Julie Middleton
Foyle · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I will not take interventions at this time. I mean that very kindly. <BR /> <BR />To expand on the point, it is our position that pressing all schools to offer trousers as part of the uniform policy for girls may remove a school's ability to create, maintain and review its uniform policy.”
“I welcome the opportunity to outline our party position. While we believe that schools should have autonomy on a range of issues, including uniforms, we will not stand in the way of the Bill progressing.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is our position that our schools should be afforded autonomy when it comes to their policies, including their school uniform policy, as set by the board of governors and school leaders. To expand on the point, it is our position that pressing all schools —.”
“I speak on the return of the Maritime Festival to my constituency of Foyle, an event that has rightly become a jewel in the crown of our events calendar. The festival is of immense importance to our city.”
“<BR /> <BR />We are seeing the fantastic development of the new maritime museum at Ebrington Square, a site steeped in naval and military history. I say to those who tried to protest against a visiting ship over the past few days that history cannot be rewritten to suit a narrow political agenda.”
“That opposition is not just tiring; it is completely divorced from the history of Londonderry. We are a city built on maritime heritage. During the darkest days of the Second World War, our city was the vital nerve centre for the Battle of the Atlantic.”
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“We hope to see some of the matters around autonomy being addressed, and we look forward to working respectfully and productively as we move forward with the Bill's content.”
“I will not take interventions at this time. I mean that very kindly. <BR /> <BR />To expand on the point, it is our position that pressing all schools to offer trousers as part of the uniform policy for girls may remove a school's ability to create, maintain and review its uniform policy. We are cautious of any legislative move that appears to remove the ability of a school's board of governors to manage its own affairs. Whilst, as stated, we will not object to the Bill, we would like to continue to emphasise how important we feel it is that schools have autonomy. We do not wish to see that removed or a premise laid down to allow for other decisions to be removed from a school's remit altogether. That having been said, I recognise the intentions of the Bill. We look forward to further scrutiny of and consultation on the Bill.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is our position that our schools should be afforded autonomy when it comes to their policies, including their school uniform policy, as set by the board of governors and school leaders. To expand on the point, it is our position that pressing all schools —.”
“I welcome the opportunity to outline our party position. While we believe that schools should have autonomy on a range of issues, including uniforms, we will not stand in the way of the Bill progressing. We have been consistent that we trust schools to make decisions in the best interests of our children, and we acknowledge that some parents and children may express their wish to have a flexible uniform policy as a blanket policy for Northern Ireland. It is important to note that our party does not object to female students wearing trousers if they so wish. In fact, some schools already allow for that. Some schools have flexible policies in place, and, of course, we commend those schools for that.”
“I urge everyone in the House to reject the petty intolerance that seeks to diminish a proud historical legacy.”
“<BR /> <BR />We are seeing the fantastic development of the new maritime museum at Ebrington Square, a site steeped in naval and military history. I say to those who tried to protest against a visiting ship over the past few days that history cannot be rewritten to suit a narrow political agenda. The stones of Ebrington and the waters of the Foyle bear testament to our true past. True tolerance means respecting all aspects of our shared history, not trying to airbrush out the parts that you find politically inconvenient. The Royal Navy is a vital part of who we are, where we come from and what we have achieved on the global stage. <BR /> <BR />I commend the organisers of the festival and thank the crew of the visiting vessel for their service.”
“That opposition is not just tiring; it is completely divorced from the history of Londonderry. We are a city built on maritime heritage. During the darkest days of the Second World War, our city was the vital nerve centre for the Battle of the Atlantic. At the peak of the battle, the Royal Navy base at HMS Ferret hosted tens of thousands of British and Allied servicemen, serving as a shield against tyranny. Let us never forget that it was to the waters of the Foyle that the German U-boat fleet was ordered to sail to offer its historic surrender in May 1945. That pivotal moment in global history happened right on our doorstep, delivered by the courage and strategy of the Royal Navy and its allies.”
