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Leader & Deputy Leader Ratified by Party Executive

On Thursday evening the Party’s new Leader and Deputy Leader were ratified by the Party Executive.

Afterwards both Edwin Poots and Paula Bradley outlined their vision for the Party and for Northern Ireland.

Writing in today’s News Letter, the Party Leader stressed his desire to work with others to remove the NI Protocol. He also criticised those who threatened devolved government in Northern Ireland.

You can read his full comments here.

Also this week

Party Leader Edwin Poots met the Veterans Commissioner and said implementation of the Armed Forces Covenant was key to political progress.
- Led a Party delegation who met with the Chief Constable where it was stressed the PSNI must rebuild public confidence following the Storey funeral.
- Praised the work of the Ulster Scots Agency following a meeting with the Chief Executive and Chairperson.
- Signed a wide ranging and ambitious three-year prosperity agreement between Belfast Harbour and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.
- Discussed the NI Protocol with Lord Frost and Brandon Lewis.
- Reminded potential applicants of the Rural Halls Scheme closure date.

First Minister Arlene Foster said the reopening of significant parts of society was a ‘special day’ in the Covid recovery journey.
- Met school leavers at Brooklands Primary School in Dundonald.
- Joined Centenary celebrations at Craigavon Senior High School.
- Announced the extension of the Small Grant Scheme for victims and survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse.

Education Minister Peter Weir welcomed the restart of remaining Sure Start services.
- Launched CCEA’s Northern Ireland @100 shared history resources.
- Announced funding to support teachers who work in mid-August to facilitate appeals for qualifications including GCSE and A Levels.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds weclomed the reopening of indoor hospitality.
- Said digitisation has an important role in local economic recovery.
- Opened a new £35million college campus in Armagh.
- Visited Finnebrogue to highlight 10X Economy Vision and Review of Agri-Food Sector.

East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson condemned the regime in Belarus for diverting a plane flying over its territory to arrest an opposition journalist.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said radical and fundamental change was needed in the BBC.

North Antrim MLA Paul Frew responded to the Budget Debate in the Assembly.

South Antrim MLA Pam Cameron backed a call for ‘immediate and sustained’ action to tackle surgery waiting times.

Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley called for progress on travel regulations within the Common Travel Area.

Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson led a delegation who told Chief Brexit Negotiator Lord Frost “the Protocol must go”.

East Belfast MLA Robin Newton called on the Infrastructure Minister to follow greenway best practice.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart commended police for a successful operation in tackling drug criminality near Loughbrickland.