DUP Commits To 'Securing A Fair Funding Settlement'

The DUP has committed to securing a fair funding settlement for Northern Ireland.

Party leader, Gavin Robinson MP, made the commitment ahead of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on Wednesday which will hear from the Chair of the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council.

Mr Robinson said: "The reform and transformation of our public services is necessary but so too is the funding mechanism.

"Our campaign to secure fair funding for Northern Ireland commenced when Phillip Hammond was Chancellor of the Exchequer. When we first raised this campaign it was dismissed by many of those who now join us in putting forward the case.

"Our goal has always been based on fairness in terms of the funding Northern Ireland needs so that our citizens can benefit from public services at the same level as their counterparts across the rest of the United Kingdom.

"The Fiscal Council reinforced the validity of this message and whilst we have made progress over recent years there is still some way to go.

"Years of chronic underfunding has tied the hands of local Ministers and left Northern Ireland often struggling just to stand still in terms of delivery. This is all happening whilst household budgets are squeezed to breaking point also.

"The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee can play a useful role in moving us towards the goal that we identified many years ago and I look forward to exploring this with both the Chair of the Fiscal Council and the other contributors who will give evidence to the Committee."

Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week To Showcase Opportunities

Employers and potential apprentices are being encouraged to get involved in Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2025, which will take place from Monday 3 to Friday 7 February.

The week, led by the Department for the Economy, will highlight the benefits of apprenticeships for both businesses and individuals. The theme of this year's Apprenticeship Week is 'Getting it Right for You', which aims to show that apprenticeships are a varied and flexible option that can suit a wide range of people and career paths.

A series of in-person and online events will be held throughout the week, showcasing the positive impact that apprenticeships can have on the future of both apprentices and businesses. Businesses are encouraged to get involved by hosting their own apprenticeship events, or by collaborating with others.

Appeal Following Arson Attack On North Street Beauty Salon

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following the suspected arson of a beauty salon in North Street in Belfast City Centre on Saturday 4th January.

Shortly before 9:10pm, it was reported that a white Peugeot Partner van had driven at a commercial premises in the area. It was reported that a male got out of the van and set the vehicle on fire. The male made off from the scene running down Unity Walk following the incident. Smoke damage was caused to the premises, as colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service extinguished the fire.

Inspector Murphy said: "Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident or may have dashcam footage from the area, is asked to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 1331 04/01/25. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/."