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Mary Lou McDonald – 2022 Comments on Meeting with Nancy Pelosi

The comments made by Mary Lou McDonald, the President of Sinn Fein, on 9 September 2022.

This week I have been in San Francisco for a series of engagements with business leaders, the local Irish community, trade unions and political leaders. We have discussed the challenges and the many opportunities for both Ireland and the United States in the time ahead and the unique ties which bond our two nations.

Yesterday I met with US Speaker Nancy Pelosi and thanked her for her steadfast commitment to protecting the Good Friday Agreement and ensuring that the Irish people do not become collateral damage to the Tories’ Brexit plans. Speaker Pelosi’s commitment to protecting peace and all elements of the Good Friday Agreement is unshakeable.

Speaker Pelosi reiterated to me the importance that the US Administration continues to place on protecting these important rights and affirmed again that the US stands firmly with the people of Ireland. We discussed President Joe Biden’s remarks earlier this week to the new British Prime Minister Liz Truss that she must show a change of tack from previous holders of that office and engage in good faith negotiations around the implementation of the protocol.

British Prime Minister Truss must break with the bad faith agenda of her predecessors and change direction, end the unilateral actions and respect international law. We need to see a recommitment to the Good Friday Agreement, support the restoration of the political institutions and an end to game playing around the Irish protocol.

12/09/2022
Chris MacManus – 2022 Comments on Need for Brussels Belfast Engagement

The comments made by Chris MacManus, the Sinn Fein MEP for Midlands Northwest in The Republic of Ireland on 9 September 2022.

I welcome the opportunity to engage with our MLA colleagues at this roundtable event. However, I do not believe it should be up to individual MEPs or political groups to organise such events. This should be an ongoing formal engagement.

Today we have had, what were on occasions, frank exchanges between MEPs and MLAs from across the political spectrum. These exchanges were healthy and productive, that is why I believe it is important that the European Parliament and the Assembly formalise engagements such as this and that we have direct dialogue between the elected representatives of both institutions.

I consider this to be both a practical and crucial step we can and should take, as EU legislation can often have an impact for the north of Ireland, therefore it is important elected representatives from the north and other sectoral interests are heard in the drafting of any such legislation.

It is also worth noting that the Assembly itself has sought mechanisms for direct dialogue in the past and that the European Parliament agreed to this. Indeed, Vice President of the European Commission Maroš Šefčovič referred to such a concept in his non-papers. It is now time to make formal those assurances.

12/09/2022
John Finucane – 2022 Comments on “Bill of Shame”

The comments made by John Finucane, the Sinn Fein MP for North Belfast, on 11 September 2022.

The introduction of the Legacy Bill is evidence that the British government have much, much more to conceal and cover-up from their dirty war in Ireland.

Those who seek to introduce a formal amnesty for their soldiers and agents;

Those who seek to block the rights of families to due legal process.

Those who seek to halt the ability for families to take civil proceedings, to seek an inquest have much to cover-up.

These actions are deliberately cruel, and show that the British government care not for the lives of our loved ones, nor do they care about the rule of law, truth or justice.

And that they couch this legislation in the language of reconciliation is truly shameful.

We need to be honest. This Bill is another slap in the face to victims.

It is the price for delivering a Tory manifesto commitment that prioritises the demands of the British military over the legal rights of victims.

This Legacy Bill is about providing an amnesty for British state forces and deny families their basic legal rights to an inquest, an independent investigation and to pursue civil actions.

This is political interference of the worst kind in basic legal process which will have far reaching implications for confidence levels in the rule of law and the administration of justice.

These legacy proposals are not only opposed by Sinn Féin but also the Irish government, all political parties across Ireland, the Executive Justice Minister Naomi Long, victims’ groups, families and the churches.

So let’s be clear this Bill is unworkable, it will not deliver for victims and survivors, it is in breach of the Good Friday Agreement, and that it is incompatible with Article 2 obligations.

But it is the price to be paid to protect those in Downing Street who know the extent of collusion and State murder because it was their predecessors, who planned it.

Liz Truss needs to hear that we will not allow our rights to be cherry picked or traded by any British government.

She must bin this flawed legislation without further delay.

12/09/2022
Keir Starmer – 2022 Broadcast Statement Following the Death of HM Queen Elizabeth II

The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Opposition, on 8 September 2022.

