09 Mar, 2022 Red diesel cliff edge edging closer with disastrous consequences on the cards: Lockhart RED DIESEL CLIFF EDGE EDGING CLOSER WITH DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES ON THE CARDS - LOCKHART DUP MP Carla Lockhart has been actively mobilising the local construction, waste and transport industries to speak out against the proposed change to the red diesel rebate. This change will take effect as of 1st April with many businesses facing a cliff edge, adding to the already spiralling costs of fuel, materials, labour and electricity for businesses. In recent days the National Federation of Builders have said, “In diesel, the price hike will be considerable and comes at a time when even the tiniest shifts in prices can put businesses in jeopardy”, warned the trade body. Its call is echoed by the Road Haulage Association which has told Chancellor Rishi Sunak that many “small hauliers could go bust” and more locally the Mineral Products Association have said, “‘We believe the removal of the red diesel rebate, due to take place on 1 April 2022, is premature and must be reversed. In short, it is a cash grab dressed up as an environmental measure. The policy is flawed and does not encourage a move to zero-carbon fuels, as firms will simply switch to standard white diesel, with exactly the same carbon content.” It is estimated that the cost to construction of this policy will be £20m to £25m and is likely to be passed on to private home builders, driving up house prices and it will undoubtedly impact the number of Government contracts available to the sectors with less money for building schools, hospitals and roads.
09 Mar, 2022 Bradley: Welcome support for women's football, but Minister has more to do. DUP Deputy Leader Paula Bradley MLA has welcomed the belated decision by the Sinn Fein Communities Minister to provide £100,000 of funding to the IFA ahead of the Northern Ireland women’s team playing in their first major tournament, at the European Championship finals.
08 Mar, 2022 Treasury should step up on spiralling energy costs The DUP’s North Antrim MP Ian Paisley has challenged the Treasury to step up and recognise the pressures in families with spiralling energy costs.
08 Mar, 2022 Failure to sign PoC would be a dereliction of duty DUP MLA Diane Dodds has called on those MLAs opposed to the segregation and elevation of one sector of our education system to the detriment of a majority of children, to take a firm stand by signing a Petition of Concern against the Integrated Education Bill.
08 Mar, 2022 “Ramping Up Rollout of Multi-Disciplinary Teams Key to Improving General Practice” Erskine Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erskine has said the rollout of Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs) into General Practices across Northern Ireland must be ramped up.
07 Mar, 2022 Sir Jeffrey calls for Chancellor to act on Cost of Living Jeffrey Donaldson - Letter to Chancellor by DUP on Scribd
07 Mar, 2022 Sir Jeffrey announces Edwin Poots as new South Belfast MLA DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has announced that Edwin Poots will fill the vacancy within the Northern Ireland Assembly following the passing of South Belfast MLA Christopher Stalford.
07 Mar, 2022 MP welcomes London Mayor to Ballymena North Antrim MP Ian Paisley has welcomed London Mayor Sadiq Khan to Wright Bus in Ballymena.
03 Mar, 2022 Planning System costing jobs and livelihoods: Buckley Chair of the Assembly's Infrastructure Committee Jonathan Buckley has said that delays and problems in the planning system are costing jobs and livelihoods.
03 Mar, 2022 “10 years to clear waiting lists simply not good enough” Erskine DUP Health Committee member Deborah Erskine MLA has called on the Health Minister to publish the long overdue Orthopaedic Recovery Plan to help clear record waiting lists in Northern Ireland.