Alliance Question Chief Constable On Potential For Increased Threat Of Loyalist Violence

Alliance Policing Board Spokesperson, John Blair, has quizzed the PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne on the potential for increased threat of loyalist violence in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and if they are liaising with partners and agencies in Great Britain about this.

In light of recent statements made by organisations such as the Loyalist Communities Council which implied the threat of increased violence in the future, Mr Blair asked the Chief Constable if it is the case that those GB agencies already involved in assessing terrorist threat in Northern Ireland, such as the NCA, should now be involved in assessing the loyalist threat of violence against both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. He also asked if any conversations had been struck with these GB agencies about their potential involvement in these assessments.

The questions were asked at the Policing Board's November public meeting, which took place on 3rd November.

John has said: "The throwing around of terms like 'ceasefire review' and 'dire consequences' do nothing but entrench divisions and create tension in our communities, as well as leave people feeling intimidated and unsafe.

"It's a great shame that in 2022 we are still seeing the poison of paramilitarism on our streets and are beholden to the destabilising effects of paramilitary threats. Organisations such as the LCC have no legitimate place in political discourse, and we'd also urge the NIO to urgently re-examine its approach to meeting with them, as we feel the system as it stands gives credibility to what is essentially an umbrella group for active terror groups.

"The UK Government also needs to adjust its stance on dealing with active loyalist paramilitaries in-line with how it deals with dissident republicans. They are one in the same, both equally reprehensible beyond just mere criminality, and are both matters of national security in the threats they pose towards both local and neighbouring politicians.

"People, whether local residents or visiting elected representatives, deserve to feel safe in Northern Ireland, and we're glad to hear from the Chief Constable that dialogue channels with relevant authorities are open."

UUP Welcomes News That There Will Be No Election

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has welcomed confirmation that an election will not be held in December.

UUP Leader Doug Beattie said: "The Ulster Unionist Party told the Secretary of State that a pre-Christmas Election would not solve the problems we face which are due to the NI Protocol, so we welcome the fact that he has confirmed there will not be such an election.

"We now have an opportunity to create time and space to resolve matters because currently there seems to be no plan to get the Executive up and running to help address the very real problems being faced by the people of Northern Ireland.

"Under the current legislation we still face a deadline of 8 December and a possible Assembly election on the 18th January. That would also be a mistake because an election would simply cost money and stall negotiations on the protocol.

"None of this changes the basic fact that we need to reach a solution that gives Unionism confidence so all parties can return to the Executive and work for the people of Northern Ireland."

Inflation Rise 'Devastating Blow For Struggling Families'

News that inflation is to be increased to 3% has been described as a "devastating blow to already struggling families" by SDLP South Belfast MP Claire Hanna.

Ms Hanna said warnings of a "very challenging" recession would cause further fear for households dealing with soaring costs.

South Belfast MP Ms Hanna said: "Today's hike in the interest rate and warning that we are on the brink of a recession will cause fear and concern for families already finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. This announcement will put an end to many people's dreams of owning their own homes or starting their own business and leave those already on the housing ladder wondering how on earth they are going to make their mortgage payments.

"Plunging people further into poverty is the legacy of Liz Truss's brief weeks in power, she played fast and loose with public finances and now it's hard-working people who will pay the price. The 2008 recession had a profound impact on this place, businesses closed, people lost their homes and many were pushed to the brink under unimaginable pressures.

"This is a time for political leadership and while we believe a Labour-led government is best placed to provide it, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak must immediately spell out exactly what he is going to do to protect people from the current emergency. Many families are already going hungry in cold houses and I dread to think how they will be feeling at this announcement that further misery is on the way.

"As we stare into this deepening crisis the DUP's flimsy excuses for preventing our institutions from functioning look all the more ridiculous. Stormont cannot reverse a recession, but it can take steps to help people and mitigate the worst aspects of this crisis. The only way we are going to navigate this extremely difficult period is with governments in London and Belfast recognising the desperate situation families are facing and working together to implement interventions to get them through it."