Other News In Brief

Protocol Used To Punish UK For Leaving EU – DUP

The DUP has said that the NI Protocol has been used to "punish the UK for choosing to leave the EU".

Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson made the comment in an address to the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly.

Speaking after the event, Sir Jeffrey said: "The Irish Government was a primary cheerleader for the imposition of the Northern Ireland Protocol. That Protocol has damaged the East-West element of our delicate political settlement and this has gravely undermined North-south relations.

"It is clear that some people viewed Northern Ireland as a useful mechanism by which they could 'punish' the United Kingdom for choosing to leave the European Union. Northern Ireland and its people should not be used as a pawn in a diplomatic chess match.

"All concerned parties must pause, step back and look at the bigger picture. We know that progress is only secured in Northern Ireland when it can win the hearts and minds of all communities. The fundamental flaws of the Protocol need to be recognised and then we can all work towards lasting replacement arrangements which command the necessary support."

Prison Service Praised For Response To Pandemic

The Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, Ronnie Armour, has said that the Prison Service will be as determined in its approach to recovery as it has been in its efforts to successfully protect its staff and prisoners during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Armour was responding to the publication of a new inspection report on Magilligan Prison published by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons in England and Wales (HMIP).

Ronnie Armour said: "The recognition by the Chief Inspector that the Prisons took early and brave decisions in response to the pandemic is a vindication of how our staff at Magilligan and the other prisons faced up to the challenges. As we now move to recovery we will be equally resolute in our efforts, at all times maintaining a focus to keep safe the people working in our prisons and those in our care.

"Keeping Covid out of prisons has been a priority since March 2020, and Criminal Justice Inspectors have justly acknowledged the work and support our Prison Service staff and indeed others, most notably our healthcare colleagues, have done during this time."

Ronnie Armour also welcomed comments on the work in Magilligan's Care and Supervision Units: "While these Units accommodate a very small number of complex and challenging people, the findings by the Inspection team that real progress has been made since their earlier review of the units is very welcome.

Ronnie Armour continued: "The last two years have been challenging for everyone associated with prisons, including Magilligan. This report demonstrates the professionalism of our staff in keeping people safe during that time. With the same professionalism and determination I have no doubt we will rebuild our services to have rehabilitation at the core of our work."

Magilligan Prison Governor Gary Milling said: "Magilligan Prison has a population of around 450 prisoners, many elderly and vulnerable, and this presented its own challenges during the pandemic. However, our staff, alongside our health colleagues, worked tirelessly to ensure that those people in our care were protected.

"We are now focusing on recovery, and the full reintroduction of in-person learning and skills, rehabilitative programmes and pre-release testing will be an opportunity for our staff, education and healthcare partners to rebuild the important relationships which will lead to better outcomes for everyone."

UN Assessment Of Global Warming Indictment Of Political Failure

The latest UN assessment of global warming has been described as "a damning indictment of political failure" by Alliance MP Stephen Farry.

Dr Farry was speaking after the release of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, which stated many of the impacts of the climate crisis are now irreversible, although a brief window of time is available to avoid the worse.

He said: "Alarm bells have been ringing for decades and today's report yet again underlines the need for radical, urgent action to create a safe and equitable future.

"This report confirms what we already knew – wealthy nations disproportionately bear responsibility for climate change yet are least exposed to its disastrous effects.

"With the UK Government's ongoing support of fossil fuel extraction, the UK cannot ignore its responsibilities to the most vulnerable at the frontline of the climate crisis. The Government isn't just turning its back on these countries by failing to provide adequate financial support, it's also legislating to criminalise refugees forced to flee their homes due to that same crisis.

"The IPCC report comes on the same day as the Climate Change Bill's Further Consideration Stage in the Assembly. In the absence of our own legislation, Northern Ireland is lagging way behind in tackling the climate crisis and must additionally make up for the UK Government dragging its feet. Today's findings are a powerful and timely reminder why an ambitious climate change Bill isn't just critical, it's urgent.

"This report makes clear tackling poverty and creating an equitable economy are fundamental to solving the climate crisis. This is why Alliance will continue to demand a Green New Deal and robust climate legislation for Northern Ireland."