SDLP: Border Visa Plan Cannot Be Allowed To Proceed

A UK government proposal to require non-Irish EU citizens or non-British nationals to obtain a visa to cross the border cannot be allowed to proceed, SDLP South Belfast MP Claire Hanna has said.

Ms Hanna was speaking after MPs rejected a Lords' amendment to remove the provision from the Nationality and Borders Bill.

She said the move would be hugely disruptive for non-Irish or UK citizens living on the island and also negatively impact the tourism industry.

South Belfast MP Ms Hanna said: "Introducing visa requirements to cross the Irish border would really alter movement on our island, creating unreasonable bureaucracy for many and hurting tourism, for no good reason. Thanks to Margaret Ritchie's successful Lords Amendment earlier this month the government had an open opportunity to drop this pointless and punishing change.

"This is a terrible piece of legislation overall, with a horrible approach to refugee and asylum issues. This ESTA aspect captures their cavalier approach to relations with their neighbours and goes against the spirit of the Common Travel Area by putting limits on non-Irish and British people even if they are residents.

"It's unthinkable that people who call this place home would be forced to apply for a visa to travel to work or for leisure.

"This move would also seriously impact our tourism industry, with a huge proportion of visitors coming North via Dublin. Tourism Ireland operates on an all-island basis. Creating extra hoops for people to jump through is likely to make them think twice about coming north, or who may inadvertently find themselves on dodgy legal ground.

"SDLP MPs have opposed this bill from the very start and we will continue to do so in parliament and behind the scenes. The UK government should listen to the widespread criticism of this legislation; from all opposition parties except the DUP, from a majority of lords, from business and from the Irish Government before further harm is caused."

Alliance Welcomes New Cancer Strategy

Alliance have welcomed the publication of a new 10-year cancer strategy, but cautioned it must be fully resourced and must herald a new era in the transformation of health and social care.

Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw said: "The focus of the Minister's announcement was on the new rapid diagnosis centres at Whiteabbey and South Tyrone, but in fact the strategy contains 60 high-level recommendations which would transform the way we approach cancer prevention, diagnosis and support over the next decade. Each of these recommendations is extremely important," said Ms Bradshaw, who chairs the All-Party Group on Cancer at the Assembly.

"I strongly welcome that the strategy is backed by a funding plan, setting out clearly resources required and clarifying absolutely we will need an Executive to commit to delivering that resource.

"Most of all, the four themes behind the strategy are all essential, and each must be given fair attention. It is essential we improve how we treat cancer and how we support people living with it, but it is also essential to do far more to prevent cancer in the first place. That is what a large element of the implementation and resourcing of this strategy must be about.

"I welcome in particular the input of cancer charities and of those with lived experience of cancer, whose input to the strategy has been so vital and whose ongoing role in its implementation will be invaluable.

"This has the potential to be a significant day not just for how we approach cancer, but for how we transform health and social care towards a focus on systems, as well as on prevention and early intervention, over the coming years."

DUP Welcomes News NI Threat Level Has Been Lowered

The DUP have welcomed the news that the terrorist threat in Northern Ireland has been lowered for the first time in 12 years.

South Antrim MLA and Policing Board representative Trevor Clarke said: "This news is extremely welcome and is testament to the dedication of the PSNI and our national security agencies in disrupting dissident republican organisations and keeping our communities free from harm.

"The warped desire of these groups to wage terror has not disappeared. However, in recent months the police and MI5 have had significant success in frustrating attacks and taking experienced terrorists off our streets.

"It is crucial that this work continues. Whilst no longer severe, the risk remains substantial. Future funding and operational resources must reflect that. There are also ongoing concerns around how well equipped our criminal justice system is to prosecute terrorist offences. We need to see progress on speeding up this process and ensuring sentencing is more robust and in line with other regions of the UK.

"Equally, there is a need for nationalist and republican politicians to do more to encourage engagement with the police. Only by changing mindsets and giving young people who are vulnerable to falling prey to these elements a better stake in society can we end the scourge of terrorism and paramilitarism."