Alliance Concerned Over Impact On Glen Dimplex Closure In Portadown

The Alliance Party has expressed its concerns over the impact of the proposed closure of the Glen Demplex manufacturing site in Portadown.

Commenting on the announcement, Alliance Upper Bann MLA Eóin Tennyson, said: "This is worrying news, and my thoughts are with the workers and their families who will be affected.

"Glen Dimplex is a significant employer in Upper Bann, and I will be engaging with management and the Department for the Economy to gain a full understanding of the rationale for this proposed course of action and to ascertain what mitigations will be put in place.

"Any closure of this scale would be a huge blow for the staff and for the local economy in Portadown. Alliance will continue to advocate for those affected to the best of our ability."

SF Joins Activists Calls For Immediate Ceasefire In Gaza

Sinn Féin has joined activists calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The party's National Chairperson, MLA Declan Kearney, addressed activists in Belfast's Europa Hotel, alongside the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, and Mustafa Barghouti, live from Ramallah.

Mr Kearney said: "For over 124 days we have watched a war of genocide be broadcast and recorded in real time by the victims of that same genocide, with more than 27,000 Palestinians now confirmed dead.

"Ethnic cleansing and genocide is being implemented across Palestine by the Israeli government with total impunity, and with the complicity of the US, Britain, and other western powers.

"Across Ireland, Sinn Féin is introducing motions in councils which will require the compliance of ethical investment and purchasing practices.

"In Dáil Éireann, we have called on the Irish government to join South Africa's legal case against Israeli genocide at the ICJ. In an appalling failure of leadership, the government parties refused to do so.

"This March we will use the access created in Washington, through promotion of our peace process, with White House, State Department National Security officials, and on Capitol Hill, to demand an end to Israel's war and promote Palestinian national freedom.

"Whether at home or abroad, all Irish influence must be used on behalf of Palestine. We must not be silent. We will ensure the plight of the Palestinian people is spoken of, and heard everywhere. We refuse to stop talking about Palestine.

"The Palestinian people need the combined political and civic pressure of Ireland to be used at home, and internationally on their behalf.

"To achieve a permanent, unconditional ceasefire. The withdrawal of all Israeli forces from both Gaza and the West Bank. And an end to the human suffering of every Palestinian through effective initiatives, and campaigns.

"This should take primacy over everything else.

"To the oppressed and dispossessed of Palestine, Ireland sees you, we are with you forever, and will never abandon you."

NI Must Play Greater Role In UK Defence – DUP

The DUP has called on the Prime Minister to ensure that Northern Ireland plays a greater role in the defence of the United Kingdom.

Party leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, was speaking at Prime Ministers Questions and pointed to a recent report which said the United Kingdom must rediscover the strategic importance of Northern Ireland to its national security.

Commenting, Sir Jeffrey said: "As an integral part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland should play a full part in the life of our nation, and that includes in defence. Recent contracts, including the supply of Thales missile systems to Ukraine and the construction of new Royal Navy support ships at Harland & Wolff show the potential which exists, but Northern Ireland still lags behind the rest of the United Kingdom when it comes to defence spending.

"Whilst average MOD spending per head of the population across the UK is £340, in Northern Ireland it is only £60. There is significant untapped potential in Northern Ireland and the industrial base exists for this to be realised. We already have the companies and the expertise within the workforce. Levelling up in this area can deliver a significant economic benefit, but also see a better geographic spread of our defence contracts across the United Kingdom.

"The Prime Minister rightly pointed to the Government's commitment made within the 'Safeguarding the Union' command paper to strengthening Northern Ireland's defence industries. It is these practical measures alongside the other progress within that paper that can ensure we build a better and more prosperous Northern Ireland."