Wanderlust

Tag: northern ireland

  • Brexit: DUP deputy chief Nigel Dodds urges PM to ‘bin the backstop’

    Nigel Dodds Image caption Nigel Dodds used to be addressing the Democratic Unionist Party convention

    The DUP will “stand firm in the face of inevitable onslaught” in opposing the government’s Brexit plan, deputy chief Nigel Dodds has said.

    The celebration has time and again stated it will now not back the deal because of the backstop, which goals to avoid a difficult Irish border.

    But quite a lot of business and farming groups in NI have instructed the DUP to enhance the plan.

    Mr Dodds told the birthday party’s convention: “Top minister – bin the backstop.”

    Brexit deal: NI business and farming group reacts to proposals Fact Check: Brexit withdrawal settlement – what all of it approach Q&A: The Irish border Brexit backstop

    The backstop is successfully an insurance plans that would see handiest Northern Ireland keep aligned to a few ECU regulations, if it got here into effect.

    Symbol copyright Liam McBurney/pa Image caption Philip Hammond had a series of engagements in Northern Ireland on Friday sooner than attending the DUP convention

    On Friday, the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, told the BBC that the federal government is calling at how you can supply further assurances to the DUP over the Irish border backstop.

    He was once talking all over a visit to an built-in faculty in Moira, County Down.

    Mr Hammond stated the federal government has a bunch of decisions in the course of the “parliamentary procedure”, which come with extending the implementation duration to avoid having to make use of the backstop.

    “i might a lot like to see us extending the implementation length and i am sure my DUP colleagues would take the similar view,” he said.

    Symbol caption Boris Johnson – pictured with Arlene Foster – is as a result of provide a speech on the conference

    Mrs Foster has said if the deal does get through parliament, the DUP may have to revisit its trust and supply care for the Conservatives.

    the federal government of Gibraltar may be represented at the convention.

    Gibraltar has get entangled in the Brexit debate as Spain is looking for written assurances from the united kingdom that it will be right away consulted over its long run industry negotiations with the ecu which relate to Gibraltar, a British Out Of The Country Territory.

    Spanish Top Minister Pedro Sanchez has mentioned his backing for the whole deal can’t be taken for granted, even supposing nobody united states can block the withdrawal agreement on its personal at this stage.

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    Media captionBrexit settlement: What does the 585-web page record say?

    On Saturday, the government of Gibraltar said the territory “will not fold” over Brexit and staunchly supports the union.

    Housing and equality minister Samantha Sacramento informed the DUP convention Gibraltar could “now not be bullied”.

    The leader minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, was once due to attend but couldn’t make it because of the continuing Brexit negotiations.

    “it’s critical that Spain is given no hope in its marketing campaign to take our sovereignty from us,” said Ms Sacramento.

    She steered the united kingdom to help Gibraltar keep its British means of life.

    Gibraltar voted overwhelmingly (96%) to remain within the EU.

    But Ms Sacramento mentioned the Gibraltar executive wanted to look the will of the British people implemented.

    She said she was grateful to the DUP in its beef up to Gibraltar.

    “we are purple, white and blue, we are purple, white and proud,” she delivered.

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  • Raab: Proposed Brexit deal ‘worse’ than EU membership

    Video Raab: Deal ‘worse’ than staying in

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  • Karen Bradley comment taken ‘out of context’

    Karen Bradley Image caption Secretary of State Karen Bradley was appointed to the post in January

    The Secretary of State has said that her recent comments regarding Northern Ireland’s voting patterns were “taken out of context”.

    Karen Bradley said that she did not understand that nationalists did not vote for unionist parties during elections.

    The original comment was made during an interview with The House Magazine.

    Mrs Bradley said she did not comprehend that campaigns are generally fought within each part of the community.

    Karen Bradley ‘did not understand’ NI voting patternsJames Brokenshire to step down on medical reasons

    She told the magazine that it was “a very different world from the world I came from”

    She added: “I didn’t understand things like when elections are fought for example in Northern Ireland – people who are nationalists don’t vote for unionist parties and vice-versa.”

    Mrs Bradley was appointed in January to replace James Brokenshire.

    “I am here doing the job”

    Mrs Bradley defended her comment on Wednesday while taking a walk in Belfast City Centre to see the damage caused by the Primark fire.

    She said: “One thing from the interview was taken out of context.

    “The whole point is that I am here as the Secretary of State doing the job, here on the ground, meeting people, dealing with people, listening to businesses and individuals living in Northern Ireland and really focusing on getting that devolved government back up and running.”

    When asked about possible funding from the Treasury to help revitalise Belfast, Mrs Bradley said she was looking at the best way to deal with the situation and could make no commitments at this stage.

