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24/07/2024
Other News In Brief
Two-Child Cap 'Cruel And Unnecessary' – Alliance
The Alliance Party has described the two-child cap on Universal Credit as "cruel and unnecessary".
Lagan Valley MP, Sorcha Eastwood, was speaking after voting to abolish the limit on an amendment by the Labour Government in Parliament. The policy prevents parents from claiming universal credit or tax credits for more than two children.
Ms Eastwood said it was a disappointing result but the policy still needed removed.
"I am proud to have voted in Parliament to support an amendment calling for an end to the two-child limit to universal credit," she said.
"Poverty is not a choice – it is a result of political decisions. This cruel and unnecessary policy will achieve nothing except putting thousands more families and children into poverty.
"It was a deeply disappointing move from the new Government. Even in purely financial terms, it does not make sense, with taxpayers not saving money and in fact a cost to them, as untold damage is done to many lives.
"Although this amendment wasn't successful, it is vital we continue to take every opportunity we can to get rid of this disgraceful policy."
Belfast Pride Plays 'Vital Economic Role' In City
Belfast Pride plays a "vital economic role" as the city's biggest cross-community festival, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, has said.
Cllr Murray joined members of Belfast City Council's Proud staff network to help with their final preparations for Saturday's Pride parade, which is expected to attract thousands of spectators along its route.
He helped employees put the finishing touches to a nature-themed display, celebrating the city's parks and open spaces and the contribution they make towards physical and mental health – tying in with this year's ‘Love Your Mind' festival theme.
Cllr Murray said: "It's great to join our staff today and look ahead to what promises to be a great weekend in Belfast city centre.
"Belfast Pride is our biggest, brightest and most inclusive festival and it plays a pivotal role in showcasing Belfast and attracting visitors into the city during the summer season. The programme, which now includes more than 150 events, supports our local economy through hotel bed nights and increased dwell time in the city centre, as well as directly supporting our bars, restaurants and accommodation and transport providers.
"Every year, the event gets bigger and better and, this year, the council is pleased to have supported the festival as part of our Belfast 2024 city-wide creative and cultural celebration, enabling local creatives from the LGBTQIA+ community to get involved in additional events and workshops."
The Lord Mayor concluded: "As a proud member of our city's LGBTQIA+ community, I'm delighted to play my part in this year's Pride celebrations.
"This will be my 18th Belfast Pride, but this one will feel extra special as Lord Mayor. I'm looking forward to meeting with various groups at events this week, as well as at Saturday's parade, to acknowledge how far Belfast has come and to highlight the continued need to make sure everyone in our city feels welcome, respected and safe."
DUP Urges Govt To 'Not Be Neutral On The Union'
The UK Government "should not be neutral on the Union", the DUP's Gregory Campbell has told the House of Commons.
The East Londonderry MP said that being part of the United Kingdom enables people who regard themselves as British, Irish or Northern Irish to call Northern Ireland home.
Mr Campbell said: "Whilst some politicians in Northern Ireland obsess about a divisive border poll, that is not what the majority of people living here are focused on. Most people want to make Northern Ireland a better place for them and their children. The combined nationalist vote has remained around 40% since 1998, and even they would prefer a continuation of peace rather than the communal uncertainty and tensions that would inevitably occur in the run up to any such poll.
"The Prime Minister has previously rightly said a border poll is not even on the horizon and he should hold by that position. The Government should never be neutral on the Union and should challenge those who seek to break up the United Kingdom.
"The beauty of Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom is that people can be British, Irish, Northern Irish or somewhere in between and all call Northern Ireland home. In a divided society we must focus on building a genuinely shared future where everyone is valued and made to feel at home.
"That means focusing on fixing our public services rather than those wasting massive goodwill and resources on a divisive border poll which they would lose in any case."
The Alliance Party has described the two-child cap on Universal Credit as "cruel and unnecessary".
Lagan Valley MP, Sorcha Eastwood, was speaking after voting to abolish the limit on an amendment by the Labour Government in Parliament. The policy prevents parents from claiming universal credit or tax credits for more than two children.
Ms Eastwood said it was a disappointing result but the policy still needed removed.
"I am proud to have voted in Parliament to support an amendment calling for an end to the two-child limit to universal credit," she said.
"Poverty is not a choice – it is a result of political decisions. This cruel and unnecessary policy will achieve nothing except putting thousands more families and children into poverty.
"It was a deeply disappointing move from the new Government. Even in purely financial terms, it does not make sense, with taxpayers not saving money and in fact a cost to them, as untold damage is done to many lives.
"Although this amendment wasn't successful, it is vital we continue to take every opportunity we can to get rid of this disgraceful policy."
Belfast Pride Plays 'Vital Economic Role' In City
Belfast Pride plays a "vital economic role" as the city's biggest cross-community festival, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, has said.
Cllr Murray joined members of Belfast City Council's Proud staff network to help with their final preparations for Saturday's Pride parade, which is expected to attract thousands of spectators along its route.
He helped employees put the finishing touches to a nature-themed display, celebrating the city's parks and open spaces and the contribution they make towards physical and mental health – tying in with this year's ‘Love Your Mind' festival theme.
