30/09/2025
Other News In Brief
Lord Empey Predicts 'Brit Card' Digital ID Scheme Will Fail in Lords
Lord Empey (UUP) has condemned Prime Minister Keir Starmer's proposed "Brit Card" digital ID scheme, stating he is "sure it’s dead on arrival in the House of Lords".
Lord Empey predicted the Labour proposal will be defeated as the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are against it, and Labour lacks a majority in the second chamber.
He criticised the plan as "another back of a fag packet idea with no research" that will have "no impact on illegal immigration". He cited recent figures showing the net increase in the UK's population was over 750,000 in 2024, following over 1 million in 2023, arguing that such immigration levels are overwhelming the country.
The UUP peer also warned that "absolutely no consultation has taken place with Northern Ireland Parties" regarding the serious proposal.
Sinn Féin Calls For Onsite Drug Testing At NI Festivals
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn has called for onsite drug testing to be introduced at music festivals and concerts across Northern Ireland.
The West Belfast MLA said that the move is necessary to "do everything we can to tackle drug deaths in our society".
She noted that the Republic of Ireland already has such a scheme in place, leaving Northern Ireland as the only part of the islands without it.
Sinn Féin is tabling a motion for debate today, Tuesday, 30 September 2025, urging the Health Minister to implement the testing.
Ms Flynn argued that while "no drugs are safe," the testing would allow "particularly harmful drugs to be identified, the public to be alerted, and further tragedies to be prevented".
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Bangor’s Ballymaconnell Road Area
Police are appealing for information following a burglary at a house in the Ballymaconnell Road area of Bangor.
Sergeant McLaughlin confirmed that it was reported shortly after 11.30pm yesterday evening, Monday, 29 September 2025, that entry had been gained to the property, and the house had been ransacked. An item of jewellery and a sum of cash were taken.
Enquiries are ongoing, and police are asking anyone who was in the area and saw any suspicious activity, or who has any information, to call 101, quoting reference number 1693 of 29/09/25.
Alternatively, a report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Lord Empey (UUP) has condemned Prime Minister Keir Starmer's proposed "Brit Card" digital ID scheme, stating he is "sure it’s dead on arrival in the House of Lords".
Lord Empey predicted the Labour proposal will be defeated as the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are against it, and Labour lacks a majority in the second chamber.
He criticised the plan as "another back of a fag packet idea with no research" that will have "no impact on illegal immigration". He cited recent figures showing the net increase in the UK's population was over 750,000 in 2024, following over 1 million in 2023, arguing that such immigration levels are overwhelming the country.
The UUP peer also warned that "absolutely no consultation has taken place with Northern Ireland Parties" regarding the serious proposal.
Sinn Féin Calls For Onsite Drug Testing At NI Festivals
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn has called for onsite drug testing to be introduced at music festivals and concerts across Northern Ireland.
The West Belfast MLA said that the move is necessary to "do everything we can to tackle drug deaths in our society".
Sinn Féin is tabling a motion for debate today, Tuesday, 30 September 2025, urging the Health Minister to implement the testing.
Ms Flynn argued that while "no drugs are safe," the testing would allow "particularly harmful drugs to be identified, the public to be alerted, and further tragedies to be prevented".
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Bangor’s Ballymaconnell Road Area
Police are appealing for information following a burglary at a house in the Ballymaconnell Road area of Bangor.
Sergeant McLaughlin confirmed that it was reported shortly after 11.30pm yesterday evening, Monday, 29 September 2025, that entry had been gained to the property, and the house had been ransacked. An item of jewellery and a sum of cash were taken.
Enquiries are ongoing, and police are asking anyone who was in the area and saw any suspicious activity, or who has any information, to call 101, quoting reference number 1693 of 29/09/25.
Alternatively, a report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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23 January 2023
New Specialist Construction Materials Lab Opened
Northern Ireland's road network is set to be improved with the launch of a new construction materials testing laboratory. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) officially opened the £2 million purpose-built laboratory at Carn in Portadown.
New Specialist Construction Materials Lab Opened
Northern Ireland's road network is set to be improved with the launch of a new construction materials testing laboratory. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) officially opened the £2 million purpose-built laboratory at Carn in Portadown.
01 March 2017
New Ad Campaign Launched To Encourage Reporting Of Drug Dealing
A major ad campaign has been launched urging the public to report drug dealing to Crimstoppers. The campaign, which will feature viral videos alongside bus, adshel, online and radio advertising, aims to highlight the damage drugs do to individuals, families and communities.
New Ad Campaign Launched To Encourage Reporting Of Drug Dealing
A major ad campaign has been launched urging the public to report drug dealing to Crimstoppers. The campaign, which will feature viral videos alongside bus, adshel, online and radio advertising, aims to highlight the damage drugs do to individuals, families and communities.
17 December 2010
Many Arrests In Gardaí Drugs Raids
A total of 45 people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in Gardaí a crackdown on the sale and supply of heroin and 'crack' cocaine in the Dublin region. The operation, which involved Garda drug units from Kevin Street, Pearse Street and Store Street stations, resulted in 150 charges being brought, according to Gardaí this morning.
Many Arrests In Gardaí Drugs Raids
A total of 45 people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in Gardaí a crackdown on the sale and supply of heroin and 'crack' cocaine in the Dublin region. The operation, which involved Garda drug units from Kevin Street, Pearse Street and Store Street stations, resulted in 150 charges being brought, according to Gardaí this morning.
27 January 2005
Research reveals extent of drug use in NI
A new report into behavioural habits of injecting drug users in Northern Ireland has found that almost one in three people who use needles to inject drugs have been diagnosed with Hepatitus C.
Research reveals extent of drug use in NI
A new report into behavioural habits of injecting drug users in Northern Ireland has found that almost one in three people who use needles to inject drugs have been diagnosed with Hepatitus C.
06 June 2023
New Lord Mayor Pledges To Work With All Communities
Belfast's new Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, has pledged to work with all communities to unlock the city's potential. Cllr Murphy was installed as the Lord Mayor of Belfast, taking over the chain of office from Councillor Tina Black, at the annual general meeting of council at City Hall.
New Lord Mayor Pledges To Work With All Communities
Belfast's new Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, has pledged to work with all communities to unlock the city's potential. Cllr Murphy was installed as the Lord Mayor of Belfast, taking over the chain of office from Councillor Tina Black, at the annual general meeting of council at City Hall.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.