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Category: Northern Ireland

  • John Finucane – 2022 Comments on “Bill of Shame”

    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.

  • Chris Heaton-Harris – 2022 Statement on the Death of HM Queen Elizabeth II

    Chris Heaton-Harris – 2022 Statement on the Death of HM Queen Elizabeth II

    The statement made by Chris Heaton-Harris, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, on 8 September 2022.

    I am deeply saddened at the news of the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

    Throughout her reign, Her Majesty has been the matriarch and pillar of our country and the Commonwealth. She has always provided wise counsel, admirably and selflessly, fulfilling a lifetime commitment to public service.

    Her Majesty dedicated herself to our family of nations, no more so was this apparent than in Northern Ireland, We will always be greatly indebted for her efforts to promote reconciliation and the fostering of better community relations, ensuring peace and stability.

    I want to offer my sincere condolences to The King and the entire Royal Family on their loss. The thoughts of the people of Northern Ireland, like the rest of the United Kingdom and around the world, are with them at this time.

  • Shailesh Vara – 2022 Speech to the British-Irish Association Conference

    Shailesh Vara – 2022 Speech to the British-Irish Association Conference

    The speech made by Shailesh Vara, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in Oxford, England on 2 September 2022.

    It is a great pleasure to be addressing you this evening in these beautiful surroundings for the annual conference of the British-Irish Association.

    I would like to start by thanking Dominic for his kind invitation and his words of welcome. I would also like to express my gratitude to Francesca Kay and all of her team for their hard work and dedication in organising this conference.

    Since 1972, the BIA has played a key role in bringing people together – politicians, civil servants, academics and faith leaders. Also people from the world of business, journalists, commentators and many more, all of whom have sought to promote dialogue, understanding and good relations throughout these islands as we work to shape a better future together.

    So at the outset, I would also like to thank the BIA for everything it has done and will no doubt continue to do in the years ahead.

    Over the past two years, we have sadly lost two monumental figures of the peace process in Northern Ireland. In their careers and in their lives, John Hume and David Trimble demonstrated just how much progress could be made on challenges that were deemed insurmountable by coming together and seeking compromise.

    They put Northern Ireland’s future ahead of party interests, taking enormous personal and political risks to deliver peace. In coming together here this weekend, not only are we reminded of that spirit, but we should look to reignite it as we work together on the challenges in the months ahead.

    Belfast/Good Friday Agreement

    Nearly 25 years on from the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, we shouldn’t lose sight of the magnitude of what was achieved in 1998.

    The Agreement marked an extraordinary achievement for Northern Ireland, laying the foundation for the more peaceful and prosperous society that we see today.

    The approaching 25th Anniversary of the Agreement offers an opportunity for all communities to come together and recognise that shared achievement.

    As we prepare to mark this historic moment, let us be mindful of our responsibilities, particularly to young people, and to future generations in Northern Ireland, and to do all we can to build upon the remarkable progress that has been made in the last quarter century, and to make sure that it endures into the future.

    Northern Ireland has so much to offer and huge potential for an exciting and prosperous future.

    Strategic Challenges ahead

    Of course, there are issues that we currently face, including the Northern Ireland Protocol, dealing with the legacy of the past, restoring a stable Executive and tackling the cost of living – these are extraordinary challenges.

    But they are not insurmountable. With constructive engagement and proper understanding, these challenges can be solved, especially as we already share a common goal – to secure the very best possible outcomes for people in Northern Ireland and across these islands.

    The UK Government remains committed to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and will continue to work with the Northern Ireland parties and the Irish Government to deliver our vision of reconciliation, equality and respect for all.

    We are proud of the progress that we have made in this respect since this conference last met.

    However, that is not to say there are not serious challenges ahead.

    There are difficult issues like the Northern Ireland Protocol and addressing the legacy of the past where I know there are strong differing views. I understand that – these are complex and sensitive issues and if there were easier solutions they would have been found long before now.

    What I can say is the spirit and intent of what we are doing is to deliver a better future for Northern Ireland.