“I speak on the return of the Maritime Festival to my constituency of Foyle, an event that has rightly become a jewel in the crown of our events calendar. The festival is of immense importance to our city. It brings tens of thousands of visitors to our historic quayside and injects vital revenue into our local hospitality, retail and tourism sectors. It showcases the very best of our warmth and civic pride to the world. <BR /> <BR />It is precisely because the festival is such a positive and unifying showcase for our city that I must highlight my disappoint at the treatment from some quarters of the presence of the Royal Navy vessel gracing our shores. It is deeply regrettable that a vocal minority attempted to cast a shadow of negativity and intolerance over the event.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. Tourism NI-funded events in the north-west are projected to pull in £21 million for the local economy in 2026-27. Minister, how are you working with the airport and other key stakeholders to ensure that we have the capacity to accommodate the massive tourist influx for some of our most significant events?”
“Thank you very much for giving way. I was trying to get in a couple of times to mention the Fountain, but I did not want to interrupt anyone else. Do you agree that, if what we are talking about were changed, that would take away the deterrent that the innocent residents of the care home and of the Fountain deserve to have in place when they are being attacked by children?”
“We can build a road safety framework that prioritises the lives of road users and pedestrians alike. The amendment is not just about policy; it is about life and death, and I urge all Members to support Jaidyn's law fully.”
“Yet, because those substances are not always as easily detected as alcohol at the roadside, they often remain a hidden danger, and we need to make sure that that is not the case any more. <BR /> <BR />The amendment, all being well, will close the loophole. It is practical, evidence-based and a step towards modernising our approach to road safety. Should we move forward with making drug testing mandatory at the scene of an RTA or RTC that involves death or life-changing injuries, we will be sending a clear, non-negotiable message that driving while impaired will be detected, and it will be prosecuted. That would act as a powerful deterrent to reckless behaviour. <BR /> <BR />Today, we can ensure that Jaidyn's legacy is one of real and lasting change.”
“<BR /> <BR />When a family loses a loved one on the roads, they deserve to know that the investigation was thorough. They should not be left questioning whether a potential factor in the collision, such as drug impairment, was fully explored. Jaidyn's law will provide us with the peace of mind that the legal system is doing everything in its power to establish the facts. The justice system should not rely on discretionary decisions at the scene of a tragedy. Mandatory testing removes ambiguity and ensures that the PSNI has the tools that it needs to build robust cases. It ensures that no driver evades justice due to a lack of evidence regarding impairment.”
“<BR /> <BR />Current legislation leaves too much space for chance — the chance that someone will not be tested and caught; the chance that justice will not be served; the chance that there will be nothing to deter; the chance that another person will jump into their vehicle having taken drugs and will kill or seriously injure someone. Those are chances that we cannot afford to take. Under our existing systems, drug testing following a serious road traffic collision is not always automatic — we know that, and that is what we are discussing — but that creates a dangerous gap in the investigative process. If we are serious about road safety, we must ensure that the true picture, irrespective of what it may be, is always shown and that justice can be pursued with the same scrutiny and consistency.”
“Should we see the amendment pass, we will be able to witness a change that is long overdue for many families. It will send a signal that, when MLAs work together, we can show how much we care, individually and collectively, and that we are behind the people when it comes to the fundamental issue of justice. <BR /> <BR />Let us be clear that we are working through this legislation in the memory of 16-year-old Jaidyn Rice and all victims of drug-drivers. We have a clear case for bringing about change, spurred on by Jaidyn's family, who have channelled their unimaginable grief into a campaign for clarity, consistency and the protection of other families and people on our roads, and for every pedestrian on our streets.”
“If people choose to get into a vehicle under the influence of drugs and are involved in an RTA or an RTC, testing will be mandatory. What a message to send. Surely that should cause those who are thinking of doing so — I will speak colloquially here — to catch themselves on. I am sure that all our citizens would rather wise up than live with the lifelong guilt of knowing that they had taken a life and ruined a family and a community forever. <BR /> <BR />Members, I have to be honest and say that the more that I read about Jaidyn's law, the more aghast that I am that mandatory drug testing at an RTC or an RTA is not already part of our legal framework. I am glad that we are debating amendment No 75 today. I thank all those who have been involved in the process. I am thankful that we have had the time to discuss the issue today.”
