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Parliament to debate Protocol Petition

Party Leader and First Minister Arlene Foster confirmed yesterday that Parliament will debate the petition tabled on the Northern Ireland Protocol on 22nd February.

She also highlighted how not just she, but two previous First Ministers have also highlighted their clear opposition to the NI Protocol and that it undermines the three-stranded approach which progress in Northern Ireland has been based upon.

Also this week

Party Leader and First Minister Arlene Foster led a Party delegation to meet the Chief Constable following the incident on the Ormeau Road.
- Welcomed a Court of Appeal ruling that the NI Executive must make payments to innocent victims.
- Raised the problems of the NI Protocol to a UK-wide audience on ITV’s Peston show.
- Led the NI Executive Media Briefing following Thursday’s meeting of the Executive.

Deputy Leader and Peer Nigel Dodds called on the Government to publish the Shawcross Report on compensation from Lybia.
- Welcomed the increase in pensions by 2.5% in line with the Triple Lock which was secured as part of the Confidence & Supply Agreement in 2017.
- Welcomed the Armed Forces Covenant being put into law and called for its extension.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart acccused Sinn Fein of hypocrisy for their criticism of opposition to the NI Protocol.

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson spoke on behalf of the Party during the 2nd Reading of the Armed Forces Bill, welcoming the duty it placed to honour the Armed Forces Covenant across all parts of the UK.
- Welcomed an announcement that the Tillysburn Park & Ride Scheme and Sydenham Greenway would be rolled out in the next financial year.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell pressed the Prime Minister to take action on the Protocol.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds announced £500,000 for innovative apprenticeship projects.
- Encouraged businesses to check if they are eligible for her Department’s Covid-19 grant schemes.
- Called on eligible businesses to apply for the UK Trader Support Scheme before the end of February.
- Launched a consultation on the future of the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme.
- Announced amendments to the eligibility criteria for the Newly Self-Employed Support Scheme.

DAERA Minister Gordon Lyons confirmed that letters of offer for a £15 million investment scheme had started to issue to farmers.
- Welcomed news that CAFRE students would receive the £500 Covid Disruption Payment.
- Announced the introduction of a pilot payment scheme for protein crops.

Sout Antrim MLA Pam Cameron called on the Health Minister to provide support for dental care professionals in light of their contribution to the Covid-19 response.
- Urged people to sign a Parliamentary Petition calling for a common travel area between the UK & ROI for guide and assistance dogs.

East Belfast MLA Robin Newton called on the Communities Minister to move on social housing.