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Positive steps on the pathway to recovery

First Minister Arlene Foster this week announced dates for a series of relaxations to Covid-19 restrictions.

Speaking after the announcement she said “This is a landmark day for Northern Ireland as we step firmly ahead with confidence on our pathway to recovery.

I am pleased and proud that through our collective efforts we have reached a point where we have established a good level of control over the virus.

We are now entering brighter and better times.

This balanced package of relaxations will restore those familiar aspects of everyday life that have been missed so dearly.

I urge everyone to stay with us and keep following the health advice so that we can continue with our plans to more fully open up our society over coming weeks.”

Also this week

First Minister Arlene Foster led Assembly tributes to HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
- Said the ‘final hurdle’ had been crossed in the payment scheme for innocent victims.
- Congratulated the Northern Ireland Women’s Football team on their victory against Ukraine and qualification for Euro 2022.

Deputy Leader and Peer Nigel Dodds, speaking on BBC Newsnight said that the political balance had been upset in Northern Ireland.
- Said there must be a fundamental change of approach by Brussels and the Government to undo the damage of the NI Protocol.
- Highlighted evidence by NI’s Chief Vet which points to the sheer lunacy of the Protocol.
- Said the EU’s beligerant response proves Brussels has no care or concern for peace and stability in Northern Ireland.

Tributes were paid to the Duke of Edinburgh by representatives across the Party.
In the Assembly by a number of DUP MLAs
In the House of Commons by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson
In the House of Lords by Lord Morrow and Lord McCrea
East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell signed the book of condolence in Coleraine.

North Antrim MP Ian Paisley expressed disappointment at the cancellation of this year’s SupercupNI, but said the focus must be on next year’s event.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart said the Communities Minister must step up for non-affiliated sports trainers.
- Tabled an Eary Day Motion in the House of Commons congratulating the NI Women’s Football team.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds had led calls for clear dates to be given to reopen the economy.
- Announced the resumption of onsite learning for close contact teaching subjects.

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson said that prosecutions in relation to Muckamore are a step towards shining a light on the abuse there.

Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said the Government must recognise that trust had been fractured through bad policing decisions and the NI Protocol.

East Belfast MLA Robin Newton said ‘Lucy’s Law’ was on track for Northern Ireland as his Private Members Bill is set to be introduced in coming weeks.

East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson said the Chancellor’s Budget was a missed opportunity to boost the economy as we emerge from Covid.