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28/02/2023
Other News In Brief
SDLP Urge Leaders To 'Approach Deal In Good Faith'
The SDLP has encouraged NI's political leaders to approach the terms of a deal between the European Commission and the British Government in good faith and with a determination to restore the democratic institutions in Northern Ireland.
Colum Eastwood MP said: "The SDLP will study the legal text of the agreement between the European Commission and the British Government in detail over the coming hours. Our primary goals have been to retain the benefits of dual market access for businesses in Northern Ireland, restore the democratic institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and to send politicians back to work in the interests of all our people.
"My appeal to political leaders is to approach this moment in good faith and with a common determination to restore our Assembly and Executive. People have been badly let down with no government for far too long. It is time to abandon the politics of division and deadlock.
"To those intent on intervening in this process to bolster their own political position I would say this – do not attempt to wreck this deal, to demolish the hope of a resolution that serves the people of Northern Ireland. Do not let fragile egos inflict further damage to our fragile settlement.
"The SDLP will approach this deal in good faith determined to get to work.”
UUP To Study Protocol Deal With 'Attention And Careful Consideration'
The Ulster Unionist Party has said that it will study the new Protocol deal with the "attention and careful consideration that it deserves".
Party leader, Doug Beattie, said: "We will be reflecting on whether the proposals take into consideration the concerns that we have raised and whether it truly provides long-lasting solutions.
"Let me be clear. We are not here to simply give cover to anyone. We will form our opinion based on whether we believe this is a good deal for Northern Ireland and one which protects our place within the United Kingdom's Internal Market.
"Finally, it is important to acknowledge that we were told this was something that couldn't be done. If we had listened to those who said the EU had gone as far as they could then we would not have reached this point. I am proud of the role my Party has played in engaging across the UK, European Union and beyond in making the pro-union case on the problems caused by the Protocol and in bringing the EU back to the negotiating table."
Greens Welcome 'Deal In Principle'
The Green Party has welcomed that a deal in principle has been reached by UK & EU on NI Protocol.
Councillor Mal O'Hara, said: "It is welcome that a deal in principle on the Northern Ireland Protocol has been reached between the European Union and the United Kingdom. The power to negotiate any deal always rested between Westminster and Brussels. There will be much scrutiny of the deal in coming days, but ultimately, it will be for Westminster and the EU to ratify. Meanwhile the DUP's wrong-headed approach has meant that we have had no functioning Government for a year. The people of Northern Ireland have been held to ransom for a deal that was outside their ability to influence.
"In that year, public services have continued to collapse, budgets have been overspent and people have been left to deal with the cost-of-greed crises with no support from our local Executive. Meanwhile, the climate crises looms towards us and there has been limited movement on enacting the Climate Bill which Green MLAs forced the Executive to bring forward.
"The DUP should move to end their blockade of the Assembly. People are in desperate need of support. Public services are barely holding on waiting for multi-year budgets, investment, and reform. The climate crises has not gone away and our limited window to act is closing. There is an opportunity to create a cleaner, greener, fairer Northern Ireland but we need local accountable politics to achieve that."
The SDLP has encouraged NI's political leaders to approach the terms of a deal between the European Commission and the British Government in good faith and with a determination to restore the democratic institutions in Northern Ireland.
Colum Eastwood MP said: "The SDLP will study the legal text of the agreement between the European Commission and the British Government in detail over the coming hours. Our primary goals have been to retain the benefits of dual market access for businesses in Northern Ireland, restore the democratic institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and to send politicians back to work in the interests of all our people.
"My appeal to political leaders is to approach this moment in good faith and with a common determination to restore our Assembly and Executive. People have been badly let down with no government for far too long. It is time to abandon the politics of division and deadlock.
"To those intent on intervening in this process to bolster their own political position I would say this – do not attempt to wreck this deal, to demolish the hope of a resolution that serves the people of Northern Ireland. Do not let fragile egos inflict further damage to our fragile settlement.
"The SDLP will approach this deal in good faith determined to get to work.”
UUP To Study Protocol Deal With 'Attention And Careful Consideration'
The Ulster Unionist Party has said that it will study the new Protocol deal with the "attention and careful consideration that it deserves".
