Menu
05/07/2023
SDLP Stands Against Conservative's 'Anti-Boycott' Bill
SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has taken a stance against the British government's 'anti-boycott' Bill in a Westminster vote, where he called for it to be scrapped.
Mr Eastwood described the Economic Activity and Public Bodies Bill as "another Conservative power-grab" against local councils and public bodies who wish to take moral stances when it comes to procurement and investment decisions.
The Foyle MP continued: "More than 70 organisations, including Friends of the Earth, Green Peace, and Liberty, argued that the legislation would threaten a range of campaigns and attempts to invest and trade ethically. Importantly, it would remove Derry City and Strabane District Council's right to stand up for oppressed people.
"The people of Derry have immense sympathy with the Palestinian people, and our local council frequently takes stances and actions in solidarity with them, including boycotts against Israeli-linked goods, services and companies. When I was on Derry City Council, I along with others, brought forward a successful motion that the council would boycott Israeli goods in solidarity with the people of Palestine. No Tory government will deter Derry from supporting the Palestinian people and other oppressed people worldwide.
"This Bill will remove freedom of speech and non-violent protest when it comes to holding other countries, especially regimes who oppress LGBT communities and other minorities, to account. The British government cannot give carte blanche to regimes with heinous human rights records and this legislation must be scrapped.
"The SDLP will continue to stand with those oppressed for a fairer, more compassionate world."
Mr Eastwood described the Economic Activity and Public Bodies Bill as "another Conservative power-grab" against local councils and public bodies who wish to take moral stances when it comes to procurement and investment decisions.
The Foyle MP continued: "More than 70 organisations, including Friends of the Earth, Green Peace, and Liberty, argued that the legislation would threaten a range of campaigns and attempts to invest and trade ethically. Importantly, it would remove Derry City and Strabane District Council's right to stand up for oppressed people.
"The people of Derry have immense sympathy with the Palestinian people, and our local council frequently takes stances and actions in solidarity with them, including boycotts against Israeli-linked goods, services and companies. When I was on Derry City Council, I along with others, brought forward a successful motion that the council would boycott Israeli goods in solidarity with the people of Palestine. No Tory government will deter Derry from supporting the Palestinian people and other oppressed people worldwide.
"This Bill will remove freedom of speech and non-violent protest when it comes to holding other countries, especially regimes who oppress LGBT communities and other minorities, to account. The British government cannot give carte blanche to regimes with heinous human rights records and this legislation must be scrapped.
"The SDLP will continue to stand with those oppressed for a fairer, more compassionate world."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 March 2024
Additional £3m Announced For Supporting People Programme
An additional £3 million in funding for the Supporting People programme, which aims to the quality of life for vulnerable people through appropriate housing-related services, has been announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
Additional £3m Announced For Supporting People Programme
An additional £3 million in funding for the Supporting People programme, which aims to the quality of life for vulnerable people through appropriate housing-related services, has been announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
14 February 2024
HMRC Warns Of Bogus Tax Refund Offers
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning to Self Assessment tax customers of bogus tax refund offers. HMRC has warned that fraudsters could set their sights on Self Assessment customers, with more than 11.5 million submitting a tax return by last month's deadline.
HMRC Warns Of Bogus Tax Refund Offers
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning to Self Assessment tax customers of bogus tax refund offers. HMRC has warned that fraudsters could set their sights on Self Assessment customers, with more than 11.5 million submitting a tax return by last month's deadline.
21 March 2024
Call For Education On Violence Against Women And Girls
The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has been challenged by the SDLP on the proposed introduction of mandatory education around violence against women and girls in schools.
Call For Education On Violence Against Women And Girls
The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has been challenged by the SDLP on the proposed introduction of mandatory education around violence against women and girls in schools.
26 June 2014
Planning Applications 'Speedier And Fairer' - Durkan
New figures show that 92% of 'Large Scale Planning Applications' are being dealt with within six months, beating the set target of 75%. Turnaround times for planning applications are improving, becoming "speedier and fairer", Environment minister Mark H Durkan said.
Planning Applications 'Speedier And Fairer' - Durkan
New figures show that 92% of 'Large Scale Planning Applications' are being dealt with within six months, beating the set target of 75%. Turnaround times for planning applications are improving, becoming "speedier and fairer", Environment minister Mark H Durkan said.
01 November 2013
15% Rise In Littering Fines Being Issued
New figures have shown a 15% rise in the number of fines issued for littering. In the 12 months to April some 3,742 fixed penalty notices were issued by 26 local councils, according to a report by the BBC. However, the figures also show a disparity in the issuing of fines from council to council.
15% Rise In Littering Fines Being Issued
New figures have shown a 15% rise in the number of fines issued for littering. In the 12 months to April some 3,742 fixed penalty notices were issued by 26 local councils, according to a report by the BBC. However, the figures also show a disparity in the issuing of fines from council to council.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Any fog and low cloud burning off this morning. Then sunny intervals with a few showers breaking out this afternoon, these mainly across southern counties. Warm. Maximum temperature 21 °C.Tonight:Any showers dying out this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with variable amounts of cloud. Low cloud and fog developing in the early hours. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
