Orange lodge statement didn't influence axing of summer camp, insists cricket club
Gabrielle Swan, Belfast Telegraph, July 18th, 2025
EVENT CANCELLED AFTER CONCERNS OVER GAA INVOLVEMENT
The decision to cancel a cross-community summer sports camp was made prior to a statement from Goldsprings Orange Lodge criticising the involvement of a GAA club, the organisers have said.
North Down Cricket Club issued a statement yesterday afternoon confirming the move to call off the event was made “before any comment or statement from Goldsprings Lodge”.
The cricket club had planned the sports camp for young people from 10 different groups, one of which was East Belfast GAA.
The local Orange lodge had said on Tuesday there were concerns among local residents about the “perceived move of the GAA into the local community”.
North Down Cricket Club said that evening that they cancelled the event because of fears the “spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost”.
After the lodge was criticised for its statement, North Down Cricket Club stated that its camp had been cancelled on Monday morning following concerns that that were “raised privately — and later publicly”.
On their website, a spokesperson said: “Over the past few days, we've been overwhelmed by the many messages of support from across Comber and beyond — from club members, former players, parents, and friends from all walks of life. We're grateful for every one of them.
“We also want to be clear on a couple of facts. The event was cancelled on Monday morning following concerns raised privately — and later publicly on social media.
“This decision was taken before any comment or statement from Goldsprings Lodge, and was not influenced by them. We're grateful to them for subsequently reaching out in a spirit of clarity and respectful communication.
“We're proud of the friendships we've built across the community, including long-standing ties with Goldsprings and many other local lodges. Many of our members have links in both directions, and we fully respect the contribution these organisations have made to the fabric of Comber — and to this club.
“There's been a lot of noise around this issue, much of it from outside Comber,” the spokesperson added. “That may suit some agendas — but it's not who we are. We're just a cricket club, with deep roots in this town, doing our best to provide children with every chance to thrive — on and off the field.”
Political reaction
It comes after Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly expressed her disappointment at the cancellation of the sports camp.
First Minister Michelle O'Neill also repeated her dismay after the event planned to take place in Comber was called off.
On Wednesday, Cricket Ireland announced it plans to step in to arrange a similar sports camp at Stormont later this month.
Speaking during a visit to The Open in Portrush yesterday, Ms O'Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly both expressed disappointment at what had happened.
Ms Little-Pengelly said “while there are legitimate questions to be asked of the GAA around their lack of inclusion, this is not the time or place”.
“Sport can be a great unifier,” she added.
“It's been really disappointing, very saddening to see that the club felt that they had to cancel this particular summer camp.
“I've reached out, and I've been speaking to the North Down Cricket Club.
“Of course, there are legitimate questions to be asked of the GAA around their lack of inclusion and the barriers that many feel to participation, but this is not the time or place. The time and place for that is not a children's summer camp.
“Cricket has been a great unifier right across all different types of religions, races, politics, we see that play out every single week, and I think it's really disappointing that these young people won't get that opportunity to play cricket at that summer camp, but I'm continuing to work with the club, and with others, to see what the opportunities may be in the future.”
Meanwhile, Ms O'Neill said she was “quite dismayed by the fact that somebody thought it was appropriate to actually advocate against that”.
“I was so deeply disappointed that anyone thought it was appropriate to advocate that these kids should not be invited along,” she added.
“For kids to come together through the medium of sport, it's just something that should always be a positive experience. So it makes me really sad to actually hear that someone doesn't want those kids to be invited.
“It's just totally not acceptable. Young people should play sport together, young people from all different backgrounds should always be encouraged to come together.”
It comes as Holywood-born actor Jamie Dornan also waded into the row, commenting on an animated video based on the controversy. The creator of the animated skit, Patrick Maguire, is well known online for his satirical portrayal of current events in Northern Ireland.
Responding on Instagram in a comment under the post, Dornan wrote: “Terrifyingly accurate as usual.”
