and the Daily Telegraph filmed Lord Laird discussing a retainer for parliamentary questions.
Lord Laird, Lord Cunningham and Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate deny wrongdoing.
Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt said: "Having reviewed the video footage on the Daily Telegraph website, and other media reporting of Lord Laird's engagement with alleged lobbyists, I telephoned his home this morning (Sunday) and as a result he has relinquished the Party Whip, pending the outcome of the review of his behaviour that he has already requested of the relevant authorities at Westminster.
"The Ulster Unionist Party expects and demands high standards of our elected representatives. This includes an awareness that rules must be followed in spirit as well as in letter. No member, no matter what their status or length of service, will be given special privilege against a breach of these standards."
(IT)
The news follows a report by the Sunday Times, in which undercover journalists filmed three peers appearing to offer help to a fake solar energy company.
The BBC's Panorama programme and the Daily Telegraph filmed Lord Laird discussing a retainer for parliamentary questions.
Lord Laird, Lord Cunningham and Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate deny wrongdoing.
Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt said: "Having reviewed the video footage on the Daily Telegraph website, and other media reporting of Lord Laird's engagement with alleged lobbyists, I telephoned his home this morning (Sunday) and as a result he has relinquished the Party Whip, pending the outcome of the review of his behaviour that he has already requested of the relevant authorities at Westminster.
"The Ulster Unionist Party expects and demands high standards of our elected representatives. This includes an awareness that rules must be followed in spirit as well as in letter. No member, no matter what their status or length of service, will be given special privilege against a breach of these standards."
(IT)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 July 2018
Former Ulster Unionist Peer Lord Laird Dies Aged 74
Former Ulster Unionist Peer Lord Laird has died at the age of 74. Having became Stormont's youngest MP in 1970 when he won a by-election caused by the death of his father, Lord Laird resigned from the UUP five years ago after being accused of breaking parliamentary rules.
Former Ulster Unionist Peer Lord Laird Dies Aged 74
Former Ulster Unionist Peer Lord Laird has died at the age of 74. Having became Stormont's youngest MP in 1970 when he won a by-election caused by the death of his father, Lord Laird resigned from the UUP five years ago after being accused of breaking parliamentary rules.
06 June 2023
New Lord Mayor Pledges To Work With All Communities
Belfast's new Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, has pledged to work with all communities to unlock the city's potential. Cllr Murphy was installed as the Lord Mayor of Belfast, taking over the chain of office from Councillor Tina Black, at the annual general meeting of council at City Hall.
New Lord Mayor Pledges To Work With All Communities
Belfast's new Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, has pledged to work with all communities to unlock the city's potential. Cllr Murphy was installed as the Lord Mayor of Belfast, taking over the chain of office from Councillor Tina Black, at the annual general meeting of council at City Hall.
08 July 2008
Unionist Division Deepens
Despite long declared aspirations of 'unionist unity' by new DUP boss, First Minister Peter Robinson, it's not to be, as a by-election is to be held in Fermanagh in what is effectively a UUP and DUP standoff.
Unionist Division Deepens
Despite long declared aspirations of 'unionist unity' by new DUP boss, First Minister Peter Robinson, it's not to be, as a by-election is to be held in Fermanagh in what is effectively a UUP and DUP standoff.
19 November 2007
Peer Insists Quinn Murder Was IRA
A war of wars has developed between UUP peer, Lord John Laird and the government over the brutal murder of Cullyhanna man, Paul Quinn. The Secretary of State has dismissed "speculation" about responsibility for the murder even though a paramilitary watchdog linked the killing to the IRA.
Peer Insists Quinn Murder Was IRA
A war of wars has developed between UUP peer, Lord John Laird and the government over the brutal murder of Cullyhanna man, Paul Quinn. The Secretary of State has dismissed "speculation" about responsibility for the murder even though a paramilitary watchdog linked the killing to the IRA.
13 November 2007
DUP Seek Answers As Laird Names Quinn Killers
Leading republicans have been named as the killers of Paul Quinn, the south Armagh man brutally beaten to death last month. Lord John Laird, an Ulster Unionist peer has alleged in the House of Lords that the senior south Armagh republicans were responsible for the murder.
DUP Seek Answers As Laird Names Quinn Killers
Leading republicans have been named as the killers of Paul Quinn, the south Armagh man brutally beaten to death last month. Lord John Laird, an Ulster Unionist peer has alleged in the House of Lords that the senior south Armagh republicans were responsible for the murder.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
