View this email in your browser

Tributes paid to HRH Prince Philip

Paying tribute to HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, DUP Leader and First Minister Arlene Foster MLA said,

"In a speech marking her Diamond Jubilee in 2012 Her Majesty the Queen described her husband as her "constant strength and guide" and there is no doubt he has made an immeasurable contribution to our Monarchy and our nation. Prince Philip has been that source of strength as a husband for nearly 75 years and for nearly 70 as the longest serving consort to a British monarch.

He was forthright, intelligent and forward-thinking; serving as patron to some 800 organisations and leaving his most lasting legacy through the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme.

Again, the words of Her Majesty the Queen sum up his lifetime of service, that we "owe him a debt greater than he will ever claim, or that we will ever know".

DUP Deputy Leader and Peer, Nigel Dodds said,

Throughout his life, Prince Philip exemplified the qualities of duty, sacrifice and service to country and to Commonwealth and all carried out with great humanity and great humour.

Long before there was public attention on issues relating to our environment, Prince Philip was a founder of the World Wildlife Fund. That involvement, commencing in 1961, becoming international president in 1981 stands testament to his foresight and service.

We take pride too that Northern Ireland boasts the highest participation levels in his other crowning achievement, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.

DUP Chairman Lord Morrow said.

"Prince Philip served our nation first in the Royal Navy during the Second World War and then through a lifetime of public service within the Royal family.

Kneeling before the Queen at the Coronation service he promised to be her "liege man of life and limb". There can be no doubt that he fulfilled that role but also accomplished so much in his own right also.

Our thoughts and prayers, alongside those from across our country and around the world are with Her Majesty the Queen and the entire Royal family at this time.

Also this week

First Minister Arlene Foster addressed a sitting of the Assembly following street disorder. She said “no brick, no bottle, no petrol bomb thrown has achieved, or can ever achieve anything but destruction, harm and fear.”
- Participated in a discussion with the Institute for Economic Affairs on issues including the Union, the NI Protocol and the impact of Covid / vaccination .

Education Minister Peter Weir welcomed publication of the Interim Report from the Expert Panel on Educational Underachievement.
- Gave an update on the resumption of youth services following unrest in several areas.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds sought support from other parties for her detailed plan for reopening the economy in Northern Ireland.

Foyle MLA Gary Middleton appealed for calm in Londonderry and highligted how Sinn Fein have failed to recognise how their disregard for the rule of law has caused this political crisis.
- Addressed the recalled sitting of the Assembly following street disorder.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell urged for calm and challenged Sinn Fein’s comments.

Strangford MLA Michelle McIlveen said the Infrastructure Minister’s enthusiasm for North-South co-operation on rail travel stood in contrast to her opposition to East-West issues.

North Antrim MLA Mervyn Storey said that policing concerns cannot be swept under the carpet and that those who believe the Chief Constable’s position is beyond reproach are part of the problem, not the solution.
- Addressed the recalled sitting of the Assembly following street disorder.

South Antrim MLA Trevor Clarke addressed the recalled sitting of the Assembly following street disorder.

South Belfast MLA Christopher Stalford also addressed the Assembly sitting.

East Belfast MLA Joanne Bunting spoke during Thursday’s Assembly recall. Watch her full speech in the video below.