Little-Pengelly ‘saddened’ by cancellation of sporting summer camp
Rebecca Black and David Young, Irish News, July 18th, 2025
DEPUTY First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has expressed her disappointment at the cancellation of a cross-community sports camp.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill also reiterated her dismay after the event planned to take place in Comber was called off after local residents had concerns around the inclusion of the GAA.
North Down Cricket Club had planned the sports summer camp for young people from different backgrounds, including the involvement of 10 different groups, one of which was the East Belfast GAA.
But a local Orange Order lodge said there were concerns among local residents about the “perceived move of the GAA into the local community”.
In a statement on social media, the North Down Cricket Club said it cancelled the event because it felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost.
Stormont Summer Sports camp planned
On Wednesday, Cricket Ireland announced it plans to step in to arrange a similar sports camp at Stormont later this month.
Speaking during a visit to the Open in Portrush yesterday, Ms O’Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly both expressed disappointment at what had happened.
The first and deputy first ministers spoke about the row during a visit to the Open at Portrush yesterday
Ms Little-Pengelly said “while there are legitimate questions to be asked of the GAA around their lack of inclusion, this is not the time or place”.
“Sport can be a great unifier,” she said.
“It’s been really disappointing, very saddened to see that the club felt that they had to cancel this particular summer camp.
“I’ve reached out, and I’ve been speaking to the North Down Cricket Club.
“Of course, there are legitimate questions to be asked of the GAA around their lack of inclusion and the barriers that many feel to participation, but this is not the time or place. The time and place for that is not a children’s summer camp.
“Cricket has been a great unifier right across all different types of religions, races, politics, we see that play out every single week, and I think it’s really disappointing that these young people won’t get that opportunity to play cricket at that summer camp but I’m continuing to work with the club, and with others, to see what the opportunities may be in the future.”
Ms O’Neill added: “I was so deeply disappointed that anyone thought it was appropriate to advocate that these kids should not be invited.
“For kids to come together through the medium of sport. It’s just something that should always be a positive experience. So it makes me really sad to actually hear that someone doesn’t want those kids to be invited.
“It’s just totally not acceptable. Young people should play sport together, young people from all different backgrounds should always be encouraged to come together.”
Ms O’Neill added she was “quite dismayed by the fact that somebody thought it was appropriate to actually advocate against that”.
Stormont leaders out for a duck at the Open
COMMENT: Niamh Campbell, Belfast Telegraph, July 18th, 2025
We were all teed up for a rare chance to question Stormont's leaders — but in the end everyone was left feeling distinctly under par.
While Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly were all smiles at The Open, media outlets were far from impressed after a promised press conference was pushed back, and back, and back — and then cancelled.
Just as we watched the First Minister and Deputy First Minister stroll past our group, a WhatsApp dropped from a press officer saying they were no longer available for interview.
Colleagues — some of whom had rearranged their plans to attend the briefing which The Executive Office itself had arranged and issued invitations to a day earlier — branded it appalling. One said it was downright disrespectful.
Media ops with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister are rare — in most cases, it is a quick five or 10-minute Q&A once or twice a month, when they are on an official visit.
There were important issues to discuss here.
Instead, all we got was a press release which dropped mid-afternoon, with some glossy pics and waffle extolling the benefits The Open will bring.
The Executive Office employs a small army of press officials and yet, as many are all too aware, getting answers can be extremely difficult. Assembly questions from MLAs, press queries from journalists and Freedom of Information requests from members of the public are often just ignored.
Instead, we have government by press release or — as is increasingly the case with Ms O'Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly — a soundbite issued on social media. Indeed, a flowery 6pm tweet came from Ms O'Neill's X account wishing spectators a fantastic weekend and telling them to enjoy “what promises to be an epic championship”.
And so to yesterday's fiasco.
The pair arrived at Royal Portrush for the first competitive day of play early in the morning. They did carry out a pre-arranged interview with Radio Ulster, with the main media appearances scheduled for 12pm.