  • Brexit: Tory MPs say technology key to avoiding hard Irish border

    A Northern Ireland border sign Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The future management of the Irish border is one of three main priorities in UK-EU Brexit talks

    A hard border on the island of Ireland can be avoided by using “established” technology and “modifying” existing arrangements, Brexiteer Tory MPs say.

    The European Research Group said the issue had been allowed to “frame” the talks but need not block a trade deal.

    They call for “effective co-operation” between Belfast and Dublin to address smuggling concerns and extra customs forms to be included in VAT returns.

    The EU has insisted on a “backstop” to ensure the single market is protected.

    Both the UK and the EU want to avoid a return to physical checks at the Northern Ireland border, but have yet to agree how this can be achieved.

    Image caption Two former Northern Ireland secretaries were among Tory MPs endorsing the proposals

    The report acknowledges a range of new checks will be needed on goods passing across the 310 mile border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after Brexit, including extra customs declarations and declarations of origin as well as sanitary, phytosanitary and product compliance procedures.

    Among the proposals put forward in the document to deal with these are:

    Extra customs declarations should be incorporated into existing system of VAT returns Simplified customs procedures for the majority of cross-border trade Trusted trader-type schemes for large companies Equivalence of UK and EU regulations for agricultural produce Declaring the island of Ireland a Common Biosecurity Zone

    The report concluded: “The proposals can be realised within the existing legal and operational frameworks of the UK and EU, based on the mutual trust on which regular trade depends.

    “They do nothing to alter the constitutional position of Northern Ireland and do not violate the principle of consent of the enshrined in the Belfast Agreement.”

    Are Tory MPs set to move against Theresa May?

    By BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg

    There is massive frustration with her leadership, her position on Chequers and the way her proposals tuck the UK closely into the EU in perpetuity. And yes, there are some MPs who want to see her gone immediately.

    However senior voices in the European Research Group – yes them – are adamant that it is not the time to try to oust the PM. It would be “stupid”, one told me last night.

    Imagine in these critical weeks of the Brexit negotiations if the UK started to try to change the prime minister.

    Right now those jostling to remove her know they don’t have any guarantees they would have the numbers to force her out, even though they may well be able to pull together enough MPs to submit letters to the chair of 1922 committee to trigger a contest.

    Read Laura’s blog

    John Campbell, the BBC’s Northern Ireland business and economics editor, said the document offered more detail than before and put forward a number of “plausible technocratic solutions”.

    But he said they placed a lot of store on the EU agreeing to mutual recognition of standards and the UK having access to its VAT system – which was far from clear.

    Former Northern Ireland First Minister Lord Trimble dismissed suggestions the Good Friday agreement could be put in peril by Brexit, saying fears of a “reversion to violence were wrong”.

    “There is no serious threat from violence because we have sorted that issue,” he said.

    Former Brexit Secretary David Davis said the proposals were “fabulously practical” and could “unlock” the current dispute over the PM’s Chequers proposals – which scores of Tory MPs have said they cannot support.

    Both Mr Davis and Jacob Rees-Mogg, the ERG’s chair, dismissed talk of a leadership challenge to the prime minister – after it emerged the issue was discussed openly by Tory MPs at a meeting on Tuesday night.

    “We’ve got a very good prime minister,” Mr Davis said.

    “I disagree with her on one issue, it’s this issue. She should stay in place because we need stability, and we need decent government as the backdrop for what we’re doing in the coming next six months.”

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  • US President Donald Trump’s Eire consult with cancelled

    US President Donald Trump Image copyright Reuters

    US President Donald Trump’s discuss with to the Republic of eire has been cancelled, Irish national broadcaster RTÉ has pronounced.

    The White Area had announced the talk over with earlier in September.

    Mr Trump was expected to visit his golfing route in Doonbeg, County Clare, and Dublin on the weekend of 10-11 November.

    It was to be his first consult with because turning into president in 2016.

    RTÉ has mentioned that sources in each Ireland and the United States Of America have indicated that the discuss with is off.

    Image caption a visit to eire used to be raised by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar all over his shuttle to the u.s. in March

    Mr Trump is because of commute to Paris on Martinmas for commemorations marking the one centesimal anniversary of the armistice that ended World Struggle One.

    His consult with to ireland was to coincide with that shuttle. it is no longer identified if he’ll nonetheless trip to France.

    Politicians and activists in Ireland had indicated they’d grasp protests all through Mr Trump’s talk over with.

    Brendan Howlin, the leader of the Labour Birthday Party within the Republic of ireland, stated that Mr Trump used to be “no family member of democracy or human rights”.

    The Fairway Birthday Party had called on the Irish executive to cancel the consult with.

