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PRESS RELEASE : Prices are rising in Ukraine just as in the world, but we also have people killed here – the First Lady in an interview with BBC [September 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 5 September 2022.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a war waged against peaceful people. This was said by First Lady Olena Zelenska in an interview with BBC, answering questions from the host of Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg program.

“This is not a war with an army, this is a war to intimidate, to use scorched land tactics and to enter empty cities and villages,” the First Lady said.

Answering the question about what she would say to the residents of Great Britain who really want to help Ukrainians, but are at the same time worried about whether they will be able to pay their bills against the backdrop of rising energy prices and whether they will be able to live on, Olena Zelenska noted: “I understand that the situation is very difficult. I would like to remind you that when prices rise in the world, this is exactly what happens in Ukraine, too. Everything is becoming more expensive here as well. But at the same time, we have people killed in our country. Daily”.

The President’s wife emphasized that she is trying to convey to the world information about the consequences of Russian aggression in Ukraine, speaking on all possible world media platforms, and thanked Great Britain and its government for consistent support of our country.

“When we are supported so sincerely and powerfully, we feel that we are not alone,” Olena Zelenska summed up.

September 12, 2022
King Charles III – 2022 Statement Following Accession to the Throne

The statement made by King Charles III on 9 September 2022.

I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow. Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen – my beloved Mother – was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example. Queen Elizabeth’s was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.

Alongside the personal grief that all my family are feeling, we also share with so many of you in the United Kingdom, in all the countries where The Queen was Head of State, in the Commonwealth and across the world, a deep sense of gratitude for the more than seventy years in which my Mother, as Queen, served the people of so many nations. In 1947, on her twenty-first birthday, she pledged in a broadcast from Cape Town to the Commonwealth to devote her life, whether it be short or long, to the service of her peoples. That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life. She made sacrifices for duty. Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never waivered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss. In her life of service we saw that abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress, which make us great as Nations. The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became the hallmark of her reign. And, as every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people. I pay tribute to my Mother’s memory and I honour her life of service. I know that her death brings great sadness to so many of you and I share that sense of loss, beyond measure, with you all.

The role and the duties of Monarchy also remain, as does the Sovereign’s particular relationship and responsibility towards the Church of England – the Church in which my own faith is so deeply rooted. In that faith, and the values it inspires, I have been brought up to cherish a sense of duty to others, and to hold in the greatest respect the precious traditions, freedoms and responsibilities of our unique history and our system of parliamentary government. As The Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation. And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the Realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life.

My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities. It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others.

This is also a time of change for my family. I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla. In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage seventeen years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort. I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much. As my Heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me. He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall which I have undertaken for more than five decades. Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty. With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given. I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.

In a little over a week’s time we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest. In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example. On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support. They mean more to me than I can ever possibly express. And to my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May “flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest”.

September 12, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : PM call with Prime Minister Trudeau [September 2022]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 September 2022.

The Prime Minister spoke to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday 10 September 2022.

The leaders shared their shock and sadness at the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. They agreed a profound sense of loss is being felt by people in the UK, Canada, the wider Commonwealth and across the world.

The Prime Minister noted the closeness of the UK-Canada relationship, as fellow members of the Commonwealth, G7 and NATO. The leaders agreed to build on this partnership as we apply our shared values to the challenges we face, including working to reduce our economic dependence on authoritarian states.

September 12, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Public Information activities in Royal Hillsborough and Belfast [September 2022]
The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 12 September 2022.
Their Majesties will arrive at Belfast City Airport where they will be met by the Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Belfast, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Chief Executive of Belfast City Airport, before travelling to Hillsborough Castle for a number of engagements.

The King and Consort will arrive at Hillsborough Castle, where His Majesty will hold a private audience with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and will meet with representatives from political parties. Their Majesties will also receive a Message of Condolence from The Speaker of The Northern Ireland Assembly on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland.

The King and The Queen Consort will attend a reception at Hillsborough Castle, hosted by the Secretary of State, where they will have the opportunity to meet representatives drawn from a diverse range of Northern Ireland life.

Later in the afternoon, His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will travel to St Anne’s Cathedral to attend a Service of Reflection for the life of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II. Their Majesties will then undertake a walkabout at Writers’ Square before departure.

Public information regarding travel to Hillsborough Castle

The public is welcome to come to Royal Hillsborough ahead of the ceremony to line the route, members of the public should be in place by 1100. There is no parking for non-residents

Special transport is in place from the dedicated Park and Ride facility at the Eikon Centre, Halftown Road, Lisburn There will be no public access to the Castle during this period other than via this Park & Ride service.

Further information on the public transport services and shuttle bus times is available on Translink’s Website

On arrival at the Eikon Centre, members of the public will pass through a security search, before boarding coaches for Hillsborough Castle. You will be able to access toilets and refreshments at the Eikon Centre before travelling to Royal Hillsborough.

Large bags, such as backpacks and rucksacks will not be allowed onto the Park & Ride buses to Royal Hillsborough; you will be asked to return any large bags to your car and will have to undergo the queuing system again.

Please be aware that only floral tributes will be allowed to be laid in the dedicated area at Hillsborough Castle. On arrival at the Eikon Centre, all floral tributes will undergo a full security search, and any cellophane wrapping will be removed and disposed of at the Eikon Centre to avoid a fire risk. Notes will also be removed and preserved by the NIO at Eikon Centre for onward transmission to Buckingham Palace.

