Justice Minister Urged to Address Reoffending Crisis

UUP MLA, Doug Beattie, has called on the Justice Minister to address Northern Ireland's "reoffending crisis," highlighting that 73.5% of all offences committed in the past year were by repeat offenders. While welcoming the 26.5% rate of first-time offending, Mr Beattie expressed concern that 42% of these first-time offences were of a sexual nature and 22% involved violence against the person, with only 2.7% receiving custodial sentences. He questioned the effectiveness of current rehabilitation programmes, noting that reoffending rates have increased from 70% in 2016 to around 74% in 2024. Mr Beattie also raised a query regarding how data on male first-time offenders includes transgender individuals, while data for women does not, suggesting it should be based on sex rather than gender. He concluded by stressing the need for the Justice Minister to provide clear direction for the judiciary, particularly concerning sentences for violent and sexual crimes.

Paralympic Champion Joins SDLP Call for Disabled Sport Inclusion

SDLP Councillor Declan Norris has called for urgent action to improve access to sport for people with disabilities at all levels in Northern Ireland, from schools to elite competition. This follows a meeting at Stormont where Derry-born Paralympic gold medallist Jason Smyth met with SDLP MLAs. Figures from Disability Sport NI indicate an 18% drop in participation among disabled people in Northern Ireland over the past five years, with disabled individuals less than half as likely to join sports clubs compared to non-disabled people. Councillor Norris highlighted that despite producing world-class athletes, many have had to train in "sub-standard facilities with inadequate equipment." SDLP Education spokesperson Cara Hunter MLA added that everyone, including those with disabilities, deserves the chance to participate and thrive through sport, urging the Executive to work with schools, councils, and community organisations to create an inclusive sporting environment.

Extended Sunday Trading Hours Agreed for Belfast in 2026 Pilot

Belfast City Council has approved a proposal to expand Sunday trading hours and implement other city-wide revitalisation efforts, with changes set to begin in March 2026 for approximately four months. Alliance Castle Councillor Sam Nelson welcomed the agreement, which was passed at a full Council meeting on Tuesday, 1 July 2025. The plan includes a broad consultation process later this year. Cllr Nelson stated the aim is a "thriving, prosperous Belfast city centre that is open for business and filled with activity every day of the week," noting that the proposals also include family animation projects and support for artists. He emphasised that protecting workers’ rights and supporting smaller retailers will be central to the upcoming consultation, and expressed hope the changes will offer more choice to shoppers, workers, tourists, and families while boosting Sundays in Belfast.