DUP News Update - 19th July

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DUP News Update - 19th July 2019

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Party meets new Chief Constable

DUP representatives who met the new Chief Constable Simon Byrne on Tuesday

A Party delegation led by Party Leader Arlene Foster MLA met with the new PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne on Tuesday. She was accompanied by DUP Policing Board members Mervyn Storey, Keith Buchanan, Joanne Bunting and Gary Middleton.

Commenting after the meeting, Mrs Foster said:

‘‘Mr Byrne has taken up office at a critical time for public confidence. The threat from dissident republicans persists and a viable device was placed on a parade route in Belfast on 12th July. Both this threat, wider paramilitarism and organised crime all require a robust operational response. These plus new and emerging threats all mean there is a need to prioritise future funding and ensure officer numbers are at a level high enough to ensure the best possible outcomes.

We readily accept that the UK’s exit from the EU places new responsibilities on the PSNI. It is sensible and necessary that preparations are made for readiness under all political outcomes. The DUP is keen to work with the Chief Constable and his senior management team to ensure that all appropriate support from government is sought in the days ahead. At the same time the PSNI should remain impartial and measured in any contributions to the public debate.

Today’s meeting represents start of a regular and proactive engagement over the course of the Chief Constable’s tenure and will be followed-up in more detail through our Policing Board team."

East Belfast MLA Joanne Bunting said, “I welcome the Chief Constable’s commitment to tackling the scourge of paramilitary activity from our society. Whilst comments from the police in relation to loyalist paramilitaries have received prominence, in recent weeks there have also been masked republicans and weapons on the streets at funerals. The PSNI must follow through with the determination we heard outlined today as the public want to see action taken against all these groups.”

Mervyn Storey MLA concluded, “Since taking up post on 1 July the Chief Constable has faced a considerable and challenging workload which included the 11th and 12th of July celebrations. I expressed to him our appreciation for the efforts of PSNI officers and staff over this period.

It is now important that Mr Byrne reflects on this first two weeks and begins to implement his vision for policing in Northern Ireland. The public deserve a visible, proactive and effective police service which takes on criminals and builds lasting relationships with local communities.

We look forward to working with the Chief Constable to further enhance the PSNI’s standing as a police force everyone living in Northern Ireland can be proud of.”

Opposition to contentious legislation at Westminster

Nigel Dodds MP opposing efforts to push through abortion legislation for Northern Ireland at Westminster after only a few hours debate and without any public consultation

Current victim definition "unjust and unacceptable"

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell has said that a pension for severely injured victims of the troubles would make a “huge difference” to many people’s lives, but it is overshadowed by the current definition of a victim which is unjust and unacceptable.

The DUP MP said,

“A pension for severely injured innocent victims of the troubles is something which must be progressed. Those who were injured are getting older with needs and suffering which continue yet the inability to work means many lost the ability to accrue an occupational pension.

A victims pension, like so many other issues, is overshadowed by the definition of a victim. Through consultation with many victims we have found that the victims definition is the lens through which many people view such proposals and the current definition of a victim is unjust and unacceptable.

The amendment tabled by the DUP last week at Westminster means the government is now to bring forward proposals on the definition of a victim on a UK-wide basis at how we can ensure innocent victims are recognised and protected in law.

During the consultation process on a victims pension it was very clear that the majority of victims do not want to see a pension paid to those injured as a result of their own actions. That would be a travesty. We should be seeking to take forward a victim-centred process and to act in a way that is contrary to the wishes of so many victims would undermine a proposal which would make a huge difference to the lives of people who have already suffered so grievously.”

Jeffrey Donaldson highlighted the Government's commitment that any victims pension would not be paid to terrorists injured by their own actions.

Varadkar acknowledges Withdrawal Agreement can be changed

Responding to comments from Leo Varadkar that there could be a Northern Ireland only backstop, DUP Leader Arlene Foster said,

“The Withdrawal Agreement was defeated in Parliament because of the backstop. Right throughout that process Leo Varadkar insisted that the backstop could not be changed. That stubborn insistence is the primary reason the United Kingdom may leave the European Union without a deal.

Now however, Mr Varadkar has floated the idea of a Northern Ireland only backstop. This doesn’t solve the fundamental problem of the EU and Ireland’s desire to make Northern Ireland the “price to pay” for Brexit, but it does expose the myth that the Withdrawal Agreement cannot be reopened.

Leo Varadkar has admitted that change is possible. Now the test is whether both the Irish Government and the European Union actually want to see a pragmatic and sensible solution where agreement can be found.”

Welcome for Broadband procurement announcement

Mid Ulster DUP MLA Keith Buchanan has welcomed the launch of a procurement process for broadband improvement project, Project Stratum.

He said,

“Each day we are reliant on broadband for business and social needs. There is a clear need for everyone to have access to adequate broadband speeds. Good broadband should not be a luxury for only some parts of Northern Ireland in 2019.

The DUP recognised this need and so ensure that extra money was secured through our Confidence and Supply Agreement. As a result £150 million is being invested, to ensure broadband services are improved in the approximately 98,000 premises Project Stratum aims to target.

It is down to DUP delivery through Confidence and Supply money that this project is now progressing to this stage. For those suffering from poor connectivity it is indeed a positive development.”

Commentators recognised that the broadband announcement represented delivery of DUP-secured Confidence and Supply funding.

Dates for your Diary

Annual Party Conference - 25th & 26th October - Crowne Plaza Hotel, Shaws Bridge Belfast.

For more information or to express interest in events where not otherwise indicated, please email [email protected]

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