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** Party Leader announces intention to step down
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On Wednesday Arlene Foster announced her intention to step down as Party Leader on 28th May and as First Minster at the end of June.

Speaking afterwards she said, “I want to sincerely thank all those who have been in touch over recent days. To lead the Democratic Unionist Party and to serve as First Minister of Northern Ireland are both an honour and a privilege.

The desire to see a peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom was what motivated my involvement in political life. I want to see more people engage and get involved in politics. It is the only way to effect change and improve the lives of everyone in our community.

Once again I want to thank everyone who has helped and supported me over nearly five and a half years as leader and eighteen years as an elected representative. The future of Northern Ireland will always be at the forefront of my thoughts.”
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** This week
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Party Leader Arlene Foster welcomed the confirmation of an opening date for the Victims Payments Scheme ([link removed]) .
- Condemned the arson attack at the home of a serving police officer ([link removed]) .
- Praised the commitment of young people as she visited Rathfriland High School ([link removed]) who were marking the school’s 60th anniversary and the centenary of Northern Ireland.

Deputy Leader Lord Dodds said the description of the NI Protocol as a “brutal deviation” ([link removed]) from the Belfast Agreement should be a wake-up call for the pro-Protocol parties
- Said the Republic of Ireland’s failure to share passenger data ([link removed]) risks the spread of Covid-19 to the UK.
- Spoke out against the sweeping abortion regulations ([link removed]) imposed on Northern Ireland.
- Urged government action to prevent avoidable births of children with neural tube defects ([link removed]) .

Economy Minister Diane Dodds announced details of her High Street Stimulus Scheme ([link removed]) with adults in NI able to apply for a £100 voucher
- Welcomed learners in some close contact subjects ([link removed]) back to onsite learning at further education colleges.
- Said apprenticeships ([link removed]) offer opportunities and can be a key part of economic recovery.
- Highlighted the important role the North West ([link removed]) will play in rebuilding th economy during a series of visits in the area.
- Welcomed the easing of lockdown restrictions ([link removed]) on visits to Belfast and Portadown as retail, outdoor hospitality and some tourist accomodation reopened.
- Announced the return of more learners to further education ([link removed]) colleges.

Agriculture & Environment Minister Edwin Poots made a statement ([link removed]) to the Assembly on the devastating wildfire in the Mournes. This followed his visit ([link removed]) to the scene over the weekend. He also called on people to act responsibily ([link removed]) and remain vigilant.
- Visited Castlewellan Forest Park ([link removed]) to view progress on work awarded grant funding from his Department.
- Visited a new large woodland creation project ([link removed]) near Stanocum, funded by his Department.
- Visited two Co Down businesses benefitting from the Rural Micro Business Growth ([link removed]) Scheme.
- Announced a £3.45million support scheme for Glenelly ([link removed]) farmers.
- Signalled the introduction of a support package for potato farmers ([link removed]) impacted by a reduction in demand due to Covid lockdown measures.

Education Minister Peter Weir visited youth centres ([link removed]) in North Belfast and Newtownabbey to meet youth workers and discuss recent unrest.
- Cut the first sod on the new school build for Elmgrove Primary School ([link removed]) in Belfast.

North Antrim MP Ian Paisley highlighted evidence from a witness to the NI Affairs Committee who confirmed the NI protocol potentially untermines the intergrity of UK food security ([link removed]) .

North Belfast MLA William Humphrey said the NI Assembly had an opportunity to take a clear stand on anti-Semitism ([link removed]) ahead of a DUP debate ([link removed]) to endorse the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of anti-Semitism.

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson said veterans ([link removed]) who served in Northern Ireland should not be ‘second class’ soldiers.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart again challeged the Government ([link removed]) on the imposition of abortion legislation ([link removed]) on Northern Ireland.
- Called on the Health Minister to reassess the rules on care home ([link removed]) visitation.

North Down MLA Alex Easton said everyone who supports Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom must promote the benefits ([link removed]) of the Union.

North Antrim MLA Mervyn Storey condemned the arson attack ([link removed]) at the home of a police officer.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell raised the issue of access to ‘free to use’ ([link removed]) ATMs.
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