Naomi Long
East Belfast · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“Underneath the Facebook posts to say that he had passed away, people speculated with such comments as, "Probably high on drugs", "Probably drunk", and, "Typical boy racer". There was all of that speculation. It was hurtful to the family, and it was inaccurate.”
“There are circumstances that we need to consider and be careful of. I was told, for example, that, when the issue of good character references at trial was being looked at in New South Wales — Committee members may wish to look at this for themselves — one of the groups that opposed their removal was representative of domestic abuse victi…”
“It sets out the strategic direction adopted by the Department and key partners to tackle those appalling crimes and protect vulnerable victims of exploitation.”
“The provision seeks to provide protection, via legal advice and representation for complainants, against the use of non-relevant personal material and evidence of previous sexual history being used in the court process.”
“<BR /> <BR />On the wider issue of ensuring that a withdrawal of services never happens again, I think that most of us agree that, although everyone has the right to take industrial action, no one has the right to derail and hold to ransom the entire justice system in that way.”
“Those measures will go some way towards helping to support complainants and enable them to have input into the decision-making process about what records containing their personal and sensitive information are required to be shared with the defence.”
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“It is one of the main drivers of the reform programme that was already in train when the CBA first commenced action in November 2024. Key milestones for reform were set out in the programme delivery plan, which was shared even as the CBA escalated action last January. As Members will be aware, the conditions initially placed by the CBA on a full return to service were the publication of the fundamental review of criminal legal aid; the implementation of the recommended uplift; and the reform programme's being progressed. Yet, when I took the steps to deliver all three asks, the CBA continued with its withdrawal of service. <BR /> <BR />The original recommendation for the 16% uplift extended only to criminal legal aid, but I approved the increase for the entirety of the legal aid framework.”
“We have listened and have made commitments, and, as the 16% uplift shows, we have delivered on those commitments. We have done so in the context of ever-changing personnel leading discussions for the CBA; ever-changing and often unclear demands; inconsistent messaging; and reluctance, delay and procrastination in the provision of the evidence that is absolutely necessary to approve the use of public funds. That is in contrast to the Law Society and the solicitors' criminal Bar, which have worked with us to ensure that real progress has been achieved for their members and remain committed to continuing to do so. <BR /> <BR />Fair, proportionate remuneration is critical to high-quality advice and representation. I have always been clear in my commitment to ensuring that that is what legal professionals receive.”
“I have invited representatives of the support organisations and PPS NI to meet me to discuss options. The unfortunate reality is that the damage caused by the withdrawal will only increase with the escalated action that commenced last Monday. More cases are arising each day, and so the risks are mounting. <BR /> <BR />There have been many calls in recent weeks for discussion and engagement to find a way to end the damaging withdrawal, and I offer reassurance that I have committed significant resources to resolution since the CBA commenced its action in November 2024. I have taken many steps to address the purported concerns of the CBA, and I remain engaged and continue to strive to find a resolution. Throughout the CBA action and before, we have been engaged, proactive, constructive and responsive.”
“That may be a vain hope in the context of previous refusals to allow derogations, but, while I respect the right to withdraw services, I believe that there is also a duty on us all to protect the most vulnerable and take ethical and sympathetic approaches. That is why most other public-service providers withdraw services for days, rather than indefinitely. Unlike the CBA, they seek to mitigate the impact on those whom the system is there to serve. That would not undermine its position; it would show a level of compassion for the vulnerable individuals whose right of access to justice is being most severely compromised. <BR /> <BR />We are, of course, considering what other steps we may be able to take to support victims and witnesses, who are and will remain my priority.”
“The scope of action has changed during that time, but it has done serious damage throughout the system and to the victims, witnesses and defendants — your constituents and mine — whom the system is supposed to serve. I commend and thank the Public Prosecution Service's (PPS) victim and witness care unit, the Commissioner for Victims of Crime, Victim Support, ASSIST NI, Nexus, Women's Aid and all the other voluntary-sector organisations that are actively supporting those affected by the service withdrawal for their work. <BR /> <BR />Notwithstanding my desire to see an immediate return to full service, I call on the CBA to take cognisance of its professional duties and agree a derogation in the service withdrawal for cases in which there is acute distress, risk of harm or other serious impact on individual victims.”
