SDLP Welcomes Defeat Of Farage Bill To Scrap ECHR

The Leader of the SDLP Opposition, Claire Hanna MP, has welcomed the significant defeat of a Ten Minute Rule Bill in the House of Commons that aimed to remove the United Kingdom from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Introduced by Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage on Wednesday, the Bill was ultimately defeated by a substantial margin of 154 votes to 90. Ms Hanna, the MP for South Belfast and Mid Down, cautioned against complacency despite the comfortable defeat, noting the number of unwhipped votes cast in favour of the proposal. She asserted that the Bill, which she described as a gesture designed to pander to Mr Farage’s followers, ignored the critical importance of the ECHR within the Northern Ireland peace settlement. The MP stated that human rights frameworks exist specifically to protect citizens from politicians like Farage. Ms Hanna linked the rise of Reform UK and the failure of the Executive to deliver for families, arguing that it leads people in Northern Ireland to question their future. She concluded that the SDLP believes the solution lies in building a fair, inclusive, and hopeful New Ireland that prioritises rights, values diversity, and delivers a better life for all.

Viable Device Found in West Belfast Security Alert A security alert in west Belfast has concluded after Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) examined a suspicious object discovered by police in the Glenalina Gardens area. Inspector Curry confirmed that the object, found during a search by police officers, was subsequently declared to be a viable device. The device has been taken away for further forensic examination following the incident, which occurred on Tuesday, 28 October 2025. The alert required a number of local residents to be evacuated from their homes as a safety precaution while the ATO conducted their operation. Police thanked the community for their patience and cooperation during the disruption. The PSNI is now appealing for information from anyone who may know more about the incident. Members of the public are asked to contact the police by calling 101 and quoting reference number 1598- 28/10/25. Alternatively, information can be provided completely anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

New Language Commissioners Must Build Trust – UUP

The newly appointed Language Commissioners and the Director of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression have been called upon by Ulster Unionist Party Deputy Leader, Robbie Butler MLA, to demonstrate that they can deliver real public benefit and foster trust, rather than exacerbate existing divisions. Mr Butler highlighted that the appointments are the result of a talks process between Sinn Féin and the DUP which excluded other parties, leading to an initial "cloak of scepticism" surrounding the new roles. The UUP MLA argued that, given the significant strain on public finances, every expenditure must show clear value for money for everyone in Northern Ireland. While acknowledging the positive potential of promoting language, he stressed that it must never be imposed on unwilling communities, as past attempts to politicise language have only created resentment and mistrust. Mr Butler maintained that language should be a unifying factor and that both Irish and Ulster-Scots deserve recognition for shaping the shared culture of the region through storytelling, music, and identity. He concluded that the UUP believes fairness, equality, and respect must underpin all language policy to ensure cultural expression helps Northern Ireland move forward.