But shortly after noon we were informed that the pair were “running late” and that they had a “pre-arranged lunch event” to attend.
A 2.30pm slot was set for reporters to set up outside the media centre, where the pair would then meet.
Close to 2.50pm, the leaders had still not arrived, and with Rory McIlroy teeing off at 3.09pm close by, the interviews were again pushed back, so that coverage of the Holywood superstar could be prioritised.
With a final time of 3.30pm organised — this time outside the clubhouse, across from the first hole — five reporters, from the Belfast Telegraph, BBC News NI, UTV and Cool FM, set up cameras, microphones and tripods for the Q&A.
Questions were lined up specifically to ask the ministers about The Open, controversies surrounding the Sons Of Ulster parade in Portrush on Saturday, the decision to cancel the cross-community summer camp in Comber after opposition over the involvement of a GAA club, and their thoughts on lowering the voting age to 16 for the General Election.
Finally, we saw Ms O'Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly approach — and then walk past the media.
Outlets were then informed (by WhatsApp) that the First and Deputy First Minister “have now moved on” and apologies were issued as “time has been against us on this one”.
Both MLAs had given earlier radio interviews to the BBC when they first arrived to The Open, during which they both expressed disappointment at the situation in Comber.
Ms Little-Pengelly said “while there are legitimate questions to be asked of the GAA around their lack of inclusion, this is not the time or place”.
The politicians were also pictured trying to chip golf balls into washing machines during a children's game set up at the event, while wearing matching Open merchandise.
Yet, when it came to addressing the more serious matters of the day, they scarpered.
What changed? Who knows.
Just don't bet on getting any answers.
Foyle Cup 2025 is ready to kick off
Caolan Fleming, Irish News, July 18th, 2025
THE O’Neills Foyle Cup is set to get underway next week with more than 900 teams participating.
The annual youth soccer tournament will be running from July 21 to Saturday July 26 and will be mainly held in the city of Derry but branches out to surrounding areas.
This year’s competition will see teams travel from the UK, the Republic, Spain, US and Canada with more than 11,500 players participating.
Around 2,200 matches are expected to be played in the six-day ‘festival of football’ with players playing a maximum of 90 minutes per day.
Mayor of Derry City & Strabane Ruairí McHugh spoke of his pride at welcoming the competition back to the city.
“A tournament that has become a true celebration of sport, friendship, and community spirit.,” he said.
““The excitement is already building, and we can’t wait to see our streets come alive with players, families and supporters from near and far. The Foyle Cup is more than just football – it’s about connection and creating memories that will last a lifetime in the minds of these young people.”
The mayor added that visitors to the city can expect a warm welcome, world-class facilities and an electric atmosphere that showcases the very best of the region.
The parade draws big crowds
“This tournament means so much to our city and district – not only in terms of the positive economic impact it brings to local businesses, but in how it strengthens community pride, supports youth development, and puts our region on the map.
“It’s a shining example of what we can achieve together, and we’re honoured to be part of its continued success.”
The Foyle Cup parade will kickoff festivities on Monday, leaving Magee University campus at 10am.
Local restaurant group, the Bentley Group, said it was buzzing to welcome all the teams, families and supporters.
“It’s one of the most exciting weeks of the year, and the positive impact it brings to our city simply can’t be overstated,” a spokesperson said.
“Last year, we saw record-breaking figures across our venues – a real testament to how significant the tournament is for the local economy and wider community.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone again.”
Change to route was ‘attempt to intimidate’
Connla Young, Irish News, July 18th, 2025
A MIXED north Belfast street at the centre of an Irish language signage row was included in the route of a loyalist parade to “intimidate” locals, it has been claimed.
North Belfast SDLP councillor Carl Whyte has written to the PSNI and Parades Commission after loyalists marched through the mixed Sunningdale Park North area on July 11.
The event branded ‘Ballysillan Community Parade’ included one band and up to 100 participants.
There was controversy earlier this year after unionists failed in a bid to block the erection of dual Irish/English signage in the area.
