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EU erects vaccine border

DUP Leader & First Minister of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster MLA said,

"This is an incredible act of hostility. By triggering Article 16 in this manner, the European Union has once again shown it is prepared to use Northern Ireland when it suits their interests but in the most despicable manner – over the provision of a vaccine which is designed to save lives.

At the first opportunity the EU has placed a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland over the supply chain of the Coronavirus vaccine.

With the European Union using Article 16 in such an aggressive and most shameful way, it is now time for our Government to step up. I will be urging the Prime Minister to act and use robust measures including Article 16 to advance the interests of Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom."

Republicans must be held to account

Following further breaches of Covid-19 regulations at the funeral of a former IRA terrorist in Londonderry this week, Party representatives challenged the Chief Constable to clarify what police action has been taken in response to repeated republican lawbreaking in the past 18 months.

She led the party delegation meeting with the Chief Constable on Thursday. That followed events at the funeral where Foyle MLA Gary Middleton said that within republicanism it seems that certain individuals are viewed as being more important than public health regulations.

Also this week

First Minister & Party Leader Arlene Foster appeared on Radio 4’s Today programme to highlight the Party’s determination to deal with the problems of the Northern Ireand Protocol.
- Led a Party meeting with AstraZeneca about the rollout of their vaccine in NortherN Ireland.

DUP Peer Lord Dodds challenged the Government to tackle issues arising from the Protocol during a debate in the House o

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson welcomed a £30million contract for Spirit Aero Systems to manufacture a prototype for the UK’s first fleet of unmanned fighter aircraft.

Education Minister Peter Weir announced that remote learning would continue until at least 5th March.

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots announced the doubling of funding for Tier 1 of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme.
- Highlighted issues facing the horticulture sector as a result of the NI Protocol and called for action on soil and plants.
- Said he wants NI fishermen to get their fair share of additional fishing quota secured by the UK from the EU.
-Reiterated his call for a Common Travel Area for Pets.

Health Committee member Jonathan Buckley MLA challenged the Taoiseach Micheal Martin over inaccurate comments on Covid-19 testing in Northern Ireland.

Gregory Campbell MP said Colum Eastwood should back up his comments about a “shared homeplace” with action.
- Highlighted the need to tackle revisionism on the 49th anniversary of the murder of Con David Montgomery and Sgt Peter Gilgunn in Londonderry.
- Challenged the BBC over their description of an IRA terrorist as a “veteran”.

North Antrim MP Ian Paisley highlighted the Republic of Ireland’s continued failure to share travel locator forms with Northern Ireland.

Vice Chair of the Health Committee Pam Cameron MLA pressed the case for staff within special schools to be granted ‘carer status’ for the purpose of Covid vaccination.
- Welcomed the £500 special recognition payment for all Health and Social Care staff.

Junior Minister Gordon Lyons met with the representatives of innocent victims to discuss the victims pension.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds announced over £1million of funding for Northern Ireland’s life and health sciences sector.
- Called on the Chancellor to extend national Covid support schemes beyond April.
-Launched a £250,000 fund to help non-statutory training providers meet costs resulting from compliance with Covid-19 restrictions.