“It often leads the driver to lack sound cognitive, auditory or visual ability. It causes an increase in risk-taking behaviour and a lowering of good decision-making processes. In a car or any other vehicle, that is a lethal combination, because people are operating what can only be described as a moving vehicle that can cause serious harm not just to one life but to a family's life forever. Drivers' attentiveness, their perception of time and speed and their critical judgement skills can, more often than not, be seriously affected when they make the choice to use drugs whilst driving. Although, sadly, we cannot undo the terrible pain that those who have lost someone continue to live with daily, we can insist that the amendment be brought in as a serious deterrent.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. I absolutely agree. Sadly, through many years of working alongside road safety organisations, I have heard such stories from families, from all communities, who have had their lives torn apart. It becomes their daily reality. It is not their past or a moment of sorrow but something that they have to live with every day. As a parent, I am conscious of the position of my child when we walk on the street and of where other drivers are when they are around me. I am sure that many Members feel the same. <BR /> <BR />Work will be needed should the amendment pass at Consideration Stage. We can make tangible changes at Further Consideration Stage. Drug-driving is similar to drink-driving, in that it can leave a person unfit to drive.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is my genuine hope that the implementation of Jaidyn's law will prevent death and serious injury at the hands of those who foolishly take drugs and drive.”
“If people have consumed drugs, they are unfit to drive. It is reckless to choose to drive in such circumstances. Should Jaidyn's law become law after the Bill's Final Stage, it will be mandatory to test for drug use when a road traffic collision or a road traffic accident has taken place. That is a welcome step forward in our pursuit of eliminating or, at the very least, lowering the number of road-related deaths and the number of people injured or seriously injured in Northern Ireland. Members, if our primary duty is to improve the lives of all those who live in Northern Ireland, what better protection can we offer them than to do all that we can to better our legislation for road users?”
“<BR /> <BR />Yesterday, my colleague Paul Frew remarked that we have a real opportunity to change law for the better. I accept that I am a new MLA, but I found that really inspiring. When we have community members, bereaved families and amazing road safety charities, such as, to name only two, Life After and Road Safe NI, outlining the need for legislative change, it is our duty to listen, work together and act decisively. Jaidyn's law is a necessity for our legal framework. It will strengthen the existing laws around the recklessness that is drug-driving. <BR /> <BR />Members, you will be well aware that it is already against the law to take copious amounts of drugs — drugs in any case — jump behind the wheel of a car and drive it.”
“While Jaidyn's life was cruelly stolen from her at the hands of an irresponsible driver while she was out walking, her legacy and light will, all being well, live on today and every day through this process, particularly if we make the effort to work together at this stage to make meaningful changes so that the legislation makes sense when it passes its Final Stage. <BR /> <BR />Road safety is an issue that affects us all. I do not think that I need to say that, but, on the basis that the general public sometimes watch what we say, we need to get that message across. Whether you are a driver, a pedestrian, a passenger or a cyclist, it is imperative that our laws are tied up, robust when it comes to road safety and, most important, put the lives of our citizens first. We all know that one life lost is one too many.”
“I rise to speak in full support of the introduction of Jaidyn's law, which is an amendment of crucial importance to all in Northern Ireland. I did not know Jaidyn Rice personally, but her name will for ever be burnt on my heart. Jaidyn was 16 years old when she lost her life at the hands of a driver. She was described as:”
“Thank you, Minister, for your time in answering today's question as well as for the work that you have undertaken on the Altnagelvin project thus far. <BR /> <BR />Patients who are facing a mental health crisis have to walk through the emergency room. It is often — more than often — incredibly busy. For example, last night, a pregnant lady had to sleep on the floor, which is not ideal and certainly not what any of us wants. If and when funding is sourced, will that situation be mitigated?”
“Members, I am sure that you will all agree that having a father and husband stolen away in a violent manner, followed by a daughter and sister stolen in a violent manner — both innocent individuals — just two years apart is something unimaginable: a pain that no one should have to bear. <BR /> <BR />Today, I ask simply for those perpetrators to examine their morality and their conscience. I call for truth and justice. In loving memory of Reserve Constable William Baggley and his daughter Reserve Constable Linda Baggley, both forever loved, forever remembered, and, in Linda's case, forever 19.”