Today we mourn the passing of a remarkable sovereign.

It is a deep private loss for the Royal Family and our first thoughts are with them at this time.

The nation shares in their grief.

Queen Elizabeth II created a special, personal relationship with us all.

A relationship based on service and devotion to her country.

Nobody under the age of 70 has known anything other than Queen Elizabeth II on the throne.

For the vast majority of us, the late Queen has been simply the Queen.

The only Queen.

Above all else, our Queen.

As we mourn her loss, we should also treasure her life.

Our longest-serving and greatest ever monarch.

Above the clashes of politics, she stood not for what the nation fought over.

But what it agreed upon.

In crisis, she reassured us.

Reminding us that we are all part of something that stretches back through time.

A symbol of the best of us.

I saw it for myself when I led the Crown Prosecution Service.

Every time I had the privilege to meet the late Queen, she would ask the most searching questions because she wanted to understand the lives and struggles of her people.

And as Britain changed rapidly around her, this dedication became the still point of our turning world.

An example that taught us that whatever the challenges we face, the value of service always endures.

And the obvious love the late Queen displayed for Britain, the British people gave back in return.

That is why there is such an outpouring of grief across the nation today.

As there is across the Commonwealth to which the late Queen was so devoted.

Around the world, people are united in mourning.

And united in celebrating her life.

This togetherness is a reminder of what she achieved.

A reminder of our shared values.

Values which I know will be upheld by her beloved son, Charles, our new King.

So as our great Elizabethan era comes to an end, we will honour the late Queen’s memory.

By keeping alive the values of public service she embodied.

For seventy years, Queen Elizabeth II stood as the head of our country.

But, in spirit, she stood amongst us.

12/09/2022
Sadiq Khan – 2022 Statement on Chris Kaba

The statement made by Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, on 9 September 2022.

This is a significant development [the IOPC Investigation]. From the outset I have been in close touch with the independent police watchdog, the IOPC, who said they would be thorough and go wherever the evidence took them. Their investigation has now resulted in the launch of a homicide investigation into Chris Kaba’s death.

My heartfelt sympathies remain with Chris Kaba’s family, friends and loved ones, who are having to come to terms with a young life cut short.

I fully understand the grave concerns and impact of Chris’ death on Black Londoners across our city and the anger, pain and fear it has caused – as well as the desire for justice and change.

I appreciate that there are many unanswered questions and I want to reassure all of London’s communities that I will continue to push for these to be answered.

12/09/2022
Sadiq Khan – 2022 Tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II

The tribute made by Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, on 8 September 2022.

The nation and the world mourns today in recognition of the extraordinary service of our Queen – Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She served for 70 years with unrivalled grace, dignity and purpose.

Throughout a period of unprecedented transformation, she was a source of great stability, inspiring hope during the most testing of times and exemplifying the best of what it means to be British.

I’m proud to have served as Mayor of London while Queen Elizabeth II was our monarch. I know Londoners, and people across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, are immensely proud and grateful for what she achieved for us all over so many years.

I offer my condolences to the Royal Family at this difficult time.

12/09/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Mayor should publish forward plan for transparency [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 8 September 2022.

The role of the London Assembly is to hold the Mayor of London and Mayoral advisers to account by publicly examining policies and programmes on behalf of Londoners.

With multi-billion-pound budgets and programmes covering many essential services, the work of the GLA and its functional bodies is vast and complex.

Local authorities are required to produce and maintain a forward plan of key decisions. TfL also does this.

The Assembly calls on the Mayor to exceed statutory requirements and do the same in the aid of transparency, effective scrutiny and the best use of resources.

Siân Berry AM, who proposed the motion said:

“Too often the Mayor’s decisions come without warning and it is not right that we are unable to carry out our duty to scrutinise the Mayor’s work until it is too late to make changes.

“All London councils publish forward plans as a statutory requirement, so it does not make sense that the Mayor of London, who oversees a multi-billion pound budget, will not offer us the same transparency.

“The Mayor needs to be open and clear with Londoners about decisions that will directly affect their lives and the Assembly is right to ask for this information. I hope the Mayor will agree and routinely publish a forward plan of his decisions and consultations in future.”

Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, who seconded the motion said:

“No one likes surprises but all too often, announcements and decisions from the Mayor come out of the blue. As the body which is democratically elected to scrutinise those decisions, we are simply asking for no more surprises.

