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Everyone can join the fight to protect the Union

The joint unionist legal action against the Northern Ireland Protocol has commenced and now there is an opportunity for everyone who values the Union to play their part in supporting this challenge.

Calling on people to support the crowdfunding initiative this week, Party Leader Arlene Foster MLA said, “We cannot allow our United Kingdom to be ripped apart and our UK internal market to be divided in order to protect the single market of the EU.

When I launched a petition calling for unfettered GB-NI trade, over 100k people joined with us in just over 24hrs, this is another opportunity for everyone who opposes the Protocol to play their part.”

Also this week

Party Leader Arlene Foster led the weekly media briefing following Thursdays meeting of the NI Executive.

Deputy Leader & Peer Nigel Dodds called on Dublin to share information with Northern Ireland on international travellers.
- Said the Government had behaved disgracefully on Libyan compensation.
- Said HM Government must address and correct the fundamental defects of the NI Protocol.

DUP MLAs marked Marie Curie’s National Day of Reflection at Stormont.

Education Minister Peter Weir welcomed the return of all Primary pupils to school and commented on lateral flow tests to be used in Post-Primary.
- Welcomed the reopening of Sure Start and youth services.

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots announced further £325k support for the aquaculture sector.
- Announced a new honours degree for horticulture in Northern Ireland.
- Is considering a money-back scheme on drinks bottles to tackle litter.
- Welcomed a new partnership to tackle plastic pollution.
- Confirmed there would be no further investment in Port inspection facilities until HMG provides clarity.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds urged unions and employers to resolve an ongoing dispute ahead of planned industrial action by the University & College Union.
- Highighted the economic impact of one year of lockdown.
- Announced that Co-Investment Fund NI is recieving £16m to support SMEs
- Confirmed payments under business support schemes would be extended.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart said the move by the Secretary of State to take powers on the commissioning of abortion services undermines devolution and sets a dangerous precedent.
- Raised an Urgent Question in Parliament on commissioning of abortion services.

Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said the decision to fly the Union Flag on government buildings 365 days per year should be extended to NI.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell called for clarity over slowing of the vaccine roll-out
- Said the appearance of William Shawcross before the NI Affairs Committee underlined quesitons about the Government’s commitment to Libyan compensation.

Junior Minister Gordon Lyons highlighted Sinn Fein’s lack of courtesy, interity and respect on display in the Assembly chamber.

Newry & Armagh MLA William Irwin condemned those responsible for a beer keg device left at Camlough lake.

North Antrim MP Ian Paisley welcomed £11.2million invesetment in hydrogen fuel cell buses in Ballymena.

South Antrim MLA Pam Cameron urged the Assembly to do more to accomodate sign language users.

North Belfast MLA Paula Bradley said answers were needed from the Communities Minister on the Sports Sustainability Fund.

North Antrim MLA Paul Frew opened the party’s debate on the failure of the Communities Minister to progress the JobStart programme.

Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley said NI should assist the Republic achieve an adequate level of vaccination but highlighted the impact of EU vaccine policy.

Foyle MLA Gary Middleton welcomed the UK Government investment in a new Trade & Investment Hub in Belfast.

North Antrim MLA Mervyn Storey said stop & search remains a vital tool in the fight against crime and terror.