Greens Criticise Nesbitt's Gender Identity Services Review

Green Party representative Ash Jones has described Health Minister Mike Nesbitt’s decision to appoint Hilary Cass to review Gender Identity Services in Northern Ireland as a "betrayal."

Jones stated that the appointment puts "appeasement of anti-trans hysteria above the wellbeing of transgender patients."

Jones highlighted that the UK’s Cass Review has been widely criticised and did not advocate for a blanket ban on puberty blockers for young people, yet Mr Nesbitt and the Executive have introduced such a ban locally. The representative described the new review as "unnecessary" and a "retrograde step," arguing that Northern Ireland’s services have already been extensively reviewed over the last six years with clear recommendations in place.

Jones concluded by saying that if the Minister was interested in evidence-led policy, he would not be appointing the author of a "discredited review." Instead, he would be proceeding with the recommendations from the 2022 review, as the community needs "healthcare," not another review.

UUP Calls For Urgent PSNI Funding

Ulster Unionist Party spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA has called on the Justice Minister, Naomi Long, to urgently address the historic underfunding of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). His comments follow a Northern Ireland Policing Board meeting where Chief Constable Jon Boutcher confirmed the PSNI is facing a £21 million budget deficit this financial year. Chambers described relying on the October monitoring round to cover the deficit as a "sticking plaster solution." He argued that the current low number of officers is hindering road safety efforts and forcing the Chief Constable to consider seeking assistance from other UK police services to investigate murder cases.

The MLA warned that without a funding increase, the PSNI will not be able to increase officer numbers to a "more manageable figure of 7,000." This lack of officers could also jeopardise major events like the British Open, which would result in a significant loss to the local economy.

Sectarian And Racist Incidents To Be Raised In Assembly

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín is set to raise the issue of sectarian and racist incidents in North Belfast when the Assembly reconvenes on Monday. Her decision follows what she described as "horrifying sectarian and racist attacks" on a number of families in their homes in the Lower Oldpark area last week.

Ní Chuilín stated that the victims need to hear a joint condemnation from all political parties. She called for every party to use the Assembly as a platform to demand an end to attacks on vulnerable citizens.

The MLA stressed that nobody should be a victim of sectarianism and racism, especially in their own home, and that all citizens should be able to live safely and free from intimidation. She concluded by confirming that Sinn Féin will continue to support those affected by these "despicable acts" and called on other parties to do the same.