Ulster Unionists Table Gaza Amendment

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Assembly Group is today, Tuesday, 24 June 2025, tabling an amendment to a motion on the war in Gaza, seeking a more balanced and comprehensive approach to the Assembly's debate on the conflict. The party stated its heartbreak and dismay over the suffering of innocent people, emphasising that the humanitarian crisis demands an immediate, responsible, measured, and internationally lawful response.

While the UUP agrees with elements of the original motion, such as the call for a permanent ceasefire, the need for aid into Gaza, and the emphasis on human rights, it cannot support other parts deemed to offer a one-sided perspective on a complex issue.

"Let's be clear: what happened on 7 October 2023 was a terrorist attack," the UUP stated. They highlighted that "Iranian regime-backed Hamas terrorists carried out the deadliest attack against Jewish people since the Holocaust, slaughtering 1,200 Israelis, committing acts of sexual violence, burning entire families alive, and taking over 250 civilians hostage."

The party also stressed that the devastation in Gaza cannot be ignored. "Whilst we firmly believe in Israel's right to defend itself, its military campaign has caused immense destruction that may constitute breaches of international humanitarian law, particularly the principles of necessity, distinction, proportionality, and humanity. Thousands of civilians have been killed. Homes, schools, hospitals, and entire neighbourhoods have been flattened. Humanitarian workers and journalists have lost their lives."

SDLP Welcomes New Legal Stance On Drink Spiking

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has welcomed the decision by Justice Minister Naomi Long to introduce a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) that will extend new legislation to Northern Ireland, making spiking a standalone criminal offence for the first time.

Under the provisions of the proposed legislation, it will become an offence to unlawfully administer a harmful substance with the intent to injure, aggrieve, or annoy another person.

Ms McLaughlin stated: "I very much welcome the Justice Minister’s decision to introduce legislation that will make spiking a standalone criminal offence in Northern Ireland. This is a long overdue step forward for the protection of women and vulnerable people in our communities."

The Foyle MLA noted her consistent advocacy on the issue. "I have been raising this issue for several years, particularly after a number of spiking incidents in Derry caused real fear and alarm," she said. While acknowledging initial reservations, Ms McLaughlin commended the Minister: "It is disappointing that the Minister initially said there was no case for change, but I commend her for now listening and acting."

However, Ms McLaughlin emphasised that the legislative change must be a starting point, not an end. "This must be a turning point and not just the final step. We now need a coordinated and robust approach to tackle spiking and support victims. That includes introducing a requirement for all licensed nightclub venues to provide spiking testing kits, so that individuals have the means to test their drinks and so venues are equipped to act swiftly where incidents are suspected."

Concluding, Ms McLaughlin stressed the broader goal: "Women deserve to feel safe on a night out. Making spiking a criminal offence sends a strong message, but we must match that with practical measures to prevent it from happening in the first place."

Alliance Expresses Dismay After High Court Halts A5 Road Project Again

Alliance representatives Peter McReynolds MLA and Councillor Stephen Donnelly have expressed their solidarity with campaigners following a High Court ruling that went against the controversial A5 road project.

This marks the third time in 18 years that approval for the significant infrastructure scheme has been overturned in court.

Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Peter McReynolds MLA described the news as "incredibly sad for everyone but mostly for the loved ones of those who have been killed and injured on this road." He paid tribute to the families and campaigners who have tirelessly sought to have the scheme approved for what is widely considered one of Northern Ireland's most dangerous roads, with over 50 fatalities since 2006.

Mr McReynolds highlighted a key concern from the judgement: "The judge's reference to inadequate information from the Department for Infrastructure is deeply concerning and I urge the Department to study the judgement closely and act swiftly." He called on the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to "outline the next steps they will seek in light of the court's ruling to urgently address the dangers of the A5 and ensure the safety of road users." The High Court ruling cited the DfI's failure to adequately consider Northern Ireland's climate change targets, leading to the decision being quashed.

Omagh Councillor Stephen Donnelly echoed these sentiments, stating: "Today's court ruling will have come as a major disappointment to many, and my thoughts first and foremost are with the families and loved ones who have been impacted by the A5, and those who have campaigned for change."

Councillor Donnelly underscored the human cost of the delays: "Our community has witnessed many lives tragically lost due to dangers on the A5, and it's incredibly worrying to think that upgrades to the road are again postponed, placing more lives at risk each day that passes."

He concluded by reaffirming Alliance's commitment: "Road safety is something that should concern every single one of us, and upgrades to the A5 have been needed for a very long time. This should have happened years ago and Alliance will continue to push the Department for Infrastructure to ensure much needed improvements are a priority, to reduce collisions and ultimately save lives."

The A5 project, intended to create an 85km dual carriageway linking Derry/Londonderry with Aughnacloy, has faced repeated delays due to legal challenges and environmental concerns, despite its widely acknowledged importance for road safety in the region.