Alliance MP Welcomes Hillsborough Law but Warns Against Delays

Alliance Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood has welcomed the second reading of the UK Government's Public Office (Accountability) Bill, commonly known as the Hillsborough Law, but issued a strong warning against any "delays, dilution, or half-measures" that could betray families seeking justice.

Ms. Eastwood emphasised that the pattern of institutional denial followed by decades-long battles for answers is evident across the UK, citing multiple examples from Northern Ireland, including the Royal Victoria Hospital cardiac surgery scandal, failures in the Southern Trust cervical screening programme, and the ongoing wait for accountability by families bereaved by Covid. She also highlighted the case of the 1994 RAF Chinook crash on the Mull of Kintyre, where crucial documents are sealed until 2094.

Ms. Eastwood stressed that supporting these families is essential to demonstrate that the duty of candour must be applied universally in both law and cultural practice across all public authorities, regardless of whether they are in the health, education, or defence sectors.

Alarming Insolvency Figures Reflect Deepening Economic Pressure on NI Businesses

Ulster Unionist Economy Spokesperson Diana Armstrong MLA has voiced deep concern following the release of new insolvency figures, which she argues reflect deepening economic pressures on Northern Ireland businesses. The figures show a stark rise in bankruptcies, which increased from 91 in 2022/23 to 242 in 2024/25, while compulsory winding-up orders surged from 33 to 126 over the same period. Ms. Armstrong described the statistics from the Economy Minister as "deeply worrying" and a clear signal that local firms are being "pushed to the brink." She reiterated her long-standing argument that the current economic climate is being harmed by the Chancellor's tax policies and the competitive imbalance created by the VAT differential with the Republic of Ireland, which particularly hurts the tourism and hospitality sectors. Ms. Armstrong concluded that Northern Ireland urgently needs to build a more positive business environment, starting with prompt action on business rates reform from Finance Minister John O'Dowd.

Sinn Féin Councillor Welcomes Decision to Fly Palestinian Flag at City Hall

Sinn Féin Councillor Ryan Murphy has welcomed the support for his proposal to fly the national flag of Palestine at Belfast City Hall this month.

The proposal, which was approved by the council, will see the Palestinian flag flown on November 29 to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the People of Palestine. The council also approved the flying of the UN flags for Human Rights on December 10. Councillor Murphy stated that the action is a necessary show of solidarity with the people of Gaza "in light of the continued genocide" and "barbaric onslaught from the Israeli military."

He stated that this act of solidarity complements other initiatives being pursued, such as fundraising initiatives and the council's support for ethical procurement policies.