In a letter to the PSNI, Mr Whyte pointed out that similar parades have previously taken place in the area.
“This year however saw the addition of Sunningdale Park North to the parade route,” he wrote.
“Sunningdale Park North has never been on any traditional parading route yet this year, in a complete surprise to residents, it found itself the focus of an Eleventh Night parade, which included the broadcasting of pro-loyalist slogans through a megaphone and resulted in the closure of the street for a period.
Mixed street in north Belfast
“I have been contacted by a number of local residents who feel this parade was an attempt to intimidate because of the erection of a dual-language street sign earlier this year.”
While details were notified to the Parades Commission, it was not marked as sensitive, and no determination was issued.
Mr Whyte believes the PSNI was wrong not to red flag it.
“It was a mistake for the PSNI not to categorise this parade as contentious so that it be considered by the Parades Commission and I have requested that they do so in future,” he said.
“The Parades Commission can also categorise parades as contentious and in this case should have done so given the addition of Sunningdale Park North to this route.
“I have also written to the commission asking that they do the same from now on so that residents, businesses and others in the area can have their views heard on this issue.”
A spokeswoman for the PSNI said: “Determinations in relation to parades are a matter for the Parades Commission.”
The Commission said: “All parade notifications received by the Parades Commission will be processed by the commission within the framework of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 and its Procedural Rules.”
In April this year a DUP amendment to block a committee decision to stop signs going up at Wynchurch Avenue, Sunningdale Park North, Ben Madigan Park South and Wellington Park Terrace failed.
Applications linked to the four streets had previously been deferred after they met the threshold for dual signage but had a greater number opposing the move.
Under the current policy at least one resident of any street, or a councillor, is required to trigger a consultation on a nameplate change, with 15% in favour sufficient to have the sign put up.
Antrim residents ‘intimidated every single year’ by loyalist flags at Catholic church
Allan Preston, Irish News, July 18th, 2025
AN ANTRIM man has said residents are “being intimidated every single year” by the appearance of union flags outside a Catholic church.
Initial complaints were raised by Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney last week after flags were erected outside St Comgall’s church and primary school, who called it a deliberate act of sectarian intimidation.
The Antrim resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said those responsible have since “doubled down” by erecting even more flags.
Another frustration for him is that the area is within view of a PSNI station.
“After the first flags went up they came down last Thursday and doubled down on them,” he said.
“They’re up every single year. Last year they were eventually taken down after several weeks.
“I’ve seen police taking these flags down before, but I’m told they only do that in exceptional circumstances.
An Antrim resident has said more flags have appeared outside St Comgall’s Catholic church since complaints were raised last week
“But is not exceptional circumstances to see a community being intimidated every single year?”
He also criticised a lack of support from unionist politicians in the area.
“Those flags were still up last year as children were going back to primary school,” he said.
“Everyone I know in the area is disgusted by it. Previously they have taken the flags down, but they’ll leave one just to say ‘we can do whatever we want’”.
Following Mr Kearney’s complaints, the DUP MLA Trevor Clarke said the flags were “clearly erected to celebrate the Twelfth of July” and not sectarian provocation.
One MLA’s flag is another’s Graffiti
He also said Mr Kearney had not called out graffiti of Irish and Palestinian flags close to an integrated primary school in Crumlin.
“Will Declan now demand these flags in Crumlin are removed, painted over, and condemn them as an ‘act of sectarian provocation?’ Somehow, I won’t hold my breath.
Responding, Mr Kearney told The Irish News he opposed all flags used to cause offence.
“This doubling down on disrespect for a place of worship in particular, and its congregation is a blatant attempt at sectarian intimidation,” he said.
“While all right-minded local people are outraged, those responsible will not succeed in undermining the good community relations which exist locally.
“There is a responsibility on all political and civic leaders to speak out against such provocative displays.”
He added that Sinn Féin had always called for a zero-tolerance approach to using any flags or emblems to cause offence or mark out territory.
