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Good morning John

This week Party representatives have been busy in the Assembly and Westminster focusing on the issues that matter to people across Northern Ireland.

Party Leader Gavin Robinson’s Private Members Bill, the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Bill ([link removed]) successfully completed its Committee Stage in the House of Commons and moves a step closer to ensuring that those like our own Lord Hay who were born in the Republic of Ireland can secure British citizenship including the right to hold a British passport.

Gavin also addressed a number of Party meetings, including the Newry & Armagh and Foyle constituency associations.

He joined with Party colleagues in Ballyclare for the unveiling of a memorial to Prison Officers ([link removed][0]=AZVK_MzuonqEpE-HrsDNFz0XYVn1Vj9KpQmagxgwHQq5QmCs78amVcgCuqWM-zgE9QMA1W-W4uDaoQ3GGdQQT8TvxZ4R_KDq-J0aX8t4p3ukLcrShBkD3fV0RdFbpBQwaI6whPW_D1fyp0xrWjVSXGg8-VYKNrMlKT6OJTVqCuP83mNmHCaRzoAtpogu8TH3ccQt1Ph-De5ltzMc3VwTDSXo_dwhrbf9Eg2LsIEVCyWMe31pXW-VnMIsLFGQqSOHFus&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-y-R) who lost their lives whilst serving on duty in Northern Ireland. The memorial was proposed by DUP Councillor Sam Flanagan and supported by Party colleagues.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly met with the Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris, pressing him to ensure that Northern Ireland ([link removed]) is included within the Post Office Horizon legislation, and on the need to ensure adequate funding for our public services in Northern Ireland and to assist with transformation and improvement in the future.

Emma also hosted US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, Joseph Kennedy III ([link removed]) at stormont as part of a three day visit to Northern Ireland. They discussed the importance of a strong working relationship with the United States and priorities for investment.

Education Minister Paul Givan brought forward regulations to the Assembly on the provision of free period products ([link removed]) which can be accessed freely and in a dignified way. During his contribution the Minister made clear that “no female should be prevented from fully participating in education simply because they have periods.”

Paul also visited the ongoing construction work at Down High School alongside local MLAs Diane Forsythe and Harry Harvey.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons appeared before the Communities Committee where he outlined priorities for his Department, including the need to assist working families with the cost of childcare ([link removed]) .

On Monday Gordon announced new building safety legislation ([link removed]) for Northern Ireland. It follows issues highlighted in the High Court case relating to the Victoria Square apartments.

Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley led Party contributions in the Assembly responding to the Kingsmill Inquest. He was joined in the debate by local MLA William Irwin ([link removed]) and Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly ([link removed]) .
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Foyle MLA Gary Middleton marked the 5th anniversary of the murder of Lyra McKee ([link removed][0]=AZWYl7KdKLPRxu73fbzPsaUAoCWxKJA8BBQ49odMMooyqQVxYjK6w9NhyhYi-yvmvjsqjCEBJAsvkExKOhRUc0BoxLAQxOJDXJyjlMckSCt8Ae06EEW2w5Tp8Z4ccPfPRnrxkrUFQImyxO6oYn1CvoyEbQcK3WXqHtEc0GtHZzUhz9f6wGcXCm7IdjMfG__M05pMPRWEkMhJYIHT8iFQYDbX&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R) in Londonderry during proceedings in the Assembly on Tuesay. He highlighted the ongoing campaign to secure justice for her murder and the need to stand against those who brought violence onto the streets.

East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson spoke in Parliament highlighting the UK’s moral obligation to help those Afghan citizens ([link removed]) who risked their lives to assist our Armed Forces against the Taliban to resettle in the United Kingdom.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart challenged parties on their position relating to “gender affirming healthcare ([link removed]) ” and called on the Health Minister to set out what stance the Department of Health will take following the publication of the Cass Report.

South Antrim MP Paul Girvan met with the Head of Public and Regional Affairs for Marks & Spencer to discuss their usage of the UK Internal Market Scheme, the reinstatement of their hamper service for Northern Ireland and delivery options as well as plans for the future expansion of stores across Northern Ireland.

Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erskine highlighted the difficulties facing farmers due to ongoing wet weather and publicised the UFU’s fodder map ([link removed]) , linking those selling to livestock farmers who need additional feed.

East Antrim MLA Cheryl Brownlee spoke during the Assembly debate on Baby Loss Certificates ([link removed]) to call for their introduction in Northern Ireland, bringing Northern Ireland into line with other parts of the United Kingdom.

You can sign the online petition created by Carla Lockhart MP here ([link removed]) .

During Questions to the Deputy First Minister Cheryl also highlighted the unacceptable delays to the York Street Interchange ([link removed]) project which will held up by at least another 11 years, despite funding for the project being secured by the DUP in 2017.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell highlighted Northern Ireland’s almost 100% access to fibre broadband ([link removed]) during Science and Techology Questions in the House of Commons. This DUP-led investment has been a gamechange for rural communities.

Following the announcement that 15 soldiers would not be prosecuted for perjury following the Saville Inquiry, he also said that this came as “no surprise ([link removed]) ”.

North Belfast MLA Phillip Brett welcomed the US Special Envoy to a meeting of the Assembly’s Economy Committee to brief members on his work.

He also hosted the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce at Stormont and addressed their members on the economic challenges ([link removed]) facing Northern Ireland.
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