Other News In Brief

Alliance Raise Issue Of Online Misogynistic Abuse At PMQ's

Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood has raised concerns over an increase in the misogynistic abuse against women online, which she said has "only rise as a result of the radicalisation of young men".

The Lagan Valley MP was speaking after Prime Minister's Questions today (6 November), where she questioned Sir Keir Starmer on what actions his government is taking to tackle the abuse of women and girls, particularly online.

Ms Eastwood said: "Northern Ireland is one of the most dangerous places in Europe to be a woman. Every life lost to gender-based violence is one too many, but the rate of cases we've seen here, even in just the last few weeks and months, is harrowing.

"In order to truly tackle this kind of violence however, we must look upstream and recognise the behaviour that often precedes it.

"One of the most prevalent ways in which violence against women and girls is perpetrated is through social media. We're witnessing an incredibly worrying rise in the radicalisation of young men in these online spaces, spearheaded by figures like Elon Musk, and reflective in events in the US last night and Donald Trump's ascendency to the presidency. Incidents of misogynistic abuse levied against women only rise as a result of this radicalisation.

"This is an issue that's incredibly close to my heart, and it's something I unfortunately have very personal experience with. I'm proud to be able to use my platform to champion the protection of women and girls locally in my own constituency, alongside fantastic organisations like Belfast and Lisburn Women's Aid. Also, of all the work undertaken in this space by my party colleague Naomi Long MLA in her remit as Justice Minister.

"Whilst there has been progress in some areas, we still have a long way to go in terms of making sure women and girls feel safe both online and in the real world. Everyone should feel the urgency to take action, and I'm glad to hear the Prime Minister restate he and his government's commitment to achieving this today."

SF Condemn Racist Attack In South Belfast

Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey has slammed a racist attack on a home in south Belfast which left a young child and their mother injured. The South Belfast MLA: "This is an absolutely appalling and disgusting act and I want to firstly express my thoughts with this family who have been left physically hurt and mentally frightened by this incident.

"Although some racist attacks have left the media headlines, behaviour such as this has continued and unfortunately many who have come to our island to make it their home are now living in real fear.

"Those involved in this sickening behaviour do not speak for the majority of south Belfast who are open, welcoming and champion diversity in all of its forms.

"I have requested a meeting with the PSNI following the recent spate of attacks and I will be asking police what they are doing to prevent this crime, including bringing those involved in the attacks to justice.

"The victims of this attack play an important role in our society through their work in the health service. In total contrast to this, the racist thugs involved have nothing to offer and only seek to drive fear and misery into local communities.

"As a city the majority of us stand against racism in all of its forms. All political and community leaders must make it clear that hate and division is unwelcome, unwanted and uncalled for."

Success Of Trump Politics 'Disheartening' – SDLP

SDLP Leader, Claire Hanna MP, has described the election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States as "disheartening".

Responding to the results of the election, the South Belfast and Mid Down MP said: "My thoughts today are largely with people in the United States who are fearful about what this might mean for their future. Donald Trump has repeatedly shown himself as someone with little respect for most people or the high office that he once again holds. It’s very disheartening that his divisive brand of politics has been so widely endorsed, but we acknowledge the clarity of the election outcome.

"There is serious concern about what this means for the United States, Gaza, Ukraine and indeed the world. In each, the most vulnerable will likely bear the brunt of the decisions the Trump administration will take.

"Many people will be feeling low today and I hope they will take care. The best response to this is to organise, and to think about the ways that we can help protect community cohesion, security and the planet. The SDLP will continue to champion inclusive, forward looking and internationalist politics."