Party leader, Doug Beattie, said: "We will be reflecting on whether the proposals take into consideration the concerns that we have raised and whether it truly provides long-lasting solutions.
"Let me be clear. We are not here to simply give cover to anyone. We will form our opinion based on whether we believe this is a good deal for Northern Ireland and one which protects our place within the United Kingdom's Internal Market.
"Finally, it is important to acknowledge that we were told this was something that couldn't be done. If we had listened to those who said the EU had gone as far as they could then we would not have reached this point. I am proud of the role my Party has played in engaging across the UK, European Union and beyond in making the pro-union case on the problems caused by the Protocol and in bringing the EU back to the negotiating table."
Greens Welcome 'Deal In Principle'
The Green Party has welcomed that a deal in principle has been reached by UK & EU on NI Protocol.
Councillor Mal O'Hara, said: "It is welcome that a deal in principle on the Northern Ireland Protocol has been reached between the European Union and the United Kingdom. The power to negotiate any deal always rested between Westminster and Brussels. There will be much scrutiny of the deal in coming days, but ultimately, it will be for Westminster and the EU to ratify. Meanwhile the DUP's wrong-headed approach has meant that we have had no functioning Government for a year. The people of Northern Ireland have been held to ransom for a deal that was outside their ability to influence.
"In that year, public services have continued to collapse, budgets have been overspent and people have been left to deal with the cost-of-greed crises with no support from our local Executive. Meanwhile, the climate crises looms towards us and there has been limited movement on enacting the Climate Bill which Green MLAs forced the Executive to bring forward.
"The DUP should move to end their blockade of the Assembly. People are in desperate need of support. Public services are barely holding on waiting for multi-year budgets, investment, and reform. The climate crises has not gone away and our limited window to act is closing. There is an opportunity to create a cleaner, greener, fairer Northern Ireland but we need local accountable politics to achieve that."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 September 2019
Retail Chiefs Slam Gove's Fresh Food Claims
Local retail representatives have dismissed Michael Gove's claims that fresh food supplies would be unaffected in a no-deal Brexit. The minister, who is responsible for the Government's no-deal preparations, said, "there will be no shortages of fresh food" if the UK crashes out without a deal on 31 October.
Retail Chiefs Slam Gove's Fresh Food Claims
Local retail representatives have dismissed Michael Gove's claims that fresh food supplies would be unaffected in a no-deal Brexit. The minister, who is responsible for the Government's no-deal preparations, said, "there will be no shortages of fresh food" if the UK crashes out without a deal on 31 October.
08 May 2019
Belfast City Deal Partners Welcome Derry & Strabane Deal
The Belfast Region City Deal partners have welcomed the announcement of a £50m City Deal for Derry and Strabane. The investment will support innovation in the district's digital sector and a further £55m will be allocated to an Inclusive Future Fund for the region.
Belfast City Deal Partners Welcome Derry & Strabane Deal
The Belfast Region City Deal partners have welcomed the announcement of a £50m City Deal for Derry and Strabane. The investment will support innovation in the district's digital sector and a further £55m will be allocated to an Inclusive Future Fund for the region.
11 April 2003
New Deal scheme improves employability
The Government's New Deal scheme is helping to improve participants' employability in Northern Ireland, according to a new survey.
New Deal scheme improves employability
The Government's New Deal scheme is helping to improve participants' employability in Northern Ireland, according to a new survey.
15 November 2001
New Deal evaluation reports released
The Department for Employment and Learning has published the first stage of a major independent survey of 1560 New Deal participants that reveals a generally positive view of the scheme.
New Deal evaluation reports released
The Department for Employment and Learning has published the first stage of a major independent survey of 1560 New Deal participants that reveals a generally positive view of the scheme.
17 October 2019
UK & EU Reach New Brexit Deal
A new Brexit deal has been reached between UK and EU negotiators, however the DUP has said it plans to vote against it. Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces a battle in the House of Commons with an unusual Saturday sitting to seek approval for his deal, however his former allies the DUP are set to reject it.
UK & EU Reach New Brexit Deal
A new Brexit deal has been reached between UK and EU negotiators, however the DUP has said it plans to vote against it. Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces a battle in the House of Commons with an unusual Saturday sitting to seek approval for his deal, however his former allies the DUP are set to reject it.
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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.