    Northern Ireland Protocol

    The Northern Ireland Protocol was put in place to deal with the “unique circumstances” of Northern Ireland, recognising that a solution needed to be found that recognised Northern Ireland’s place as a sovereign part of the United Kingdom and its internal market, which of course is important, in particular to those with unionist identity, as well as to the commercial life of so many businesses. And of course, the Protocol serves the equally important purpose, not just for nationalists, of preserving frictionless trade across the land border through providing access for Northern Ireland to the EU Single Market.

    We also accept the importance of preserving the integrity of the EU Single Market, as well as our own. And we accept fully that the economic prosperity of Northern Ireland benefits from trade both East-West and North-South.

    However, there are real issues with how the Protocol is currently operating. Those issues increase cost and complexity, and reduce choice regardless of someone’s views on the constitutional position of Northern Ireland.

    We are determined to fix those problems, through negotiation and agreement with the EU if at all possible, and thus to deliver stability for businesses and citizens across Northern Ireland. But with legislation if we cannot.

    Our aim with the legislation on the Northern Ireland Protocol is to put in place an insurance policy so that we can ensure we have a way of resolving the issues with the Protocol. Like all insurance policies, they are better if they’re not invoked but we must bring about a resolution.

    There is also a bigger picture here. We need to get back to finding some common understanding and a relationship of trust between friends and neighbours with a spirit of good intent and a willingness to make things better.

    A stronger UK/Ireland and UK/EU relationship is in all our interest, not least given the wider geostrategic challenges we face. Individuals and businesses look to their political leaders, on both sides, to make their lives easier rather than more burdensome.

    As politicians, and as legislators, if something isn’t working, we make changes to find a solution. That is what we do – day in, day out, we find the possibilities and the room to make things better for the people we are elected to serve.

    I accept that the politics around this is difficult. But given the political will, this can be resolved. And of course the Protocol itself foresees the prospect of it being amended and evolving. We should aim to find a new balance through a new negotiation. And then we can all move on.

    Move on to so many other issues that deserve our urgent attention – such as continuing to deal with the Russian aggression which is making Europe more dangerous now than it has ever been since the Second World War, issues concerning the rising cost of living, the rise in energy prices and concerns over food security.

    I also recognise that the UK leaving the EU was a significant change. But it is time now to reach a place of acceptance, and focus on our future relationship as neighbours, as friends, and as allies.

    I believe that if we all hold to a commitment and spirit of good intent and put people and businesses first we can make this work.

    Legacy

    That same genuine commitment underpins our approach to dealing with the legacy of Northern Ireland’s troubled past. It is clear that the system as it stands is not delivering truth or justice to people who are still living with the pain from the years of violence and bloodshed.

    We have introduced legislation which we believe will address the concerns of those impacted by the Troubles – including those seeking answers and those who served – and so assist in the process of healing and reconciliation. I want to add that we are in listening mode, and my colleagues and I continue to engage directly with the representatives of victims and survivors as the Bill proceeds through Parliament.

    Identity, language and culture legislation

    In like manner, we believe the identity and language legislation which we have introduced, will support greater cultural inclusion, tolerance and openness.

    Abortion

    And we are determined to ensure that girls and women in Northern Ireland have equal access to healthcare. It cannot be right that in 2022 they do not have the same reproductive healthcare facilities as girls and women in the rest of the UK.

    Economic Investment

    That ambition for a better future lies behind the unprecedented levels of financial support and investment we have delivered in Northern Ireland, to help strengthen and grow the economy, along with our contribution to ensure a safer Northern Ireland where the security threat level has reduced for the first time in over a decade.

    So whilst there are challenges, there is much we can coalesce around and work together on to help make Northern Ireland a great place to live, work and invest.

    Executive Formation

    Principal to achieving this goal is of course having a functioning devolved government.

    I therefore urge all Parties, in the strongest possible terms, to work together to form an Executive and address the issues that matter most to people.

    There are people in Northern Ireland right now who are suffering. Some don’t know how they are going to put food on the table for their families and themselves. I believe it is the duty of their elected representatives to ensure there is an Executive and Assembly up and running so they can start spending the money that is waiting to be spent.