Other items (such as soft toys) are not allowed to be laid, and will also be removed and stored at the Eikon Centre. Soft toys will be donated by the NIO to local hospitals.

On arrival at Hillsborough Castle, the tributes should be handed to an events steward who will lay them in the dedicated area in the Forecourt of Hillsborough Castle.

Information regarding route between Hillsborough and Belfast St Anne’s

His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will leave Hillsborough Castle at 1420, travelling along Main Street and Lisburn Street to attend the Service of Reflection at St Anne’s Cathedral, which will begin at 1500.

They will come into Belfast City Centre along Wellington Place, Donegall Square North, Chichester Street and Victoria Street.

The public is very welcome to line the route as His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort travel to the Cathedral. Donegall Street and Writers Square will be closed to the public.

Public Information regarding the Service of Reflection at St Anne’s

The service of reflection at St Anne’s Cathedral is by invitation only. A small number of individuals have been invited to observe the proceedings at St Anne’s Cathedral from Writers’ Square. Members of the public will not be admitted to Writers’ Square or to the service of reflection. Access to the service will be strictly by ticket only.

More information on wider activities in Belfast is available on Belfast City Council Website including public television screens at Belfast City Hall.

Q&A

Where is the Eikon Centre?

The Eikon Centre is close to the M1 and only 10 minutes from Royal Hillsborough.

Yellow signs will direct you to the Hillsborough Park & Ride. You will be directed as follows, if approaching from:

The South (A1): Stay on the A1 past Royal Hillsborough Village and turn left onto Harrys Road

The East (M1): Leave the M1 at junction 7 onto the Blaris Road

The West (M1): Leave the M1 at junction 9 onto the A3 and turn South on the Halftown Road

The North (A26): At the junction with the M1 and A3, turn East onto the the A3 and turn South on the Halftown Road

How do I get there by public transport?

A shuttle bus will run from Lisburn rail station to and from the Eikon Centre

Public buses will still run through Royal Hillsborough, but you will not be able to access the Castle other than via the Eikon Centre. You will be able to hand floral tributes to staff to lay on your behalf.

Why is there a security check?

As you are aware, Hillsborough Castle is a secure venue and for this reason it will be necessary for everyone coming on site to undergo a short security check before boarding the buses at the Eikon Centre as well as a further check before entering Hillsborough Castle.

All cellophane on floral tributes will be removed during this security check. No other tributes will be allowed at the Hillsborough Castle site, and guests are requested to refrain from bringing any other objects or tributes.

To facilitate a speedy security check, guests are requested not to bring large bags or holdalls. There will be no storage facility in the Eikon Centre for luggage.

I am attending the ceremonial events, do I need to travel via the Eikon Centre?

Yes. Guests for ceremonial events in Royal Hillsborough and Belfast also be asked to travel to the Eikon Centre.

Guests will be handled separately to members of the public seeking to lay floral tributes. You should have received information about travel from the Northern Ireland Office alongside notification of your attendance at the event(s).

I live in Hillsborough, do I need to travel to Eikon?

Local residents and business owners within Royal Hillsborough Village should receive a leaflet from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council regarding the special arrangements in operation during the national period of mourning. If you have not received this, please contact the Community Assistance Centre on 028 9244 7999 for further information and support.

I just want to lay flowers, do I really need to go to Eikon?

Hillsborough Castle is only accessible to the general public (aside from local residents and business owners) during the national period of mourning via the Park & Ride facility at the Eikon Centre.

Flowers may be handed to staff outside Hillsborough Castle; any other material (such as wrappings and other tributes) will be removed and the flowers will be laid in the dedicated area.
September 12, 2022
Michelle O’Neill – 2022 Tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II

The tribute made by Michelle O’Neill, the Northern Ireland First Minister Designate, on 8 September 2022.

It is with deep regret that I have learned of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II today.

The British people will miss the leadership she gave throughout her 70 years as monarch.

I would like to offer my sincere sympathies and condolences to her children, and her extended family circle as they come to terms with their grief.

I wish to especially acknowledge the profound sorrow of our neighbours from within the unionist community here who will feel her loss deeply.

Personally, I am grateful for Queen Elizabeth’s significant contribution and determined efforts to advancing peace and reconciliation between our two islands.

Throughout the peace process she led by example in building relationships with those of us who are Irish, and who share a different political allegiance and aspirations to herself and her Government.

Having met Queen Elizabeth on a number of occasions alongside my colleague, the late Martin McGuinness, I appreciated both her warmth and courtesy.

September 12, 2022
Mary Lou McDonald – 2022 Tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II

The tribute made by Mary Lou McDonald, the President of Sinn Fein, on 8 September 2022.

I wish to extend deepest sympathy to the British Royal Family on the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Her passing marks the end of an era.

Relationships between our two countries for so long marked by conflict and suffering have been recast and reimagined through the Good Friday Agreement.

The Queen proved a powerful advocate and ally of those who believe in peace and reconciliation.

I salute her contribution to the huge change that has evolved in recent years.

Her death is a moment of heartbreak and pride for the British people. To them, and especially to Irish unionists, I extend on behalf of Sinn Féin and Irish Republicans sincere condolences.

September 12, 2022
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.

September 12, 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.

September 12, 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.

September 12, 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.

September 12, 2022