19/04/2018
Alliance MLA Calls On Secretary Of State To Initiate All-Party Talks
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has called upon Secretary of State Karen Bradley to begin all-party talks "as soon as possible".
Ms Armstong challenged Mrs Bradley to initiate talks as during the recent Good Friday Agreement anniversary, she had discussed how the UK Government was fully committed to the restoration of devolution at the earliest possible opportunity.
Ms Armstrong said: "If that is the case, why have we still yet to see the resumption of all-party talks or indeed even a date set for them?
"Alliance has been consistent in our views, which were contained in our recent document Next Steps Forward. They include reconstituting Assembly committees, reconvening the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, re-establishing the Policing Board and progressing legislation which was at an advanced stage before the collapse of power-sharing, all alongside a talks process.
"Bilateral meetings with other parties and the two Governments are all well and good but the Secretary of State needs to convene all-party talks as soon as possible, appoint an independent mediator and use the ideas contained in Next Steps Forward to get this process moved on and allow us to tackle the social, political and economic problems facing us."
(LM)
Ms Armstong challenged Mrs Bradley to initiate talks as during the recent Good Friday Agreement anniversary, she had discussed how the UK Government was fully committed to the restoration of devolution at the earliest possible opportunity.
Ms Armstrong said: "If that is the case, why have we still yet to see the resumption of all-party talks or indeed even a date set for them?
"Alliance has been consistent in our views, which were contained in our recent document Next Steps Forward. They include reconstituting Assembly committees, reconvening the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, re-establishing the Policing Board and progressing legislation which was at an advanced stage before the collapse of power-sharing, all alongside a talks process.
"Bilateral meetings with other parties and the two Governments are all well and good but the Secretary of State needs to convene all-party talks as soon as possible, appoint an independent mediator and use the ideas contained in Next Steps Forward to get this process moved on and allow us to tackle the social, political and economic problems facing us."
(LM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 February 2024
SF Slams Attempts To 'Run Down The Clock' On Legacy Act
Sinn Féin has said that attempts to "run down the clock" until the controversial Legacy Act is enacted are "cynical and cruel". North Belfast MP, John Finucane, said: "I welcome and agree with the assessment of former Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan that state bodies are attempting to 'run down the clock' until the Legacy Act is enacted.
SF Slams Attempts To 'Run Down The Clock' On Legacy Act
Sinn Féin has said that attempts to "run down the clock" until the controversial Legacy Act is enacted are "cynical and cruel". North Belfast MP, John Finucane, said: "I welcome and agree with the assessment of former Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan that state bodies are attempting to 'run down the clock' until the Legacy Act is enacted.
06 February 2024
Naomi Long Re-Elected As Justice Minister For Northern Ireland
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has been re-elected as Justice Minister for Northern Ireland, following a cross community vote in the Assembly. Minister Long previously held the Justice portfolio from January 2020 to October 2022.
Naomi Long Re-Elected As Justice Minister For Northern Ireland
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has been re-elected as Justice Minister for Northern Ireland, following a cross community vote in the Assembly. Minister Long previously held the Justice portfolio from January 2020 to October 2022.
29 February 2024
Children Must Be Protected From Criminal Exploitation – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the safeguarding of children at risk of exploitation. The party's Spokesperson for Children and Young People, Sian Mulholland, raised the issue following a BBC Spotlight investigation into child exploitation involving drug gangs.
Children Must Be Protected From Criminal Exploitation – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the safeguarding of children at risk of exploitation. The party's Spokesperson for Children and Young People, Sian Mulholland, raised the issue following a BBC Spotlight investigation into child exploitation involving drug gangs.
28 February 2024
Govt Removal Of Money Intended For NI Schools 'Act Of Vandalism'
The Alliance Party has described the UK Government's reprofiling of money originally intended for integrated and shared schools has "an act of vandalism". The Strangford MLA and Education spokesperson, Nick Mathison, was speaking after the party raised the matter with Education Minister Paul Givan in the Assembly Chamber.
Govt Removal Of Money Intended For NI Schools 'Act Of Vandalism'
The Alliance Party has described the UK Government's reprofiling of money originally intended for integrated and shared schools has "an act of vandalism". The Strangford MLA and Education spokesperson, Nick Mathison, was speaking after the party raised the matter with Education Minister Paul Givan in the Assembly Chamber.
11 March 2024
Givan Urged To 'Met His Obligations' On Integrated Education
The Alliance Party has called on the Education Minister, Paul Givan, to met his obligations on integrated education following the removal of funding for a number of local schools.
Givan Urged To 'Met His Obligations' On Integrated Education
The Alliance Party has called on the Education Minister, Paul Givan, to met his obligations on integrated education following the removal of funding for a number of local schools.