    The New Decade, New Approach agreement provided a lengthy period for politicians in Northern Ireland to restore functioning devolved institutions.

    But let me be clear, if the Parties do not make full use of that time to earnestly engage to restore a fully functioning Executive, then I will have to call an election at the end of October.

    This is not something that the people of Northern Ireland want or need, especially given the present economic circumstances.

    What people want is a fully functioning Executive, taking decisive action to tackle the cost of living crisis, improve healthcare, improve education and drive the economy to its full potential.

    I am in no doubt that Northern Ireland has the best of both worlds when it has a stable Northern Ireland Executive backed by the support and strength of the UK Government.

    And this Government believes firmly in the Union and Northern Ireland’s place within it.

    I believe that all people and all communities benefit from being part of a strong United Kingdom, a place where everyone is welcome and can live, work and thrive together.

    Concluding remarks

    I believe that our relationships across these Islands – be they political, business, family or friendships are one of our Union’s greatest strengths.

    These relationships are what have got us through difficult times in the past – and will get us through the challenging times ahead.

    It is the strength and power of these relationships that gave us the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.

    So as we look to the 25th Anniversary of that agreement next year, let us continue to foster and strengthen our relationships to reach compromises and solutions for the benefit of all our people. And let us take inspiration from the great leaders that have gone before – so we can deliver our shared vision of an inclusive, safe and prosperous Northern Ireland.

  • Caoimhe Archibald – 2022 Comments on the Global Energy Crisis and Stormont

    Caoimhe Archibald – 2022 Comments on the Global Energy Crisis and Stormont

    The comments made by Caoimhe Archibald, the Sinn Fein MLA for East Londonderry, on 24 August 2022.

    There are hundreds of millions of pounds locked in a Stormont bank account that can help ease the pressures people are facing, but it cannot be spent because of the DUP’s cruel block on an Executive being formed.

    The DUP’s refusal to form a government has also created uncertainty on the roll out of the £400 payment to support every household in the north.

    So rather than looking for others to blame for their failures, the economy minister should tell his party to stop punishing ordinary workers and families and form a government now. That is the easiest way to get money into pockets.

    As we face an increasingly bleak winter, people rightly want ministers around the table and working together to help workers, families and businesses who are struggling to pay their bills and keep their shutters up.

    Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive today, to work with others, and put money in people’s pockets to tackle the cost-of-living emergency. That’s our focus.

  • Caoimhe Archibald – 2022 Comments on the Northern Ireland Protocol

    Caoimhe Archibald – 2022 Comments on the Northern Ireland Protocol

    The comments made by Caoimhe Archibald, the Sinn Fein MLA for East Londonderry, on 23 August 2022.

    We are facing an increasingly challenging economic outlook driven by high inflation and spiralling costs for businesses, workers and families.

    The Protocol provides important protections for businesses here from the worst impacts of Brexit, it prevents a hard border on this island, and it protects the all-island economy.

    Economic evidence is showing the Protocol is helping to create jobs and attract investment and our businesses are benefiting from unique access to both the EU and British markets. This needs to be built upon.

    The British government’s intention to break international law and tear up an international agreement by pursuing the Protocol Bill which the Business Brexit Working Group has today said will create a ‘myriad’ of risk for many businesses.

    There now needs to be renewed talks and good faith engagement between the EU and the British government to provide businesses and wider society with certainty and stability.

  • John Finucane – 2022 Comments on Support for Irish Unity

    John Finucane – 2022 Comments on Support for Irish Unity

    The comments made by John Finucane, the Sinn Fein MP for North Belfast, on 22 August 2022.

    Yet another poll shows growing support for Irish unity across the island, particularly among young people.

    The reality is that conversation on the constitutional future of our island is to the fore of political discourse like never before.

    Planning and preparation must start now.

    The Irish government should lead those preparations by immediately establishing a Citizens’ Assembly on Irish unity to help shape the new Ireland.

