Man Charged With Fraud And Drug Offences

A 58-year-old man has been charged with multiple offences following an investigation by detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch.

The man faces charges including conspiracy to defraud, converting criminal property, possession of criminal property, and possession of a Class A controlled drug.

He is scheduled to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on 29th May.

As is standard procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Claire Hanna Warns British Politics Heading In 'dark Direction' Following Reform Gains

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has warned that British politics is heading in a "dark direction" and towards a place her constituents do not want to go, following recent electoral successes for the Reform Party.

The South Belfast and Mid Down MP stated that the trajectory of politics in Great Britain should prompt serious consideration in Northern Ireland about its own future.

"The surge for Reform represents a significant and structural change in British politics, which makes serious focus on Northern Ireland’s position and future a real and reasonable concern," Ms Hanna said. "The gains for Nigel Farage’s party, and the failure of the UK Government to articulate a real alternative, demonstrate a profound and lasting change to politics in Britain."

She suggested this shift could impact Anglo-Irish relations, stating that "despite recent warmth, a return to collegiate and respectful Anglo-Irish relationships cannot be relied on."

Ms Hanna also criticised the Labour Party's response to the political changes. "Labour have adjusted to this change by moving towards a more illiberal and nationalist England, rather than offering a real and hopeful alternative," she claimed.

She argued that these developments have direct implications for Northern Ireland's place within the UK. "It’s not credible to pretend that this has no bearing on Northern Ireland and its continuing place in the UK. It is certainly unlikely that Northern Ireland’s unique politics and needs will have a listening ear and a high priority."

Concluding her statement, Ms Hanna advocated for considering alternatives. "Those of us who want to build a better future for this generation and the next have serious work to do to convince people that there is an alternative. The SDLP believes that future lies in a New Ireland - with a dynamic economy, an ethical foreign policy and an admirable approach to accommodating change and difference. Every day, we are confronted with reasons to break from the UK’s more narrow, isolationist path and instead build a diverse, just and confident Ireland that everyone can call home."

Sinn Féin MLA Condemns Ongoing Intimidation Of Lisburn Residents

Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker has called on political and community leaders to unequivocally challenge the ongoing intimidation of residents in Lisburn's Altona Drive.

His comments follow reports that residents in the area are being targeted in late-night 'drive-bys'. These incidents reportedly occurred after a number of flags were erected in the area and letters bearing the UFF logo were sent to homes.

"The ongoing intimidation of residents in Altona Drive, fuelled by sectarianism and hate, must be challenged and called out unequivocally by political and community leaders in Lisburn and beyond,” said the West Belfast MLA.

Mr Baker described the impact on those living in the area: “Residents are living in real fear as faceless thugs target them and their families in their own homes."

He urged a unified political response against sectarianism. “Political representatives must speak with one voice — all sectarianism and intimidation is wrong, no matter where it raises its ugly head,” he concluded.