SDLP Urges UK To Formally Recognise State Of Palestine

SDLP Leader and South Belfast & Mid Down MP Claire Hanna has sent a letter to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP, urging the UK Government to formally recognise the State of Palestine. This call comes ahead of the UN Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, scheduled for June 17th in New York. Hanna, who previously sponsored a private members' bill for statehood recognition in 2021, believes this conference presents a pivotal moment for the UK to demonstrate global leadership and help restore balance in the protracted conflict.

Hanna stated that the UK Government has long supported a two-state solution "in word, while falling short in deed." She argued that recognition of Palestine is not a radical step, but a necessary one to affirm the equal rights of both peoples and lay the foundation for meaningful negotiations based on parity and international law. Hanna further condemned the "escalating and horrific violence in Gaza, compounded by the Israeli government's cruel blockade of humanitarian aid, water restrictions, and inflammatory rhetoric," asserting that it "exceeds any credible security justification."

The SDLP leader concluded that "rhetoric alone will not save lives or secure peace," and that recognising Palestine is a "tangible, lawful step the UK can take to protect human rights, strengthen moderate voices, and reaffirm our commitment to international justice." She described it as a "long-overdue acknowledgement of the Palestinian people’s right to exist in freedom and dignity." The UK government's current stance is that it would recognise Palestine as a state at a time most conducive to the peace process, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy having previously indicated discussions with France and Saudi Arabia on the matter.

Dr. Bronagh Magee Appointed Alliance Councillor for Castlereagh South

Dr. Bronagh Magee has been selected by local members as the new Alliance Councillor for Castlereagh South, replacing Nancy Eaton who has stepped down to continue her studies. Dr. Magee, originally from Ballynahinch and now a Four Winds resident, brings a wealth of experience as a lecturer at Ulster University Business School, a Board Member for the charity Supporting Communities NI, and a former mentor for the SistersIN Female Leadership Programme.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Dr. Magee stated: "I'm thrilled to be coming on board as part of this brilliant Alliance team at a time of such growth for the party in this area, and am honoured to be given the chance to represent such a vibrant part of the borough." She affirmed her commitment to continuing Nancy Eaton's work, aiming to be "a much-needed voice for everyone in Castlereagh South." Her top priorities include securing a location for a multi-purpose community hub for young people and local groups, improving access to green spaces for biodiversity and well-being, and championing initiatives to support local independent businesses and entrepreneurs.

Nancy Eaton expressed her privilege in representing Castlereagh South for the past two years, thanking voters for their mandate for progressive politics. She emphasised the importance of young people, especially young women, having a voice in democracy. Eaton conveyed her full confidence in Dr. Magee: "I have no doubt Bronagh will continue working hard to deliver for the people of Castlereagh South, and I wish her all the best for the future."

Sinn Féin Calls For Assembly Debate on Israeli Violations of International Law

Sinn Féin has submitted a request for a "Matter of the Day" debate in the Assembly, focusing on what the party describes as the "ongoing and systematic violations of international law by the Israeli government".

The move follows British police charging Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, a member of the Irish language hip-hop group Kneecap. Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast, Pat Sheehan, asserted that the focus of those in power should be on the "ongoing genocide in Gaza."

"Israel continues to systematically violate international and human rights laws. Tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have been murdered by the Israeli war machine, while much of the international community remains silent," said Mr. Sheehan. He argued that Israeli officials, including Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, and the Israeli military should be facing war crimes charges, rather than Kneecap being "targeted and dragged before the courts."

Sheehan labelled the charges against the Kneecap member as a "distraction from the real issue — the ongoing genocide in Gaza." He concluded by stating, "They are not the story. The genocide in Gaza is. The blocking of humanitarian aid is. Gaza being on the brink of famine is. And it must stop now."