UUP Welcomes £1.6bn Thales Belfast Investment

Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann has welcomed the announcement of a £1.6 billion investment into Thales Belfast for the manufacturing of missiles to assist Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression.

Mr Swann said: "This is a very welcome announcement which will not only act as a great boost to the defence industry in Northern Ireland, but also the wider local economy with the creation of 200 new jobs. This investment also symbolises and cements our unwavering support for Ukraine.

"Last week I made clear to the Prime Minister on the floor of the Commons that Northern Ireland has a vital role to play in the defence industry and that this place offers a wealth of expertise and manufacturing capabilities.

"I'm pleased that the Prime Minister agreed and asked the Secretary of State for Defence John Healy MP to meet with me. I look forward to meeting the Defence Secretary this evening to discuss the role Northern Ireland has to play in supporting Ukraine and our own national defence, as well as the strategic opportunities that Aldergrove offers.

"Last week I also submitted a paper to the Ministry of Defence presenting the argument for significant investment in Northern Ireland's defences, and our defence industry. This included a call for large scale orders and investment into Thales in Belfast. I warmly welcome the government's decision to do just that, and I look forward to meeting with the Defence Secretary this evening."

SDLP To Focus On 'Potential And Opportunity' Of North West Region

The SDLP has committed to using its next Opposition Day on Tuesday, 04 March, to focus on the potential and opportunity that exists in the North West.

The party is set to bring forward three motions focusing on job creation and cross-border co-operation, improved infrastructure links and the need for a dedicated addiction treatment and recovery centre.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday, SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin said: "There is so much potential that exists within this city and region. We are bustling with talent, creativity and ingenuity, Derry is known all over the world for its people, but even now, families living on both sides of the border in this part of our island don't feel like they are seeing the investment they should.

"Delivering regional balance for communities across the North must be a key priority in many parts of the North and I believe that can only achieved through legislation which I am bringing forward in the absence of Ministerial action.

"This is not about rehashing old arguments, but about looking forward to a brighter future where every part of the North, and our island, can share in the equality of opportunity. That starts with delivering jobs and opportunities for our skilled workforce and broadening cross-border cooperation to benefit our people as we work towards a new Ireland."

Alliance Condemns Racially Motivated Attack In South Belfast

Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw has condemned those responsible for an alleged racially motivated attack in South Belfast.

The incident was reported to Police on Friday (28th February) after the home of a young mother and her child in the Roden Street area of South Belfast was attacked.

Ms Bradshaw said: "I'm absolutely appalled by this latest attack on someone's home. This has clearly been done in order to intimidate this young mother and her child out of it. All political parties must condemn this attack. This attack represents the very worst of our society."

“The repeated hate-fuelled attacks we’re witnessing are deeply unsettling for minority ethnic communities both in Belfast, and right across Northern Ireland. People deserve to live free from the threat of violence and free from fear of attack.

"With the frequency of these attacks on the rise, it is crucial that all political parties come together not just to condemn these incidents but to be leaders in their constituencies and stand up for the marginalised and vulnerable.

"I would urge anyone with information to contact the PSNI on 101 or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers."