15/10/2021
Latest EU Discussions 'Useful And Honest'
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has described his latest meetng with EU Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic as "useful and honest".
Following the virtual discussion, Sir Jeffrey said: "We had a useful and honest discussion. I welcomed the change of heart in Brussels with the decision to renegotiate. For so long we were told the Protocol could not be reopened but the persistent pressing of our case has paid dividends.
"I also explained why the proposals fall short of what is needed. These negotiations must not be a missed opportunity. There is a window to get this right. To get a deal which can allow Northern Ireland to, once again, get moving forward.
"Short-term fixes will not solve the problems that have beset the United Kingdom internal market. Removing some checks today does not solve the divergence problems of tomorrow. State Aid and VAT arrangements if left unaltered will be detrimental to Northern Ireland's long-term prospects.
"We need a sustainable solution which removes the Irish Sea border and restores our place within the United Kingdom."
Following the virtual discussion, Sir Jeffrey said: "We had a useful and honest discussion. I welcomed the change of heart in Brussels with the decision to renegotiate. For so long we were told the Protocol could not be reopened but the persistent pressing of our case has paid dividends.
"I also explained why the proposals fall short of what is needed. These negotiations must not be a missed opportunity. There is a window to get this right. To get a deal which can allow Northern Ireland to, once again, get moving forward.
"Short-term fixes will not solve the problems that have beset the United Kingdom internal market. Removing some checks today does not solve the divergence problems of tomorrow. State Aid and VAT arrangements if left unaltered will be detrimental to Northern Ireland's long-term prospects.
"We need a sustainable solution which removes the Irish Sea border and restores our place within the United Kingdom."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 April 2017
'Another Election Would Solve Nothing' – Farry
The Alliance Party has said "another election would solve nothing". Deputy leader Stephen Farry made the statement after Sinn Féin said another poll should be called if the talks do not result in a deal by Friday, 14 April. A decision will be made this weekend on the future of negotiations, according to NI Secretary James Brokenshire.
'Another Election Would Solve Nothing' – Farry
The Alliance Party has said "another election would solve nothing". Deputy leader Stephen Farry made the statement after Sinn Féin said another poll should be called if the talks do not result in a deal by Friday, 14 April. A decision will be made this weekend on the future of negotiations, according to NI Secretary James Brokenshire.
17 January 2019
DUP Urge PM To Strike New Deal In 'Useful Discussion'
DUP leader Arlene Foster has described her meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May regarding the Government's Brexit strategy as a "useful discussion".
DUP Urge PM To Strike New Deal In 'Useful Discussion'
DUP leader Arlene Foster has described her meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May regarding the Government's Brexit strategy as a "useful discussion".
02 December 2014
Families Urged To Discuss Organ Donation
The public is being asked to sit down with loved ones and families to discuss their views on organ donation as part of Northern Ireland's first Organ Donation Familly Discussion Day. Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Junior Minister Jonathan Bell and Health Minister Jim Wells launched the initiative today.
Families Urged To Discuss Organ Donation
The public is being asked to sit down with loved ones and families to discuss their views on organ donation as part of Northern Ireland's first Organ Donation Familly Discussion Day. Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Junior Minister Jonathan Bell and Health Minister Jim Wells launched the initiative today.
07 June 2007
Suicide charity planning £350,000 centre of excellence
A suicide awareness charity is to build a £350,000 centre of excellence, it has been revealed. The Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicde and Self-Harm (PIPS) will be expanding its premises, and launching a hard hitting DVD ‘Suicide is Everybody’s Business’ which will feature those who have been directly affected by suicide.
Suicide charity planning £350,000 centre of excellence
A suicide awareness charity is to build a £350,000 centre of excellence, it has been revealed. The Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicde and Self-Harm (PIPS) will be expanding its premises, and launching a hard hitting DVD ‘Suicide is Everybody’s Business’ which will feature those who have been directly affected by suicide.
24 October 2017
Call For More Support For ME Patients
More support is needed for patients afflicted with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), according to Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew. She was speaking after a public discussion in Westminster on the treatment options for patients and the need for enhanced public awareness of the illness.
Call For More Support For ME Patients
More support is needed for patients afflicted with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), according to Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew. She was speaking after a public discussion in Westminster on the treatment options for patients and the need for enhanced public awareness of the illness.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