“If councils in the capital can publish forward plans to enable Londoners to transparently see what decisions are expected and when, surely the Mayor of London can do the same.”

The full text of the motion is:

This Assembly exists to hold the Mayor and Mayoral advisers to account by publicly examining policies and programmes on behalf of Londoners.

With multi-billion-pound budgets, and programmes covering many of London’s essential services, the workstreams of the GLA and its five functional bodies are vast and complex.

This Assembly notes that under Part III additional requirements in respect of key decisions and public meetings of The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000, local authorities are required to produce and maintain a public forward plan of key decisions.

This Assembly also notes that the Transport for London (TfL) Board and its Committees and Panels also produce forward plans. Forward plans list upcoming decisions and consultations, to aid transparency, effective scrutiny and best use of resources.

We call on the Mayor to exceed the statutory requirements of his office and publish a similar forward plan.

12/09/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Mayor announces emergency energy advice service for Londoners [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 7 September 2022.

Sadiq announces new service Energy Advice London, in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust, to provide advice to Londoners on managing energy bills

The Mayor’s new service comes as the new Prime Minister is expected to announce a bill freeze to be repaid by customers through energy bills or taxes, while the Mayor has called for a ‘Lifeline Tariff’ to help those in need and for any price freeze to be paid from the profits of fossil fuel companies benefiting from this crisis

The Mayor of London has today announced a new advice service, Energy Advice London, to support Londoners struggling to pay soaring energy bills due to the cost of living crisis.

This comes as Londoners face the possibility of not being able to heat their homes or put food on the table with energy bills already at high levels even before most Londoners need to turn on their heating. Energy Advice London – the first such service available to all Londoners in a decade – will help Londoners navigate the spiralling cost of living crisis and will launch this Autumn. Funded by the Mayor, the new service will be run by the Energy Saving Trust with a website and dedicated phone line to expertly guide Londoners through managing their bills and help them make their homes more energy efficient.

Like the Cost of Living Hub, Energy Advice London will be available to all Londoners but with an energy focus. It will complement the support that the Mayor already offers to vulnerable and low income Londoners through the Warmer Homes Advice Service and the Warmer Homes scheme.

However, the Mayor has stated that this alone isn’t enough and that Government must immediately address the crisis facing Londoners and the nation. Sadiq is calling for a ‘Lifeline Tariff’ which will allow a minimum floor of domestic energy use before charges begin for the most vulnerable people in London.

He has also said the Government should freeze bills but not make Londoners pay for this through a lost era of debt or through their taxes but instead use a windfall tax on those fossil fuel companies that have benefits from this crisis. In addition, he has said it is time to overturn a decade of inaction on making homes energy efficient to ensure Londoners are insulated from such a price surge in the future.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “With eye-watering energy bills awaiting anyone that turns on their heating for the first time this Autumn, too many Londoners will be faced with being unable to heat their homes or feed their families.

“Energy Advice London will help Londoners manage their bills while keeping their homes warm, but this crisis can’t be averted without Government putting the right plan in place. I’m pleased to see that Government are planning to freeze bills but if they are to be repaid by the public then people will be trapped into high bills or taxes for years to come, while the fossil fuel businesses enjoy their unearned profits. We can’t afford to saddle Londoners with years of debt. The Government must introduce a ‘Lifeline Tariff’ to ensure support for those who need it most through this covid- level crisis.”

Mike Thornton, Chief Executive, Energy Saving Trust said: “We’re proud to be part of the positive action being taken in London to provide advice on reducing energy bills. As an expert in delivering advice services across the UK for decades, we know the difference that access to tailored information for individuals on energy efficiency, reducing their energy bills and eligibility for financial support can make. We look forward to helping households and working with the Mayor’s office and London borough councils to offer support this winter.”

12/09/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Statement from Claire Waxman on conclusion of trial [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 7 September 2022.

Claire Waxman, London’s Victims’ Commissioner, said: “Yesterday, my stalker was convicted of three breaches of a lifetime restraining order and of stalking. This has provided my family and me with some relief, but after nearly 20 years of being stalked by this man, the impact of his behaviour has taken an enormous toll on our lives, and it will take us time to recover from this latest ordeal.