“Joan, who is now in her heavenly home, and Linda's sister, Lorraine, and brother, Graham, have suffered more than any family ever should. There will never be any justification for it. I make no apologies for being emotional as I pay tribute to the precious life of Reserve Constable Linda Baggley, murdered at the hands of the IRA at just 19 years of age. <BR /> <BR />On Sunday, I was honoured to attend a remembrance service organised by the South East Fermanagh Foundation, during which Linda's sister, Lorraine, an incredible woman whom I am so proud to know, spoke of her sister, her father and the journey that the family had been through. Linda was described as "bubbly and full of life". Lorraine further said:”
“I rise to pay tribute to a young lady whose life was violently stolen exactly 50 years ago today, 2 June 1976, after she was shot by IRA terrorists on 23 May. Today, I ask Members to forever remember the name of Linda Baggley. <BR /> <BR />The Baggley family went through so much at the hands of terrorism that they never should have had to endure. They lost a beloved husband and father in another senseless and vile act of terrorism, and then, precious Linda, cruelly murdered around 100 metres from where her father had been murdered just two years before. To add to their pain, Linda's mother, Joan, was prevented from reaching Linda in her final moments due to a terrorist bomb scare outside the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.”
“There must therefore be no barriers to their taking place. We have to put our amazing teachers, our school staff and, importantly, our children and young people — our very future — at the forefront here.”
“If there is, as I believe there to be, a genuine desire for Northern Ireland to have an inspection system that works as envisioned, legislative change is required to enable independent inspection activity to be carried out at all times. <BR /> <BR />We have an Education Minister who is fully committed to reducing the workload pressures that our teachers have told us that they face. Minister Givan is also committed to reforming education support services. Let us be clear: he has no desire to undermine the right to strike. As in all other jurisdictions in the United Kingdom and Ireland, he is not seeking to remove it. As he has previously proven, he will always work to mediate and, importantly, listen. To best allow for the reforms that will help our teaching staff and pupils, inspections are imperative.”
“It would provide for detailed, independent evaluation of the quality of the education that is delivered to and the learning that is experienced by our children and young people. It would provide better safeguarding and child protection for our children and young people; surely, nothing that we will discuss today is more important than that. The worthy goal of inspection, carried out by ETI using an independent method, is to promote the highest standards of education and to provide assurances that school settings provide a high standard of education while maintaining a safe and effective learning environment. Inspection is essential when it comes to safeguarding and acts as a sound method for improvement in our educational facilities.”
“It goes without saying that parents across Northern Ireland have a right to know exactly how their children's school settings are performing. Parents, pupils and school settings deserve an inspection system that is reliable, thorough and fair, and I know that teachers share that mindset; therefore, it is imperative to protect it in our law. It is a reality, as opposed to an idea, that action short of strike has affected ETI inspection processes in the past number of academic years, as is clearly stated in published reports of inspections that were impacted on by such action. <BR /> <BR />Let us be clear today about what the proposed legislation would provide legal standing for.”
“I want the education system in Northern Ireland to be world class in every way, and I am of the firm belief — I know that many Members agree — that proper and robust inspection processes allow that. I do not wish to believe that there is anyone in the Chamber who does not care deeply about the safeguarding and the excellence in education that our children and young people receive and rightfully deserve. However, I put it on the record that, whilst social media can be an immense power for good, using it to play political football on issues pertaining to our children and young people is simply wrong, and, when the full narrative is not published, it is, at best, unhelpful. <BR /> <BR />Accountability to the people of Northern Ireland is a fundamental pillar of the good governance that each of us has committed to carrying out.”
“Our teachers care so deeply about the work that they carry out that any proposed change needs to be approached sensitively so that there can be no doubt that they have our full support and encouragement. <BR /> <BR />The Bill leaves room for the creation of a more modern, transparent and robust inspection framework that prioritises the safeguarding of our school pupils. Like my colleagues, I am a supporter of our schools, our teachers and all the staff in those settings. Our teachers deserve an inspection system that works with them, identifying areas of excellence and, where challenges present themselves, offering practical, realistic pathways to improvement.”
