04/06/2003
Trimble and Blunkett to discuss Criminal Justice Bill
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble is set to meet with Home Secretary David Blunkett and Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy tomorrow to discuss the Criminal Justice Bill.
A number of key sections of the bill is set to be extended, affecting Northern Ireland, having already passed through the House of Commons.
Speaking in advance of tomorrow’s meeting, North Down MP, Lady Sylvia Hermon, who will accompany Mr Trimble, said: “Given that the cornerstone of the Belfast Agreement is the constitutional guarantee of the Province’s position within the United Kingdom, I am obviously very keen that the people of Northern Ireland are offered the same protection by the criminal justice system as that afforded to people living on the mainland. I intend to make this point very clearly to both David Blunkett and Paul Murphy and hope for a satisfactory response.”
Lady Hermon added: “While serving on the House of Commons Standing Committee tasked with scrutinising this Bill in detail, I became increasingly frustrated that key parts of it were not going to be extended to Northern Ireland. Why, for example, should someone who murders an on duty police officer or prison officer in Northern Ireland not receive the same mandatory life sentence as someone who commits such an offence in Great Britain?"
The people of Northern Ireland deserve to be equally well-protected from serious crime and anti-social behaviour as those in the rest of the Kingdom," she added.
(MB)
A number of key sections of the bill is set to be extended, affecting Northern Ireland, having already passed through the House of Commons.
Speaking in advance of tomorrow’s meeting, North Down MP, Lady Sylvia Hermon, who will accompany Mr Trimble, said: “Given that the cornerstone of the Belfast Agreement is the constitutional guarantee of the Province’s position within the United Kingdom, I am obviously very keen that the people of Northern Ireland are offered the same protection by the criminal justice system as that afforded to people living on the mainland. I intend to make this point very clearly to both David Blunkett and Paul Murphy and hope for a satisfactory response.”
Lady Hermon added: “While serving on the House of Commons Standing Committee tasked with scrutinising this Bill in detail, I became increasingly frustrated that key parts of it were not going to be extended to Northern Ireland. Why, for example, should someone who murders an on duty police officer or prison officer in Northern Ireland not receive the same mandatory life sentence as someone who commits such an offence in Great Britain?"
The people of Northern Ireland deserve to be equally well-protected from serious crime and anti-social behaviour as those in the rest of the Kingdom," she added.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 June 2013
MLAs Welcome Obama Speech
Northern Ireland's political parties have welcomed the message of hope and reconciliation in a speech made by US President Barack Obama yesterday. Mr Obama made the speech at Belfast's Waterfront Hall, on his way to the G8 Summit in Enniskillen.
MLAs Welcome Obama Speech
Northern Ireland's political parties have welcomed the message of hope and reconciliation in a speech made by US President Barack Obama yesterday. Mr Obama made the speech at Belfast's Waterfront Hall, on his way to the G8 Summit in Enniskillen.
09 September 2002
Adams sees 'no benefit' in independent ceasefire monitoring
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said that setting up an independent assessor to monitor paramilitary ceasefires would be of "no benefit" to the peace process.
Adams sees 'no benefit' in independent ceasefire monitoring
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said that setting up an independent assessor to monitor paramilitary ceasefires would be of "no benefit" to the peace process.
20 March 2026
New Bill To Raise Northern Ireland Marriage Age To 18
Finance Minister John O'Dowd has introduced the Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill at the Northern Ireland Assembly, proposing to lift the minimum age for marriage and civil partnership to 18. At present, 16- and 17-year-olds can marry or enter a civil partnership with parental or equivalent consent.
New Bill To Raise Northern Ireland Marriage Age To 18
Finance Minister John O'Dowd has introduced the Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill at the Northern Ireland Assembly, proposing to lift the minimum age for marriage and civil partnership to 18. At present, 16- and 17-year-olds can marry or enter a civil partnership with parental or equivalent consent.
19 March 2026
Easy Trips from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland
Let’s be honest, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to a quick getaway. Living in Northern Ireland means that a proper change of scenery is never more than a couple of hours away, and heading down south for a few days has become the default setting for a stress-free break.
Easy Trips from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland
Let’s be honest, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to a quick getaway. Living in Northern Ireland means that a proper change of scenery is never more than a couple of hours away, and heading down south for a few days has become the default setting for a stress-free break.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
-
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.