It has also been a stark reminder that victims do not have a voice in our justice system. This has made me even more determined to fight for their rights and to put an end to victims being treated as bystanders. If we want victims to come forward to help keep the public safe, then we must fundamentally change the status of victims in our justice system. Their role is too valuable to continue to treat them this way.

My latest experience has reinforced that the Government’s draft Victims’ Bill – as currently written – will make no difference to victims navigating our delayed and broken justice system. The bill must be radically strengthened, along with long-term investment in our justice system and support services, to meet the Government’s objective of ‘putting victims at the heart of the justice system’.

My case has also sadly highlighted that, ten years on, the stalking legislation I campaigned for is flawed and not working for stalking victims. I will be calling on Government to reform the law and create one piece of standalone anti-stalking legislation. It needs to recognise that stalking is a cruel crime of psychological terror which leaves victims suffering for years. A ‘summary only’ offence carrying a maximum sentence of six months does not reflect the severity and long-lasting damage of stalking.

I want to thank the Met Police and CPS for their work on this case. It is clear the Met’s specialist anti-stalking unit S-TAC is making a positive difference to some victims, but they must now work hard to ensure that expertise and knowledge reaches the front line and can help all stalking victims in London. As a result of my experience, we are also now working closely with the Met to review their Witness Care Units which have been struggling to meet victims’ needs. Significant work is underway, and I am confident that together, we will get this unit back on track and providing a better service to victims in London.

Finally, I want to thank my retired Met officer, Daniel Candler. Without him, I would have been unable to cope and attend court. He has provided the support that I want all Met officers to provide for victims. This is the gold standard they should be aiming for.”

12/09/2022
Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (02/09/2022) – 191 days

The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 2 September 2022.

Dear Ukrainians! I wish you health!

Today, I held another meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief this week. The heads of the defense and security sectors were present, as usual: Zaluzhny, Monastyrsky, Budanov, Maliuk, Danilov and others. The commanders of operational areas – Syrsky, Litvinov, Kovalchuk – reported on the state of affairs.

I think that you all understand what the main questions are. Certain decisions have also been made. I think we will all see them. We also considered today the issue of supporting our military, comprehensive support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

I held a meeting devoted to the state’s further steps in European integration. This is another operational direction of our work – daily important work.

For us, the movement of Ukraine to the European Union and the transformation within our country is one of the key elements of the long-term protection of the state, a guarantee of freedom for all Ukrainians. Therefore, the European integration process deserves not just separate attention to political, economic, social, and legal aspects, but a holistic approach. Moving towards Europe, we are strengthening Ukrainian national life as a whole. I am sure that Ukraine will become a full member of the EU. At least let’s do everything for it.

I took part today in the work of an important forum in Italy. One of the most influential economic forums in Europe is the Ambrosetti Forum. I thanked Prime Minister Draghi, all Italians who help us and also protect the Ukrainian desire for freedom, for Europe. He proposed new directions of cooperation between our states – now and after our victory.

It is important for Ukraine to maintain and strengthen Italian support despite any changes in political attitudes. By the way, this week it was the second address to Italian society – after the address to the participants and guests of the Venice Film Festival.

We are fighting for support and understanding of Ukraine in all European countries, in all audiences of European societies. I remind you every time that the protection of Ukraine is the protection of all of Europe. Not only ours, but the entire democratic world.

It is from this point of view that it is worth considering the decision agreed today by the G7 countries to cap the price of Russian oil. When this mechanism is implemented, it will become an important element of protecting civilized countries and energy markets from Russian hybrid aggression.

Indeed, the price of Russian gas must also be capped. I am grateful to Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen, who said this today. It is long overdue for such energy sanctions against Russia. The sanctions that will not only limit the flow of petrodollars and gas euros to Moscow, but also, importantly, restore justice for all Europeans, whom Russia is trying to blackmail with artificially inflated prices on the energy market.

I signed another decree on awarding our soldiers. 166 combatants were given state awards, 44 of them posthumously. Eternal memory to all those who gave their lives for Ukraine!

Eternal glory to all our soldiers who beat the invaders everywhere in Ukraine, on our land! The Kharkiv area, Donetsk region, the entire Donbas, the south, Crimea – Ukraine is and will be everywhere. That’s it! There will be freedom. That’s it! And there will be Europe. We will never give ours to the occupiers.

Glory to Ukraine!

12/09/2022