    Image copyright PA Symbol caption Donald Trump owns Trump Doonbeg, a golfing hotel in County Clare

    The U.s. president owns a golf resort in County Clare, Trump Doonbeg, which he bought in February 2014.

    He closing visited Doonbeg in Would Possibly 2014 and was once due to go to again a few months ahead of the u.s. presidential election, in the summer time of 2016, however later shelved the plan.

    Taoiseach Leo Varadkar invited Mr Trump to ireland right through a gathering on the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Washington in March.

    In 2017, Mr Varadkar’s predecessor, Enda Kenny, additionally extended a suggestion for the united states President to return and talk over with.

  • NI Trade leaders call for comparable-sex marriage legislation

    A sign from a pro-gay marriage march in Belfast saying: Image copyright Getty Pictures Symbol caption Northern Ireland is the one part of the uk that doesn’t allow related-sex marriage

    Representatives of a couple of best multinationals have signed an open letter calling for the advent of comparable-sex marriage in NI.

    They include financial, criminal and IT companies with NI branch offices.

    The letter said: “Whilst many of the arguments for equivalent marriage are in line with rights and equality, there may be additionally an important economic argument.”

    The signatories mentioned they wanted to see their LGBT employees enjoy the same rights as the ones within the remainder of the united kingdom.

    ‘Outward looking’

    “a diverse, outward-looking and inclusive society is essential to create a vibrant and competitive economy and a prosperous long run for Northern Ireland,” the letter provides.

    Beverages manufacturers Coca Cola Eire, regulation companies Baker McKenzie and Pinsent Masons, consultants Deloitte and PwC, Liberty IT, Bank Of Ireland and Ulster Financial Institution all introduced their voice to the message.

    Andrea McIlroy-Rose, of Pinsent Masons stated the transfer would have an impact past person employees.

    “The trade case for marriage equality is compelling, each in phrases of retaining and attracting ability, and likewise to send out a message to global buyers that Northern Eire is a contemporary, outward looking economy, with a modern perspective on non-public freedoms and rights.”

    Sandra Wright of Ulster Bank said the trade noticed itself as “really inclusive and diverse”.

    “We Wish to do what we will be able to to make sure our shoppers, colleagues and the LGBTQ+ neighborhood in Northern Ireland have the same rights prolonged to them as the remaining of the uk and Ireland,” she added.

    UK regulation

    In light of the current loss of devolved executive at Stormont, John O’Doherty, director the Rainbow Project and member of the affection Equality consortium called on the uk executive to introduce law making an allowance for comparable-sex marriage.

    “The brain drain from Northern Ireland is a acknowledged fact and it’s vital that we replicate upon all of its causes, now not least of all the incontrovertible fact that Northern Eire continues to be the only part of these Islands not to realize equivalent marriage,” he said.

  • Stormont deadlock: The quandary that spawned a online game

    Video Tremendous Stormont deadlock

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  • Northern Eire Assembly members’ pay to be minimize

    Stormont Image caption Northern Eire has been and not using a functioning government since January 2017

    The Northern Ireland Secretary is to cut Stormont Assembly members’ pay.

    Northern Ireland has been with out an govt in view that January 2017 after a bitter row between the governing parties, the DUP and Sinn Féin.

    Karen Bradley has also dominated out calling a fresh Assembly election and she or he is to carry forward legislation to permit civil servants to make decisions within the absence of devolution.

    MLA pay will fall in November from £FORTY NINE,500 to £35,888.

    The cut will occur in ranges. the first minimize of £7,425 shall be followed by way of an extra aid of £6,187 in three months’ time.

    Symbol caption Northern Eire Secretary Karen Bradley used to be speaking on the Space of Commons

    She additionally spoke in regards to the issue of civil carrier choice making in the absence of an Government.

    The secretary of state instructed MPs: “I realize that there is a necessity to supply reassurance and readability to each the Northern Eire Civil Provider and the folks of Northern Ireland on the mechanisms for the continued delivery of public services and products.

    “So, the law I intend to introduce after the conference recess will even include provisions to present better clarity and walk in the park to enable Northern Eire departments to proceed to take decisions in Northern Ireland within the public interest and to ensure the continuing delivery of public services.”

    Discussions

    The secretary of state also dominated out calling an election as she is required to do under current regulation.

    She told MPs: “i have no longer believed and do not now imagine that protecting an election during this time of vital amendment and political uncertainty would be helpful or could building up the potentialities of restoring the executive.”

    She delivered: “I intend, therefore, to introduce primary regulation in October to set aside for a limited and prescribed length the felony requirement to propose a date for a further election.”

