UUP Welcomes Emergency Services Training But Regrets Missed Opportunity

A multi-agency training exercise simulating a terror attack at the SSE Arena took place on Tuesday night, involving the PSNI, NI Ambulance Service, NI Fire and Rescue Service, Harbour Police, and Coastguard. UUP MLA Robbie Butler, a former firefighter, welcomed the drill, stating that interagency training is "essential" for public safety.

Mr Butler, however, lamented what he called a "huge opportunity" missed with the failure to build the Desertcreat tri-service Training College. He said that while the training event at the SSE had value, such exercises could have been a "regular norm" at a dedicated, shared facility.

The MLA added that the limited opportunities for multi-agency response training were a "lifelong regret" for him. He said that a shared training college would have exploited emergency response synergies and made Northern Ireland's emergency response capacity "truly world class."

Alliance Welcomes New Peatland Strategy

Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has welcomed the publication of the Northern Ireland Peatland Strategy, which was approved by the Executive and brought forward by Alliance DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The South Antrim MLA said the publication marks a significant milestone in restoring the region’s "vitally important" peatland habitats. Mr Blair highlighted that 86% of Northern Ireland's peatlands are under threat from pressures such as overgrazing, drainage, and burning. He said the new strategy sets out five strategic objectives and 26 actions to tackle these issues and enable restoration.

He added that restoring peatlands would provide multiple benefits, including helping to lock away carbon, enhancing water quality by acting as a natural filter, and offering protection against flooding. The MLA said he looks forward to working with other parties to gain support for the ambitious plans to protect and restore the natural environment.

Court Overturns Convictions For Sinn Féin Councillor And Two Others

A Court of Appeal ruling has overturned the historic convictions of Sinn Féin councillor Declan Murphy, along with Declan John Moen and Conor Gilmore.

The convictions, which were linked to a planned bomb attack on a police football team in 1989, were quashed after the court found "reprehensible" and deliberate RUC misconduct had been hidden from the original trial.

Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes welcomed the decision and paid tribute to the men for their persistence in clearing their names. Mr Hughes stated that the case was the "latest example" of the need for a legacy agreement between both the UK and Irish governments that is human rights compliant and meets the needs of victims and families.

He added that the original Diplock courts, where the men were tried without a jury, were a "repressive measure" that violated the right to a fair trial. He said the courts had disproportionately targeted Irish republicans.