View this email in your browser

Determination to remove Protocol marks DUP’s 50th anniversary

On Thursday evening the Party marked 50 years since the foundation of the Democratic Unionist Party.

Speaking at the event Party Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said there were two great challenges ahead: to remove the Irish Sea border and to lay the foundation for Northern Ireland’s success in the future. He also said the next election would be critical for Northern Ireland and for unionism.

Read the full text of his speech here.

The event came after Sir Jeffrey joined other unionist leaders on Ulster Day to support a joint Unionist Declaration in opposition to the Protocol.

Also this week

Party Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said it is the NI Protocol and the Irish Sea Border which is blocking North-South meetings.
- Said the Police Ombudsman’s report into the murder of RUC officer Collen McMurray reminds us that terrorists remain at large.
- Urged Labour Leader Sir Kier Starmer to oppose the NI Protocol.

First Minister Paul Givan launched a public appointment competition for a new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors.

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons launched portal to apply for the Spend Local card scheme.
- Hailed the innovation and resilience of Thales during the pandemic.
- Launched the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2022.

Environment Minister Edwin Poots
- Visited a Household Recycling Centre in Enniskillen to see £725,000 of improvements
- Opened a new £80,000 park trail in Lisburn.
- Planted a tree at the NI Scout Centre at Crawfordsburn to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland.
- Announced a new £750k tranche of the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme.
- Launched Northern Ireland’s first ever scheme to protect our pollenators.

Education Minister Michelle McIlveen announced the independent panel which will undertake the review of education in Northern Ireland.

Upper Bann MLA Diane Dodds led an Assembly debate highlighting the failure of the Irish Government to investigate allegations of Garda collusion.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart said a visit by Her Majesty the Queen to Stormont next year would ‘crown’ the local Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
- Urged the Communiites Minister to explore a top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment.

Upper Bann MLAs Diane Dodds and Jonathan Buckley marked Ulster Day in the Assembly.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell highlighted the potential for a Freeport in the North West.