Other News In Brief

Man Arrested In Belfast Over Us Hate Crime Allegations

A 72-year-old man has been arrested in Belfast by officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) International Policing Unit. The arrest, which took place at Musgrave Police Station today, Thursday, 13 March 2025, is in connection with criminal damage hate crime offences that occurred in Flagler County, Florida, USA, in November 2023.

The man was arrested under the Extradition Act and is scheduled to appear before Laganside Extradition Court later on Thursday.

Sergeant Davey from the PSNI's International Policing Unit emphasised the close cooperation between the PSNI and international law enforcement agencies. "We continue to work closely with our national and international partners to identify and arrest those wanted in other jurisdictions," he said.

He also highlighted the PSNI’s commitment to tackling hate crime. "Tackling hate crime is a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland and we will work with partners to bring those suspected of involvement in hate crime before the courts," Sergeant Davey stated.

"Our message is clear that we will relentlessly pursue those that are trying to delay or deny justice to victims of crime," he added.

SDLP Leader Co-Sponsors Mother And Baby Home Legislation

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has co-sponsored new draft legislation which would ensure that survivors of Mother and Baby Homes living in Britain receive compensation without being penalised.

The legislation has been introduced by Labour MP Liam Conlon to support thousands of former residents of Irish Mother and Baby Homes and County Homes living in Britain who are set to lose their benefits if they accept compensation from the Irish Government for time spent in these institutions.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said: "Over a decade ago, my mother Carmel Hanna was the MLA who drove the campaign for restitution for those who experienced institutional abuse in children's homes - justice for those who were treated poorly by the state is a cause close to my heart. "I'm really glad to sponsor this important legislation introduced today from Labour MP Liam Conlon alongside SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood and others, and although no amount of money can erase the abuse and trauma that these women and children have had to endure throughout their lives, redress payments play a crucial role in acknowledging the harm they've suffered. Survivors should never face financial penalties for accepting these payments.

"The goal of this legislation is to not only protect compensation payments from the Mother and Baby Homes Payment Scheme but also to increase awareness of the scheme, encouraging more survivors to apply."

Alliance Welcomes Bus Stop Green Roofs Scheme

Green roofs are set to be installed on bus stop shelters across East Belfast, following a successful pilot scheme on the Shankill Road. Alliance Lisnasharragh Councillor Michael Long has welcomed the initiative, which aims to enhance urban biodiversity and mitigate the impact of climate change.

Translink is planning to install the green roofs on bus stops along the Castlereagh Road, Cregagh Road, and Holywood Road within the coming year. The initiative follows a request from Councillor Long, who drew inspiration from similar schemes in cities like Utrecht, Netherlands.

"One area of delivery Alliance is focused on is mitigating the impact of climate change and doing everything we can to achieve our net zero targets, all whilst improving the general overall environment for all Belfast ratepayers," said Councillor Long.

He expressed his delight that his suggestion to Translink and subsequent application to the Department for Infrastructure had been approved. "I am delighted that my suggestion to Translink and subsequent application to the Department for Infrastructure for these green bus stop roofs, based on the successful implementation of similar schemes in places like Utrecht in the Netherlands, are now progressing to delivery," he said.

Councillor Long highlighted the environmental benefits of the green roofs, noting that they "capture particulates, store rainwater, provide cooling when it's hot and promote urban biodiversity, as well as being beneficial for natural wildlife like bees and butterflies."

He also emphasised the educational value of the initiative, stating, "They also serve as a great talking point, will inevitably help encourage people to think about the small changes they can make to improve our environment, and I’m looking forward to seeing them pop up in Lisnasharragh, and hopefully further across the city in the future."