Alliance Calls For A VAT Cut For Pubs, Cafes And Restaurants

Alliance Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood is launching a UK-wide parliamentary petition calling for a cut to VAT for pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Following a recent hospitality roundtable with local business owners in Lagan Valley, Sorcha Eastwood has taken the campaign national to ensure the voices of small businesses are heard ahead of the Autumn Budget on November 26th.

Ms Eastwood has said: "Our local pubs, cafes, and restaurants are the beating heart of our communities. Far too many are struggling to stay afloat, and we cannot let another favourite spot close its doors. This petition is a simple, practical way for people to take action and make sure the Government listens. 

Ahead of the 26 November Autumn Budget, we need to show the Chancellor that keeping our cafes, pubs, and restaurants alive isn't just about business - it’s about protecting the places that bring our communities together.

 I'd urge everyone - residents, business owners, and visitors alike - to sign the petition, share it with friends, colleagues, customers and make their voices heard."

Minister Urged To Deliver Irish Language Strategy Without Delay

Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has called on the Communities Minister to deliver an Irish Language Strategy without delay. Mr Gildernew was speaking following a meeting of the Communities Committee, which heard from members of the Irish language community who are also part of a departmental advisory group for the strategy.

The party's communities spokesperson said: "The Communities Minister's continued heel-dragging on an Irish Language Strategy is further damaging his and his party’s credibility on the language.

"The Irish language community yesterday painted a stark picture of the challenges it faces and the need for meaningful action.

"The Communities Minister should set a date for the delivery of the strategy, or, failing that, provide a clear timeframe for its publication."

Infrastructure Minister Called To Step Up To The Challenge On Lough Neagh

DUP Leader Gavin Robinson has said the Infrastructure Minister must step up to the challenge on Lough Neagh. He was speaking after the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee took evidence on the environmental situation within Lough Neagh.

Mr Robinson said: "There has been a near singular focus on the impact of agriculture on Lough Neagh, to the exclusion of other factors. The agricultural industry, including at the meeting have been clear they accept they are both part of the problem and the solution, but the approach to both must be proportionate.

"Amongst the other significant factors is the outlet of sewage into Lough Neagh and that is recognised within the Lough Neagh Action Plan. The Infrastructure Minister should come before the NI Affairs Committee and engage on this issue. Action 12 within the Action Plan was described as 'critical' to the plan and there needs to be a demonstration that the Minister is prepared to step up to the challenge."