Mr Kearney said the Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition report from 2021 provides a pathway to finally resolve the issues, but accused the DUP of repeatedly blocking the drafting of an appropriate implementation plan.
“There is no place in today’s society for the type of sectarian threat or harassment which is often presented as cultural expression; that includes the burning of Irish national flags and other symbols of nationalist identity and cultural tradition on bonfires, as has happened again this year in Antrim town and Randalstown.
“These incidents represent hate crimes.
“The flags at the St Comgall’s chapel corner should be removed without any further delay.
“This location should be kept free from the erection of any and all flags and emblems.”
Comment
Orange and green politics dominate our councils and Stormont. Simply let those groups or organisations that do not operate as fully inclusive cross community bodies particularly at events have all funding stopped. Each community can point to the sectarianism of different parties and their falseness of concerns which are nothing but appeasement to ones in their own community. The cowardice of politicians who put votes and point scoring above honesty and being truthful only generates more division and sectarianism. Politicians who point the finger at only one community are not fit to serve as councillors, MLAS or MPS. Some day maybe the country will waken up and vote for those whose agenda is helping and serving all their constituents including those with different politicial aspirations rather than only those who they use to continue with sectarian politics . Its always the "other" sides fault.
Raymond McCord Victims campaigner North of Ireland
Belfast City Council quiet on how much it spent to remove bonfire that went up in smoke
Allison Morris, Belfast Telegraph, July 18th, 2025
SOUTH BELFAST PYRE STAYED IN PLACE AFTER PLAN SLAMMED AS 'HALF-BAKED'
Belfast City Council has refused to reveal how much it paid to a contractor hired to remove a controversial loyalist bonfire in south Belfast.
The council voted to have the Meridi Street pyre, which was on land where asbestos waste was located, removed prior to it being lit on July 11. The bonfire was also built close to an electricity sub-station that serves Belfast's two main hospitals.
However, the removal did not go ahead after the PSNI refused to support the contractors, with sources calling the removal plan “half-baked”.
The Belfast Telegraph reported that at an emergency multi agency meeting, the contractor said they planned to “topple” the huge structure onto the site and then only partially remove the material leaving the majority of it behind.
The land belongs to a Co Armagh-based company with plans to redevelop the site in the future.
Tonnes of asbestos had already been removed from the site several years ago but the Northern Ireland Environment Agency discovered it had spread throughout five different locations on the land partially cleared for development.
The bonfire was declared a major incident and the PSNI set up a Tactical Coordination Group to discuss options to minimise its risk.
PSNI backed out
A senior source said the PSNI's decision not to assist removal of the bonfire came after a meeting of the coordination group, during which the contractor's plans were set out.
Present at the meeting were the PSNI, the contractor, the NI Environment Agency (NIEA), Belfast Health Trust, Northern Ireland Electricity, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and council officials.
“Police had to consider should we, and then could we, remove the bonfire, and it was only then that the impact (of removing it) would have come into play,” one source said.
“We never got that far, in fact the horse never got out of the stable, because the plan was so half-baked and would have made matters considerably worse.”
The bonfire went ahead as planned despite pleas for people to stay away from the site.
However, it is understood that the contractor was still paid a retainer fee, but the amount they were paid is not known and the council has refused to say.
A spokesperson said: “We cannot comment on the costs in relation to the contractor as these are commercially sensitive.”
The council added: “Responsibility for the site remains with the landowner.”
The NIEA has confirmed approximately 20kg of suspected asbestos material was identified at five separate locations around the site and immediately removed last Thursday.
The landowner is understood to have given a commitment to start a further clean-up of the land this month. The Belfast Telegraph has contacted the Co Armagh-based development company.
A NIEA spokesperson said: “Removal of the hazardous material on the land containing the bonfire site remains the responsibility of the landowner.
“NIEA is in communication with the landowner to understand the timeline for removal.”
