View this email in your browser

Party Leader and First Minister Arlene Foster appeared on BBC’s Question Time. Watch more here.


DUP Deputy Leader and Peer Nigel Dodds called for uncertainty around the victims pension to be removed and condemned rising numbers of anti-semitic incidents in our universities.

Progress secured on steel tariffs

Earlier this week Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Economy Minister Diane Dodds hosted a meeting with local businesses impacted by 25% steel tariffs imposed as a result of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Read Sir Jeffrey’s comments after the meeting here.

Following the meeting HMRC responded to representations from the Party and important progress was secured for local industry.

Also this week

• Gregory Campbell MP highlighted Chinese human rights abuses.
  

• Gavin Robinson MP discussed the need thoughtful discussions on promoting the Union during an interview on BBC Radio Ulster.
  

• Party Leader Arlene Foster, writing in the Newsletter, outlined how the party continues to press the Government to mitigate problems created by the NI Protocol.
  She also said an incident near Newtownbutler highlighted the stupidity and recklnessness of republican terrorists.
  After speaking to the Defence Secretary she welcomed the assurance of further military support in Northern Ireland if needed.
  

• Economy Minister Diane Dodds announced £26.1million support for larger hospitality and tourism businesses, £4million to support B&Bs and guest accomodation and increased support from the Limited Company Director Scheme to £3,500.
  She also announced the cancellation of vocational and Essential Skills exams.
  

• Education Minister Peter Weir announced £3.25million support scheme for substitute teachers and £1million for Residential Outdoor Education Centres.
  

• DAERA Minister Edwin Poots announced £2.2million Covid-19 financial support for the pig sector and outlined plans to abolish the Agricultural Wages Board.
  

• Paul Girvan MP backed calls for a comprehensive recovery package for aviation, travel and tourism.
  

• Vice Chair of the Assembly’s Health Committee Pam Cameron said the decision to call in military support in hospitals was a sobering reminder of the pressure on our health service. She also backed calls for special school staff to receive priority for vaccination.

• Jonathan Buckley said comments from the trade union Unison which appeared to oppose military support were out of step with the union’s own members and the wider public. Following a proposal he made, the Health Committee will also be writing to Unison asking them to explain their position.
  

• Gordon Lyons MLA called on the Government to remove uncertainty in relation to funding for the victims pension.
  

• Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP welcomed a commitment from the Secretary of State on the full implementation of the Armed Forces Covenant across all parts of the UK.
  

• Policing Board member Mervyn Storey MLA said the onus remains on the Justice Minister to secure funding for additional police officers.