“I support the passing of the Education Inspections Bill at Second Stage. <BR /> <BR />Is there anyone here who does not stand with our teachers? I do not think so. The Assembly should have one aim: to make the lives of the people of Northern Ireland better. There is no greater way for us to collectively achieve that than by investing in our future leaders: our brilliant children and young people. <BR /> <BR />At the outset, I make it abundantly clear that the Bill is not about penalising our schools or our talented educators; it is, as the Minister outlined, designed to empower them. As someone who started her career in the classroom, I am acutely aware of the passion, love, hours of tireless work and incredible work ethic that our teachers put in when it comes to the pupils in their classrooms.”
“Are the Minister and his Department engaging with the Minister of Health and his Department to ensure that summer schemes will, with adequate nursing support, operate this year?”
“I thank the Minister for the work that he has done in this area. I acknowledge all the work that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive does to help those who are most at risk. What specific supports are available to help victims or those who are at risk of domestic abuse to remain in their homes?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Given the level of interest that the scheme has generated, does the Minister accept that, in many rural and working-class communities, there remains significant unmet need for investment and local facilities? Will he ensure that DAERA continues to play a full role, alongside the Communities Minister, in helping those communities to access support?”
“Although physical damage to property can be repaired, albeit it should not have to be, the psychological toll on the residents of the Fountain and Bishop Street interface is much harder to mend. As a representative of Foyle, I will not stand by while that community is used as a punchbag. I will continue to work with the PSNI, residents —”
“<BR /> <BR />The attacks are designed to intimidate, isolate and drive people out of their homes. I have been in constant contact with the PSNI throughout the disturbances. Although I welcome the increased patrols and the arrests that were made the weekend before last and in the days that followed, we must be honest and say that the response against the perpetrators must be robust and consistent. More than just a reactive presence is needed. We need a proactive strategy that prevents such gatherings before the first sectarian slur is shouted and the first stone thrown. <BR /> <BR />To those responsible, let me be clear: you are not defending anything. You are destroying your neighbours' peace of mind, well-being and mental health.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Within the past week, we have seen a disgraceful escalation in sectarian attacks, which are violent in nature, in the Fountain and Bishop Street interface area. The attacks are not welcome, and they are unjustifiable. The attacks that have been witnessed in the past number of days are not a new experience for residents. To be clear, such attacks were unacceptable in the past, and they remain completely unacceptable now. Let me also be clear that we are talking about masonry, petrol bombs and fireworks being launched into a residential area, where people of all ages live, including vulnerable adults and elderly people. We are also talking about streets on which children want to play and about residents who want to live in peace and have a peaceful night's sleep.”
“I am in awe of the well-established linguistic, cultural and social communities that have been built through sign language. I am thankful that our Communities Minister will bring the law up to date to support and recognise those who are from the deaf and deafblind community. <BR /> <BR />Today, we see British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language as languages in their own right, and I am so thankful to be here today as that happens. To all in the Public Gallery who are from the deaf and deafblind community, I say this: I commend you for your determination. This is your day: congratulations.”
“I am ready to work alongside all of you to legislate and to lead. I am ready to listen and, above all, I am ready to serve. <BR /> <BR />I am proud of my Ulster-Scots heritage and believe that, by celebrating our diverse cultural expressions, we build a more confident and inclusive society. In that spirit of inclusion, I express my full support for the Sign Language Bill, brought through to its Final Stage today by my colleague Gordon Lyons. This is a landmark moment for the deaf community: it is when we ensure that your primary language is recognised and respected in law. Today is the day when we see dignity, inclusion and equality and we will recognise the language and communication that is used by you, our deaf and deafblind community members.”
“While, like you, I welcome scrutiny and open conversation, which we know to be the lifeblood of our democracy, the level of abuse that I have had to delete from my platforms suggests that some are not yet ready for female leadership. However, let me be clear: I will not be silenced. I have, however, been vastly encouraged by many people in this Chamber and outside it, and by the real-life communication that I have received since coming to Stormont: the letters, handshakes, hugs, comments, messages and conversations with people, young and old, who genuinely want to see Northern Ireland work. I am here to work. I will speak up fearlessly for the north-west, meet with every group that seeks to better our community and contribute to legislation that makes life fairer for the people of Foyle. I want to see Foyle thrive.”