Twice as many have left PSNI as joined since start of year
Andrew Madden, Belfast Telegraph, July 18th, 2025
FIGURES ILLUSTRATE IMPACT OF SERVICE'S UNDERFUNDING, SAYS BOARD MEMBER
More than twice as many officers have left the PSNI since the start of the year than have been recruited in the same period, it can be revealed.
It comes as the organisation struggles with record-low officer numbers.
The PSNI currently has around 6,200 full-time officers, far below the target of 7,500 envisaged in the 1999 Patten Report and reaffirmed in the 2020 New Decade, New Approach deal.
There are also 2,248 police staff, including temporary workers.
Late last month it was reported that Justice Minister Naomi Long had signed off a PSNI business case for an additional £200m. However, this is still awaiting approval by the wider Executive.
Already-stretched officer numbers were recently put under additional pressure due to several nights of racially motivated disorder in Ballymena and other parts of Northern Ireland last month.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher referenced this when he appeared before the monthly meeting of the Policing Board on July 3.
Putting their lives at risk
“Officers of the PSNI saved people's lives and they put their own lives at risk to do that,” he said.
“We did not have enough officers there because we are not sufficiently resourced, and that has got to change.”
Mr Boutcher said the fact that extra officers from Police Scotland had to be called in “highlights the unacceptable fragility of our own resourcing”.
Latest figures obtained via a Freedom of Information request show that 93 student officers began initial PSNI training from January 1 this year to June 12.
From the beginning of the year to May 31, 188 officers left the PSNI. This includes 127 constables, 36 sergeants and 13 inspectors.
DUP's Trevor Clarke, who is a member of the Policing Board, said: “These figures are stark and they demonstrate the impact that underfunding of the police service is having.
“A lack of resources not only holds back the level of recruitment, but it places an additional pressure on existing officers, which in turn sees more leaving the service.
“The Chief Constable has talked about being at a 'tipping point', and these figures demonstrate exactly why that is the case.
“We have been resolute in our support for the Chief Constable's call for additional resources and will continue that so that additional recruitment can take place.
Only way to break cycle of violence
“That recruitment is the only way to break this vicious circle.”
Earlier this month, Mr Boutcher said he was grateful the Justice Minister allocated £5m to the PSNI to cover the additional costs of June's disorder, but said the organisation would “not have needed” this money if it was “properly funded”.
“I've repeatedly sounded alarm bells regarding our inadequate funding, which continues into this financial year with a £21m shortfall in our budget.
“No funding was allocated to the PSNI in the June monitoring for the recovery of our police numbers. Yet again, monies were allocated elsewhere.
“People continue to come to unnecessary harm because we do not have sufficient numbers. I will say that again: people continue to come to unnecessary harm because we do not have sufficient numbers.”
Mr Boutcher said “warm words” and a commitment to the PSNI's £200m business case “must be followed up with actual and full funding”.
The Chief Constable said the PSNI should have closer to 8,000 officers and 3,000 staff.
'Highly likely' third disused Maghaberry cell block will have to reopen for prisoners
Andrew Madden, Belfast Telegraph, July 18th, 2025
ANNUAL REPORT WARNS OF RISING INMATE NUMBERS
It is “highly likely” that another disused cell block will have to be reopened at Maghaberry in the coming months due to rising inmate numbers, the Prison Service has said.
The prison system here is under immense pressure due to a lack of staff and an increasing number of prisoners.
In 2003, the average daily prison population was 1,160. On July 17 this year, there were 2,139 prisoners here behind bars, with 39% (838) being held on remand.
There are three prisons in Northern Ireland: Maghaberry, Magilligan and Hydebank.
Maghaberry is our only maximum security prison, with a current population of 1,470 and 567 of these inmates sharing cells.
Magilligan is a medium security facility with about 500 inmates.
Hydebank houses young male offenders and female prisoners and has a population of around 180 in total.
The issue is most acute at Maghaberry, with two previously mothballed cell blocks — Foyle and Erne — having to be reopened in 2023 to deal with the significant influx of prisoners.