    Sinn Féin will begin a people’s conversation from October. We want to hear from everybody on their views on the future.

    The onus is on the Irish government to prepare for referendums and reunification without any more delays.

  • John Finucane – 2022 Comments on Northern Ireland and Conservative Party Leadership

    John Finucane – 2022 Comments on Northern Ireland and Conservative Party Leadership

    The comments made by John Finucane, the Sinn Fein MP for North Belfast, on 17 August 2022.

    The Tories have no mandate and not a single elected representative in Ireland and they have absolutely no regard for the democratic wishes of the people of the north.

    It’s totally insulting for Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak to rock up here today to choose a Tory leader and British Prime Minister that no one in the north voted for in the first place.

    What people did vote for was to oppose the destructive Brexit that they forced upon us and to invest an extra £1 billion to fix the health service that they have run into the ground with cruel cuts for over a decade.

    And now the Tories are propping up the DUP’s block on an Executive being formed and money being spent during a cost-of-living emergency, while attempting to strip away our businesses’ unique access to the British and EU markets that is creating jobs here.

    No matter who becomes Tory leader or British Prime Minister, it is clear that they will not act in the best interests of people in Ireland.

  • Deirdre Hargey – 2022 Comments on DUP Boycott of Stormont

    Deirdre Hargey – 2022 Comments on DUP Boycott of Stormont

    The comments made by Deirdre Hargey, the Sinn Fein Minister for the Communities, on 17 August 2022.

    News today that gas prices will rise again by up to 30% in October is another kick in the teeth for people whose bills are already through the roof.

    There is £435 million sitting in a Stormont bank account that can help ease the pressures people are facing, but it cannot be spent because the DUP are blocking an Executive.

    People are bewildered that a DUP minister is attending meetings to find workarounds to get the £400 energy payment out to households when the obvious solution is for him and his colleagues to get back to work around the Executive table.

    I am calling on DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson to end this cruel boycott of government and stop punishing ordinary workers and families who are struggling to pay their bills. Their refusal is a dereliction of duty.

    Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive today, to work with others, and put money in people’s pockets to tackle the cost-of-living emergency.

  • Caoimhe Archibald – 2022 Comments on Supporting Businesses in Northern Ireland

    Caoimhe Archibald – 2022 Comments on Supporting Businesses in Northern Ireland

    The comments made by Caoimhe Archibald, the Economic Spokesperson for Sinn Fein, on 16 August 2022.

    We are in the midst of a cost-of-living emergency which has reduced the ability of workers and families to buy even basics with some people facing the choice between heating or eating.

    This has had a knock-on effect on retailers who have experienced the biggest drop in sales in ten years which has resulted in businesses closing their doors as they struggle to cope with rising costs, particularly of energy bills.

    Inflation is at a 40-year high and workers and families are struggling with ongoing rises to the price of food, fuel and electricity.

    There is a real onus on the British Government to allocate funding to support our businesses and protect jobs, to date they have failed to take any action to help businesses.

    The reduced rate of VAT should also be reintroduced for businesses that had it reduced during the pandemic, including bars and restaurants.

    The British government must get real on the impact of the soaring cost of living and cost of doing business.

    The DUP should end its boycott of our democratic institutions so we can get money out to those who are struggling.

  • Colm Gildernew – 2022 Comments on GP Availability Crisis in Northern Ireland

    Colm Gildernew – 2022 Comments on GP Availability Crisis in Northern Ireland

    The comments made by Colm Gildernew, the spokesperson for Sinn Fein on health, on 16 August 2022.

    It is concerning to hear how surgeries are struggling to cope in our growing health crisis.

    We have news of several GP practices in Belfast applying to close down access to new patients joining them.

    Too many patients are not getting the care they need while others struggle to get to see a doctor at all and urgent action is needed to address this.

    We need an Executive up and running now to invest an extra £1 billion in the health service to recruit more doctors and nurses, to help people who can’t get access to a GP and are stuck on waiting lists.

    The DUP should end its boycott of government now, form an Executive and stop blocking this money being put into our health service.