Cllr Murray said: "It's great to join our staff today and look ahead to what promises to be a great weekend in Belfast city centre.
"Belfast Pride is our biggest, brightest and most inclusive festival and it plays a pivotal role in showcasing Belfast and attracting visitors into the city during the summer season. The programme, which now includes more than 150 events, supports our local economy through hotel bed nights and increased dwell time in the city centre, as well as directly supporting our bars, restaurants and accommodation and transport providers.
"Every year, the event gets bigger and better and, this year, the council is pleased to have supported the festival as part of our Belfast 2024 city-wide creative and cultural celebration, enabling local creatives from the LGBTQIA+ community to get involved in additional events and workshops."
The Lord Mayor concluded: "As a proud member of our city's LGBTQIA+ community, I'm delighted to play my part in this year's Pride celebrations.
"This will be my 18th Belfast Pride, but this one will feel extra special as Lord Mayor. I'm looking forward to meeting with various groups at events this week, as well as at Saturday's parade, to acknowledge how far Belfast has come and to highlight the continued need to make sure everyone in our city feels welcome, respected and safe."
DUP Urges Govt To 'Not Be Neutral On The Union'
The UK Government "should not be neutral on the Union", the DUP's Gregory Campbell has told the House of Commons.
The East Londonderry MP said that being part of the United Kingdom enables people who regard themselves as British, Irish or Northern Irish to call Northern Ireland home.
Mr Campbell said: "Whilst some politicians in Northern Ireland obsess about a divisive border poll, that is not what the majority of people living here are focused on. Most people want to make Northern Ireland a better place for them and their children. The combined nationalist vote has remained around 40% since 1998, and even they would prefer a continuation of peace rather than the communal uncertainty and tensions that would inevitably occur in the run up to any such poll.
"The Prime Minister has previously rightly said a border poll is not even on the horizon and he should hold by that position. The Government should never be neutral on the Union and should challenge those who seek to break up the United Kingdom.
"The beauty of Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom is that people can be British, Irish, Northern Irish or somewhere in between and all call Northern Ireland home. In a divided society we must focus on building a genuinely shared future where everyone is valued and made to feel at home.
"That means focusing on fixing our public services rather than those wasting massive goodwill and resources on a divisive border poll which they would lose in any case."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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21 October 2024
Belfast Named Most Sustainable Visitor Destination In UK And Ireland
Belfast has been recognised as the most sustainable visitor destination in the United Kingdom and Ireland in the 2024 GDS-Index. The city ranked alongside global cities such as Sydney, Singapore, Oslo, and Copenhagen in the Top 10.
Belfast Named Most Sustainable Visitor Destination In UK And Ireland
Belfast has been recognised as the most sustainable visitor destination in the United Kingdom and Ireland in the 2024 GDS-Index. The city ranked alongside global cities such as Sydney, Singapore, Oslo, and Copenhagen in the Top 10.
17 August 2021
BCC Leader Questions Funding Of West Belfast Festival Over 'Pro-IRA Singing'
The DUP leader of Belfast City Council has questioned the funding of West Belfast Festival over alleged "pro-IRA singing" at one of their events. Councillor Ald Brian Kingston raised the issued after it was alleged that the crowed at a concert at the Festival chanted "ooh ah up the Ra".
BCC Leader Questions Funding Of West Belfast Festival Over 'Pro-IRA Singing'
The DUP leader of Belfast City Council has questioned the funding of West Belfast Festival over alleged "pro-IRA singing" at one of their events. Councillor Ald Brian Kingston raised the issued after it was alleged that the crowed at a concert at the Festival chanted "ooh ah up the Ra".
16 November 2023
New Spaces And Places To Redefine Belfast City Region
A new initiative to drive the development of new spaces and places that sustainably boost employment, improve tourism and cultural infrastructure, deliver homes and support community and neighbourhood regeneration has been announced, with the redefinition of the Belfast City Region.
New Spaces And Places To Redefine Belfast City Region
A new initiative to drive the development of new spaces and places that sustainably boost employment, improve tourism and cultural infrastructure, deliver homes and support community and neighbourhood regeneration has been announced, with the redefinition of the Belfast City Region.
02 March 2022
Design Ideas Sought For New Belfast Stories Site
Early career architects are being invited to pitch their creative concepts for the temporary use of a vacant site on the corner of Royal Avenue and North Street, the location for the £100m Belfast Stories tourism destination.
Design Ideas Sought For New Belfast Stories Site
Early career architects are being invited to pitch their creative concepts for the temporary use of a vacant site on the corner of Royal Avenue and North Street, the location for the £100m Belfast Stories tourism destination.
23 July 2009
Belfast 'Twelfth' Was Shopping Hit
Initial feedback on the commercial impact of Belfast shops being open over the traditional 'Twelfth' celebration has been excellent. This year's event, titled 'Orangefest' on 13 July witnessed Belfast city centre shops opening on the day of the parades for the first time.
Belfast 'Twelfth' Was Shopping Hit
Initial feedback on the commercial impact of Belfast shops being open over the traditional 'Twelfth' celebration has been excellent. This year's event, titled 'Orangefest' on 13 July witnessed Belfast city centre shops opening on the day of the parades for the first time.
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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.