Now a third, called Lagan House, will potentially have to be reopened soon.
The NI Prison Service's (NIPS) latest annual report and accounts, published last week, states: “Maghaberry Prison is the largest and most complex prison in Northern Ireland.
“At Maghaberry, as a result of the rise in population, we have reopened two out of three square houses (Foyle and Erne).
“This is accommodation, which closed when Davis House, NIPS's most modern accommodation, was opened.
“If the population trend continues, it is highly likely that the third and final 'square house', Lagan House, will have to reopen during 2025/26.”
Only adult male commital prison
NIPS Director General Beverley Wall said: “The pressure is felt most acutely at Maghaberry Prison, which is the only adult male committal prison in Northern Ireland and has been acknowledged by inspectors as one of the most complex prisons in the UK.
“Maghaberry accommodates 67% of the prison population, of whom almost half are on remand and where a fine balance must be struck between managing the level of prisoners, impacts on staff and the infrastructure.”
In a statement to this newspaper, an NIPS spokesperson said: “Whilst challenging, the prison population in Northern Ireland has not yet exceeded available capacity, and we continue to prioritise safe, decent, and secure custody.
“The Prison Service is working with partners across the justice system to identify actions that can be taken to reduce the current population, with a particular focus on remand.
“Following approval from the Minister of Justice, the Prison Service recruited additional staff in response to the increasing prisoner population.
“On 23 June, 68 new officers completed their training and were deployed to Maghaberry, and to the Prisoner Escort and Court Custody Service.
“A further class of new recruits will be deployed to Maghaberry in two weeks. Every day prison staff perform their challenging roles with dedication and professionalism.”
Earlier this year, Justice Minister Naomi Long revealed that assaults on prison officers are on the rise.
She told MLAs that there were 32 assaults on prison staff in 2020, 71 in 2021, 66 in 2022, 59 in 2023 and 96 last year.
Funding and co-ordination urged to tackle violence against females
Rebecca Black, Belfast Telegraph, July 18th, 2025
A Westminster committee has called for more funding and better co-ordination in a bid to tackle violence against women and girls.
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee also called for work to understand the levels of violence against females in the region.
It comes after the committee heard evidence sessions and met with organisations which support women who have experienced violence. MPs heard 98% of women in Northern Ireland have experienced at least one form of gender-based violence, and 28% of all victim-based crimes in Northern Ireland are related to domestic abuse.
The committee also heard anecdotal evidence suggesting the legacy of the Troubles adds a unique dimension in the experience of females in the region.
Silenced by online abuse
They also heard that a disproportionate number of women in Northern Ireland are being silenced by online violence or subjected to intimate image abuse when compared with rest of the UK.
The committee's recommendations include sharing learning across the UK and consideration of an oversight board, as well as collaboration between Westminster and Stormont.
It has also recommended that the UK Government's upcoming strategy for tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) sets out what steps it is taking in each nation of the UK, and to ensure that technology companies do so too. The new strategy is expected to be published in the summer.
In Northern Ireland, Stormont launched a strategic framework to end violence against women and girls in September 2024.
Committee chairwoman Tonia Antoniazzi called for action.
“The shocking scale of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland, highlighted by the harrowing experiences we heard of those who are forced to put up with it daily, cannot be tolerated any longer,” she said.
“Previous efforts have clearly failed to tackle what is a scourge on society across the UK, and the Government now has an opportunity to set a new course.
“Alongside funding to protect women and girls from unacceptable abuse online, support for victims and early intervention to change attitudes, we need Stormont, Westminster, Holyrood and Cardiff to get together regularly to share what's working, and what they're learning, as they each respond to VAWG.
“As part of this, we're calling for more research into issues that might be specific to Northern Ireland, so that we can help end this grim reality, which is faced by far too many.”
Campaign to stop repeal of Legacy Act gets the 'full support' of former veterans chief
Former Veterans Commissioner Danny Kinahan has revealed he signed a petition to stop the Government repealing the controversial Legacy Act.
