'Disgrace Assembly Remains In Deep Freeze' – Alliance

Alliance have said that it is a "disgrace the Assembly remains in deep freeze" during the cost of living crisis.

Alliance MLA Nick Mathison made the comment after a series of energy price hikes came into effect. The increases include gas from SSE Airtricity and Firmus Energy, and electric from Power NI and Click Energy. It will mean tens of thousands of people will have hundreds of pounds added to their typical annual household bills.

Mr Mathison said: "Today's price rises have added yet another financial burden to households, who have been left crippled financially.

"We have been through the pandemic and are now in the midst of the biggest fall in living standards since comparable records began. These difficulties could yet see a further reduction, thanks to the invasion of Ukraine exacerbating energy and food costs.

"Earlier this year, Alliance launched its Counting the Cost policy document, which outlined a series of proposals to help ease the burden on people. They include a home heating support grant, a child support grant and investment in energy efficiency measures, and they are still relevant now.

"Urgent measures can be taken to support people through this cost of living crisis. Households are at breaking point but it is a disgrace the Assembly and Executive remain in deep freeze due to the unwillingness of the DUP to elect a Speaker, meaning unfortunately that situation will likely only get worse. It is especially galling the rest of the UK is directly benefitting from money to target this crisis but Northern Ireland is missing out due to political paralysis.

"We need the Assembly back and this crisis tackled head on or else the most vulnerable households will be hit even harder and people right across our society will continue struggling to make ends meet."

Platinum Jubilee Poetry Competition Announced

The winners of the Department of Education's Platinum Jubilee Poetry Competition have been announced by Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen.

The poetry competition was part of the Department's Platinum Jubilee Education Programme, to mark Her Majesty The Queen's 70 years as monarch.

Thousands of children and young people from around 150 schools took part in the competition. Category winners and runners up were awarded with their prizes at an event in Parliament Buildings.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, the Minister said: "The Platinum Jubilee Poetry Competition provided children and young people across Northern Ireland with an opportunity to create a piece of poetry themed on Queen Elizabeth II and the Jubilee celebrations.

"Our pupils and schools did not disappoint and I am delighted by the phenomenal response, which was a fitting celebration of Her Majesty's historic reign."

Nicola Leacock from Belfast High School was announced as overall winner, and the school will receive £1,000 to spend on resources for their pupils.

Along with their framed poem, winners and runners-up were presented with trophies and certificates by the Minister.

Doug Beattie Welcomes Recognition Of Colleague Robin Swann

Ulster Unionist Party Leader Doug Beattie MC MLA has congratulated his party colleague Robin Swann on receiving the Politician of the Year award from the 'Civility in Politics organisation'.

Mr Beattie said: "The Civility in Politics Awards are designed  to encourage, reward and celebrate thoughtful, reflective public debate that reaches across the aisle and seeks to improve our civil discourse. This evening Robin has received an award as has the Labour MP Chris Bryant.

"It is absolutely no surprise to me that Robin Swann has been recognised on a national stage for his dedication and commitment to public service in Northern Ireland.

"Robin has led the Health Service through the most trying of times and I would like once again to pay tribute to Robin and all the Health Service staff who have been an example to us all as they went above and beyond to keep the public safe."