“There is much conversation and much work that must be carried out, but, ultimately, truth matters, and we cannot stand by and watch history being rewritten or victims' stories being stamped out. I intend to use this platform to speak up, meet with groups and individuals who work with our victims to ask those difficult questions of our Departments, and ensure that our legislation provides the protection and dignity that victims deserve. <BR /> <BR />I must be very candid. Stepping into public life as a new female MLA has brought challenges that go beyond the policy debates of this House. Sadly, I am certain that I am not the only female MLA in this Chamber, irrespective of political party, who faces harassment on a daily basis, always from people who are hidden behind a screen.”
“<BR /> <BR />Foyle is a place of immense talent, yet we face systemic challenges. I am here to help drive socio-economic development, ensuring that our infrastructure and opportunities match the ambition of our people. My focus is so clear: I want to ensure that our talent, youth and people of all ages do not have to leave the north-west or Northern Ireland to find opportunity. <BR /> <BR />I cannot speak of the strength of Foyle without mentioning our churches. They are more than just buildings. They are social and spiritual anchors for my constituency. From providing pastoral care to running food banks and youth clubs, our faith communities communicate much of the very best of Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />It would be remiss of me not to mention the difficult topic of legacy.”
“I will speak about your challenges and successes and, importantly, with your help I will explain what you need to help you better integrate into work and independent living so that you can have ownership over your journey through school, life and work. <BR /> <BR />This Chamber also needs to be a voice for those who are escaping and enduring domestic violence and abuse. We must all continue to advocate for tougher sentencing and better protection. Importantly, we must come together to ensure that we bring Jade's law into our legal framework. For too long, silence has been the shield of the abuser. I will use my voice to shatter that silence. I will meet with support groups, ask the difficult questions and do my part to ensure that our laws protect those most at risk.”
“Sadly, in Foyle, fuel poverty and socio-economic deprivation bite hard. We have a moral and ethical duty to urgently help to ease the burden on our hard-working and vulnerable residents. I know that the DUP Ministers and colleagues that I work alongside work tirelessly to find resolve. We are listening, and we will do all that we can to help you. <BR /> <BR />I am also acutely aware of the challenges that those with special educational needs and disabilities face, due to years of work experience in the field. I will continue to raise their plea and enable opportunities for those individuals and their support networks.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am committed to working with all to help members of our communities with issues that go above and beyond political loyalties. Like many in the Chamber, I am also committed deeply to the issue of road safety. I will be lobbying for our local Department for Infrastructure teams to be properly and adequately financed. We must ensure that the roads are vehicle-worthy. The roads must be safe for every family, road user and pedestrian. We must not continue to lose lives on our roads. That is preventable, and it is well within our remit to put precautionary methods and measures in place.”
“<BR /> <BR />To communicate effectively is to be honest about the challenges that we face. My focus will always be on honesty, integrity and hard work. I am focused on priorities that truly matter to constituents such as the need for urgent action on access to GP and NHS appointments. You should not have to call your doctor's surgery 100 times in the morning, only to get through to be told that there is no appointment. Equally, you should not have to drive miles and miles to get to the nearest NHS dentist. There is work to be done. I am not about just words; I am here to play my part. <BR /> <BR />In Foyle, we have a profound need for a dedicated detox centre, and, like much of Northern Ireland, enhanced access to mental health support.”
“To my neighbours, who were a strong part of my upbringing, I want you to know that you instilled community values in me, and I will endeavour to restore community pride for all of you by championing the projects that matter most to you. <BR /> <BR />Today, I will focus largely on communication. In a place often defined by its political rhetoric, we can sometimes forget that true communication is about not just the volume of our voices but the depth of our listening. My understanding of that was profoundly shaped during my time working for Foyle Down Syndrome Trust, where I got to work with the most incredible children and young people. I learned more about communication from those members than I ever learned from any book, political manual or in any other workplace. I will bring what I learned there to the Chamber today and every day.”