A protest was held in London earlier this week ahead of a Westminster Hall debate on the issue.
Ex-servicemen and women said they believed repeal would lead to a reopening of investigations and prosecutions against them. Secretary of State Hilary Benn defended the Government's plan and said that “only one soldier” had been convicted over a Troubles-related death since 1998.
More than 176,000 people signed the petition demanding that Labour not make any changes to the law.
Mr Kinahan said: “I was one of them. I fully support the campaign to stop the Act being repealed.
“Legislative changes that would allow Northern Ireland veterans to be prosecuted for having done their duty is wrong.
“Our veterans in particular showed huge restraint in how they combatted terrorism here. The Legacy Act is probably as good as it gets. I wish everyone would stop playing politics with the issue and sit down and find the right way forward so that we reach a fair and balanced solution.”
Mr Kinahan was speaking to the Belfast Telegraph after his appointment as president of the SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
120,000 vetrerans live in Northern Ireland
There are around 120,000 veterans in Northern Ireland.
The former UUP South Antrim MP said: “It is an honour and a privilege to become president of one of the very best charities supporting veterans.
“We have two part-time workers and a team of 40 volunteers in Northern Ireland. We seek to help those who approach us in a confidential, empathetic and understanding way.
“We sit down with them and see what assistance is needed. It can vary from getting a wet room installed if they have difficulty washing and showering, to offering £200-£300 if they need help buying a washing machine or dishwasher.
“We work with the British Legion, the Army Benevolent Fund, regimental associations and about 40 different charities representing those who served in the Army, Air Force, Royal Navy or Royal Marines.”
Mr Kinahan said SSAFA NI's aim was to offer veterans assistance “in a timely and quick manner, whether it's about housing, health or something else, so they can get on with their lives”.
He added: “I have a lot of contacts from being Veterans Commissioner, from my time in politics, and from other parts of my life. I will use those to help veterans in my current role.
“Every year SSAFA looks after around 300 veterans. We have to raise funds to pay for our work as well.”
Mr Kinahan said that veterans in Northern Ireland faced particular challenges.
“In England, you go back home and get on with your life,” he stated.
“But veterans who live here remain in a world where there is a perceived threat to them. Many live in areas where the conflict was worse. It can be very hard for them, and we're here to show them that they're not on their own.”
The former UUP MP, who lost his seat to the DUP's Paul Girvan in 2017, said he was delighted that Robin Swann had won it back for the party last year.
“Robin did a super job as Health Minister at Stormont,” he said.
“Now that he's at Westminster, he's a tremendous asset to the constituency and to Northern Ireland. He gets on very well with other MPs, and that's important.”
Asked if he would ever return to politics, Mr Kinahan said: “Never say never, but I'm a granddad and I'm enjoying my retirement. I'd rather help people behind the scenes, particularly veterans, than return to a frontline role.”
Mr Kinahan praised the current Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone: “David's doing a good job. He's been very strong on legacy.
“It's crucial that the Veterans Commissioner is independent of government, independent of the Ministry of Defence and the Northern Ireland Office, and David's doing incredibly well in that regard.”
Mr Kinahan was appointed as Northern Ireland's first Veterans Commissioner in 2020. He resigned four years later, after having what he said was an “open and frank” discussion with Secretary of State Hilary Benn.
In a statement on social media at the time, he said: “I have sadly concluded that I cannot provide the independent voice that veterans require.
“There is a feeling among some veterans in Northern Ireland that they have been forgotten and that they do not enjoy the same protections as their counterparts in Great Britain.”
Robert Dunne, branch chair of SSAFA NI, said: “I am delighted that Danny has agreed to join us, and I know that he will devote the same energy in this new role as he so ably demonstrated as Northern Ireland's first Veterans Commissioner.
“I've been fortunate to have worked with Danny on a number of initiatives in the past and I know he will be a source of inspiration and guidance as we move forward together.”