    Ms Bradley is to have discussions with the local parties and the Irish govt within the weeks ahead about political talks aimed toward restoring devolution.

    In relating to political talks the secretary of state mentioned she would also are searching for the events’ views “on whilst and how exterior facilitation” need to be used.

    ‘Unique place’

    There have been a bunch of requires an impartial talks chairperson to be appointed.

    Ms Bradley also stated “a functioning North-South Ministerial Council is very important to verify NI makes the most of its distinctive place inside the UK and in relation to ireland.”

    Northern Ireland has been with out a functioning executive because January 2017.

    MLA pay is to be reduce as a result of there may be no devolution.

  • NI mom wins Superb Court Docket benefit case

    Breaking News image

    An single mother has gained get right of entry to to a Widowed Parent’s Allowance in a landmark Ideally Suited Courtroom ruling.

    Mother of four, Siobhan McLaughlin from County Antrim lived with her spouse for 23 years- but never married.

    After her partner’s demise, she used to be denied money that her youngsters might had been differently entitled to.

    Modern-Day ruling is expected to have far-achieving ramifications – permitting other people across the UK to apply for identical bills.

  • Papal talk over with: Pope Francis to begin -day Irish talk over with

    Pope Francis Symbol copyright Reuters Symbol caption Pope Francis is the first pontiff to go to Eire considering that John Paul II in 1979

    Pope Francis is set to meet sufferers of clerical intercourse abuse later during the Republic of Eire’s first papal seek advice from for nearly 40 years.

    In a letter to the world’s 1.2bn Roman Catholics, the Pope this week condemned the “atrocities” of kid abuse and clerical duvet-ups.

    The seek advice from coincides with the arena Meeting of Households – an international Catholic collecting held each and every three years.

    it is going to end with a Mass for 500,000 people at Phoenix Park on Sunday.

    What took place to Catholic Eire? Irish Church in graphs – a flock without shepherds? ‘Lollipopes’ and bunting: The Papal merchandise flying off the cabinets on the bus: Remembering John Paul II’s 1979 consult with Pope Francis’s visit in numbers

    The Ireland that Pope Francis will discuss with while he steps off his aircraft, Shepherd One, in Dublin later is a unique country to that which greeted Pope John Paul II in 1979.

    Image caption The older population is much more likely to describe themselves as Catholic

    For The Reason That Polish pope’s discuss with, there have been huge adjustments in public attitudes to social problems including abortion, contraception, divorce and related-sex marriage.

    The united states of america voted for constitutional change on homosexual marriage in 2015 and voted overwhelmingly to overturn its strict abortion legislation in May.

    The Irish Catholic Church has been engulfed in scandal with the uncovering of fashionable clerical sexual abuse of kids and canopy-ups.

    Child intercourse-abuse scandals proceed to embroil the Church across the globe.

    The pontiff will shuttle to County Mayo on Sunday morning for a trip to Knock Shrine.

    He will go back to Dublin for a day Mass in entrance of an envisioned 500,000 folks in Phoenix Park, to close the world Meeting of Families.

    Papal visit to ireland: Itinerary highlights

    Saturday 25 August

    08:15 – Departure by plane from Rome for Dublin 10:30 – Arrival at Dublin Airport for official welcome 10:FORTY FIVE – Switch to Áras an Uachtaráin (Irish president’s residence) ELEVEN:15 – Welcome ceremony with President Michael D. Higgins 12:10 – Arrival at Dublin Fortress for assembly with government, civil society and diplomatic corps 15:30 – Seek Advice From to St Mary’s Professional Cathedral 16:30 – Personal discuss with to the Capuchin Day Centre, a centre for homeless other people 19:45 – Preside on the Pageant of Families at Croke Park stadium

    Sunday 26 August

    08:FORTY – Departure through plane for Knock 09:45 – Arrival at Knock Shrine for discuss with to the Apparition Chapel and recitation of the Angelus 11:15 – Departure by aircraft for Dublin 12:30 – Lunch with the Papal Delegation 15:00 – Final Papal Mass of the sector Assembly of Households in Phoenix Park 18:30 – Farewell ceremony at Dublin Airport 18:45 – Departure for Rome 23:00 – Arrival in Rome

    You’ll practice minute-through-minute updates on the Pope’s consult with here at the BBC Information site.

    You’ll watch reside protection of the discuss with on a distinct Newsline programme on Saturday at 12:00 and once more at 19:20 BST on BBC One NI.

    Switch on for Sunday’s Newsline showing highlights from the talk over with at 22:30 BST.

    On radio, music into BBC Radio Ulster on Saturday at 11:30 for reside protection with William Crawley and sign up for Seamus McKee for a distinct extended The Sunday Information at THIRTEEN:00.

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