Other News In Brief

SF Calls On Govt To 'Get Real' On Cost-Of-Living Crisis

Sinn Féin has called on the UK government to "get real" on tackling the cost-of-living crisis.

Making the call, MLA and economy spokesperson Caoimhe Archibald said: "The British government must get real on the impact of the soaring cost of living and take action to help struggling workers, families and businesses.

"Inflation is at a 40-year high and workers and families are struggling with ongoing rises to the price of food, fuel and electricity.

"Sinn Féin has continuously called on the British government to cut taxes on fuel, to reverse the National Insurance hike and to reinstate the red diesel rebate. The reduced rate of VAT should also be reintroduced for businesses that had it reduced during the pandemic, including bars and restaurants.

"It is quite incredulous to listen to Tory leadership candidates now talk about taking some of these actions, which in some instances would be u-turns on things they themselves have implemented, when they've sat on their hands for months.

"Regardless of who becomes the next British Prime Minister, people are facing a difficult autumn and winter and we need to see action and not empty promises."

Urgent Support Needed For NI's Hospitality Sector

The British Chancellor has been urged to introduce urgent targeted support for the hospitality sector.

SDLP MLA Sinéad McLaughlin made the call after a business group warned that the rising cost of energy bills and food supplies are putting jobs and businesses in the sector at risk.

The Foyle MLA said: "We know that the cost-of -living crisis is making it more and more difficult for many businesses to survive in the current economic climate. This is especially true of the hospitality sector which was hit particularly hard by the pandemic, and which will be most affected by reductions in footfall as more people struggle to make ends meet. Many businesses in this sector also took on debt to help them during the last few difficult years which will now need to be paid back.

"As a result of these pressures and the lack of support available we have already seen a number of businesses take the decision to close their doors for good and more will surely follow without an immediate intervention. The package of support offered by the previous UK Chancellor offered virtually no tailored support for small businesses. It is also shameful that at such a difficult time, the DUP Economy Minister and his party colleagues are abdicating any responsibility, with their continued boycott of our institutions leaving us unable to support businesses.

"With the Minister's party refusing to go back to work and do their jobs for the people of the North, I have today written to the UK Chancellor to demand that he put in place specific interventions to support the hospitality sector. Businesses simply cannot wait until the Autumn for support, bills will be climbing even higher and there will be further closures and job losses as a result."

Man Arrested In Connection With Suspected Arson Attack In Crossgar

A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a suspected arson attack in Crossgar in the early hours of Thursday morning.

According to reports, emergency services responded to reports of a fire at a house on Lissara Close in the County Down village. The house was substantially damaged, with the roof caved in and water leaking on the downstairs floor.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and on suspicion of disorderly behaviour, with the blaze extinguished by the fire service.