Other News In Brief

UUP Renews Call For Action On Veterinary Medicine Supply

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has called for urgent action on the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland.

UUP MP Reg Empey has raised the issue, highlighting how the Windsor Framework, agreed between the UK and the EU, makes provision for the ongoing supply of human medicines but does not cover veterinary medicines.

Mr Empey said: "Under a deal with the EU, a grace period has been agreed during which the EU will not insist on its regulations covering these medicines being implemented. This grace period ends in December 2025, after which the EU expects all veterinary medicines to comply with EU rules.

"However, there is a big difference between the UK and the EU on the purpose of this grace period. The UK sees it as a time to negotiate with the EU to ensure the continuation of supply, while the EU sees it as a time to allow the UK to fully comply with EU regulations.

"So far as I am aware, no negotiations have taken place between the UK and the EU to resolve what has the potential to be a serious situation, not only for Northern Ireland’s farmers but also for the owners of horses, breeding bulls and so many of us who have companion animals (pets) in our homes."

Mr Empey said that the time for negotiation was short, and urged the UK Government to act.

Alliance Calls On BCC To Investigate 'Show Of Strength' At Roselawn Crematorium

The Alliance Party has called on Belfast City Centre to urgently investigate reports of a "show of strength" which took place during a funeral at Roselawn Crematorium.

A number of masked loyalists appeared during a funeral service for a former UDA man at the facility on 23 April.

"These are shocking images, particularly at a Council-run crematorium," said Councillor Long, Alliance's Group Leader on Belfast City Council. "This is a place where families and loved ones come together to grieve and pay tribute to those who have passed away. In 2024, we should not be seeing paramilitaries on our streets, never mind at Roselawn or other similar locations.

"It is clear an urgent investigation is needed by Belfast City Council – both to find how this was allowed to happen and also why it was not reported at the time. Once the circumstances are established, any further actions may come at that stage.

"Alliance will be raising this with Council officers and we expect a full explanation to be provided."

DUP Raise Concerns Over 'Double Whammy' Staffing Issues

Delays in proceeding ill-health retirement for police officers and the retention of younger officers has been described as a "double whammy the PSNI can ill-afford".

East Antrim MLA and Policing Board member Cheryl Brownlee has said raised the issues at a meeting of the Policing Board. Commenting.

Speaking after the meeting, she said: “The lengthy waiting times for officers going through the ill-health retirement process is a significant problem not just for the PSNI as an organisation, but for officers involved, many of whom are suffering mentally and financially.

"Alongside the impact on those officers personally, it is impacting upon the PSNI as an organisation. This is combined however with the fact that around 20% of those officers leaving the PSNI are in the 20-39 age bracket. These are obviously younger officers who will have joined the PSNI relatively recently. They have made a significant decision to serve our community and would normally be expected to engage in a career-long service within policing. However, they are leaving after a relatively short time.

"It is shocking and disturbing to hear the Chief Constable cite that officers are telling him they simply cannot afford to be a police officer. It shouldn’t be the case that officers are saying they would be better off working in a supermarket. This is obviously a consequence of the budgetary situation faced by the PSNI alongside other vital services in Northern Ireland. It once again underscores the fact that Northern Ireland is funded below need and this is having a direct impact on some of the most vital services for the safety of our community."