SDLP Welcomes Westminster Inquiry Into Press Freedom

The SDLP has welcomed a new Westminster inquiry into attempts by the PSNI and others to impede the work of journalists and the free press.

The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will begin their inquiry into PSNI surveillance of journalists and legal representatives today, Wednesday 05 February. The inquiry was proposed by Ms Hanna.

The witnesses will include Trevor Birney, Barry McCaffrey, Seamus Dooley, Malachi O'Doherty, Allison Morris and Paul Tweed. The inquiry will also focus on the key areas of police surveillance, threats faced by journalists and Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation (SLAPPs).

Commenting on the inquiry Claire Hanna MP stated: "The Investigatory Powers Tribunal judgement achieved by Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey was an important moment when it comes to press freedom and ensured the PSNI and wider UK police forces were reminded that a free press is a foundation of any democracy.

"There can be no reduction of journalistic freedoms such as the ‘protection of a source' and we will not see it rode rough shod over in an effort to send a chill factor to investigatory journalists throughout the UK and Ireland, or to the exposure of collusion. This inquiry is also an opportunity to put on the record the pressures journalists in Northern Ireland face, from PSNI surveillance to death threats and other forms of online abuse.

"The use of SLAPPs against journalists and public commentators by political parties to stifle debate or silence critics will also come under the committee's microscope. While politicians might not like the media commentary they receive at times, it is important and reasonable that fair debate has its place and no single party is allowed to use legal action to control media narrative or to intimidate specific journalists.

"It's key we take this opportunity to shine a spotlight on these unsavoury practices and stand up for a free press across these islands."

Alliance Calls For Political Reform To Improve Public Services

Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson has called on the Secretary of State to take action to reform Northern Ireland's political institutions, arguing that this is crucial for improving public services.

Tennyson's comments follow a speech by Secretary of State Hilary Benn, who emphasised the need for reform within public services, particularly in areas like healthcare.

"Alliance Ministers have been delivering in the Executive since it returned," said Mr. Tennyson. "However, the biggest challenge facing our public services has been the repeated cycle of crisis and collapse, which have damaged them repeatedly."

He continued: "If we want to see reform of public services, we need to start by reforming our political institutions so we have stable government which cannot be held to ransom."

Tennyson urged the Secretary of State and the UK Government, in conjunction with the Irish Government, to take steps towards this political reform. "That would allow us to deliver on the promise of the Good Friday Agreement and deliver the type of politics the people of Northern Ireland deserve," he concluded.

Three Arrested In Lurgan Following Suspected Drug Production

Detectives in Lurgan, assisted by officers from the Tactical Support Group (TSG) and Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO), conducted a search at a house in Larkfield Square on Tuesday 4th February.

During the search, suspected Class A drugs and associated paraphernalia were seized.

Three individuals, two men aged 48 and 50, and a 50-year-old woman, were arrested on suspicion of producing a Class A drug and taken into custody for questioning.

Officers remain at the scene conducting further enquiries. A further update will be provided in due course.