UUP Welcomes Proposed Farm Tax Review

The Ulster Unionist MP for South Antrim, Robin Swann, has reacted cautiously to rumours suggesting the government may be considering an amendment to the controversial Family Farm Inheritance Tax changes.

Mr Swann welcomed the speculation, noting that it signals a move away from the Treasury's previous "not an inch" stance, but warned that "nothing is final until the Chancellor outlines her Budget next month."

The rumoured amendment is thought to centre on the ‘minimum share rule' proposed by the Centre for the Analysis of Taxation (CenTax). According to Mr Swann, the option being discussed would grant full relief from inheritance tax (IHT) up to £5 million per person (or £10 million for a married couple), where farmland or business assets comprise at least 60% of an estate.

Between £5m and £10m per person, a 50% relief would apply, with no relief above £10m.

Mr Swann said that while this is not a "complete reversal" of the policy, it would help ease the financial burden on "traditional generational family farm structures – which make up most of Northern Ireland's farming sector." He stated the move would shift the burden towards larger corporations and financial investors, who the original tax change was intended to target.

The MP urged that continued pressure be applied to the government ahead of the Chancellor's final Budget announcement.

SF And DUP Urged To 'Reflect On Their Approach' To Irish Language

Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister has criticised the DUP for bringing a motion regarding Belfast City Council's Irish language policy to the floor of the Assembly, arguing that Stormont should focus on issues affecting citizens' daily lives, such as health and education.

The North Belfast MLA was speaking after her party opposed the DUP's motion concerning the Council's policy on Irish language street signage. Ms McAllister said the Irish language is an "important part of our shared heritage and cultural diversity" and accused parties of "stirring a divisive culture war" instead of supporting its growth.

The Alliance Party's position on bilingual signage is that the process must be fair and transparent. While they deem the 15 per cent threshold as appropriate to trigger further consideration of an application, the party "do not support the erection of dual language signage where a majority of residents oppose it."

The MLA stated that the DUP's hostility is "disappointing but not surprising," and added that Sinn Féin must also "reflect on their approach" as their insistence on pressing ahead with signs against the wishes of a majority has "undermined confidence in the process and set back community relations".

She concluded that many will "despair" that Stormont is debating Council issues while public services are "crumbling" and constituents are struggling with the cost of living, insisting the City Council is the appropriate forum for the debate.

Alarm Raised After First Asian Hornet Sighting In North

Sinn Féin MLA Aoife Finnegan has voiced her concern following the first confirmed discovery of an Asian hornet species in the north.

The invasive species, which preys on native insects, poses a significant threat to pollination services and the livelihoods of beekeepers.

Ms Finnegan, the party’s environment spokesperson, welcomed the swift response by the Environment Agency and its collaboration with the National Biodiversity Data Centre in the Republic of Ireland.

She highlighted that this incident underscores the urgent need for an all-Ireland approach to environmental protection, with ministers and agencies across the island working closely together.

The MLA urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspected sightings or nests to the relevant authorities immediately. She confirmed she will continue to engage with the department and the Environment Agency to ensure appropriate action is taken to contain the invasive species.