“I am sure that the majority of the working public and those who work in the public sector would agree. It is no small increase in the context of the financial pressures facing the Department and the Executive. Today, my budget is over £220 million worse off than it would have been had it merely kept pace with inflation. All of us here know that those pressures will only increase in coming years, not least next year. It is not a small increase in the context of an existing £42 spend per capita on criminal legal aid, which is double the per capita spend of £21 in neighbouring jurisdictions such as Scotland, England and Wales. The CBA has failed to recognise that reality, and we are now entering yet another year in which victims and witnesses suffer unavoidable and indefinite delay. <BR /> <BR />It is 14 months since the CBA action began.”
“It is at odds with the reality of what has taken place since my return to office, with the reality of what has been achieved and with the reality of what the CBA has itself agreed, and it is very much at odds with the reality of the trauma and suffering of the victims and witnesses who are being impacted on by the unreasonable and unwarranted withdrawal of service. The suffering of victims of crime should never be used as leverage. Trauma should never be a bargaining chip. It feels very much like the current situation, however. <BR /> <BR />In recent days, I have heard the phrases "beleaguered profession" and "last resort". On the basis of current demand, however, the recent uplift will amount to an annual increase of £11·5 million in legal aid fees. That is no small increase.”
“With your permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, I wish to make a statement on the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) service withdrawal. <BR /> <BR />It is with profound disappointment that I make the statement. It is not one that I had anticipated making in the week in which legal aid fees have been increased by 16%, in the week in which an additional £6·15 million is being paid into bank accounts and in the week in which barristers are receiving £1·8 million of those funds. I know that many Members in the Chamber will be equally perplexed. The CBA's decision effectively to hold victims of crime and the wider justice system to ransom in order to leverage further significant fee increases is at odds with reality.”
“That is exactly what I said; that is correct. It was not pertinent to the question that I was asked in June and was therefore not included in my briefing pack, to the best of my recollection. However, I was briefed about it in an early-day briefing at the beginning of February.”
“I am not, within my Department, empowered to make judgements about the ombudsman's office. The Public Prosecution Service made a decision not to prosecute the ombudsman. We must respect that decision. It is not for me to judge the fitness for office of the ombudsman. That is the role of the Executive Office. I suggest that the Member directs her question to that Department.”
“Those details were not pertinent to the question for urgent oral answer and were, therefore, not included in the briefing papers that were provided to me in June 2024.”
“Had I been in office in 2023, I would have had no vires to accept the resignation of the ombudsman. My Department and its Minister and permanent secretary have no vires to accept the resignation of the ombudsman. The ombudsman must resign directly by notice in writing to His Majesty.”
“Security clearance and other HR matters pertaining to the ombudsman are for the Executive Office. Security clearance is not granted by the Department of Justice. It is actually granted by the Home Office.”
“Thank you. <BR /> <BR />With respect to the publication that the Member has sought, I have said already that these matters remain sub judice. Therefore, I will not commit to the House to releasing all the correspondence and papers until I have had the opportunity to seek detailed legal advice.”
“Am I to have order so that I can answer the question?”
“Let me correct a few of Mr Gaston's remarks. First, I am not a caretaker Minister. I was a caretaker Minister between the collapse of the Executive and October 2022, when Ministers were suspended. To clarify: that is the context in which the term "caretaker Minister" was used. I was not the Minister at the point at which those discussions and debates took place, nor was I party to them.”
“I did not mislead the House at any time. The suggestion that I did so is very serious. Whether the House or individual Members had confidence in the ombudsman was a different matter. I did not mislead the House on those issues.”
“As those matters remain sub judice, I will not commit to doing so until I have sought legal advice on them”
“The ombudsman can resign at any time for any reason. She must do so in writing to His Majesty The King, and that is the only basis on which she can do so.”
“The only person who can answer as to the response that was given to Marie Anderson, either in a phone call or a private email, is Richard Pengelly, who was then the permanent secretary of my Department. I am aware only of that which is on the formal record, and I have come to answer only on that basis in the House. There is no vires for anyone in my Department to accept or reject any resignation, because we have no vires to alter the terms on which the Police Ombudsman has been appointed or otherwise. Therefore, the issue that the Member raises is not one for my Department.”
“Because it was not relevant to the question that was asked, which was whether the ombudsman should step aside. By the time I came to the House, it had been made clear to the ombudsman that the resignation that was tendered prior to me taking up office was not tendered to the appropriate person and was then withdrawn. The question was whether she should step aside, and I made it clear then, as I do now, that the Department of Justice has no role to ask the ombudsman to retire early or to step aside. It is for the Executive Office to deal with matters pertaining to the Police Ombudsman and her employment, and I have made that clear every time that I have been brought to the Chamber to answer these questions.”
“I did not deliberately withhold the information in question from the Assembly. It was neither incompetence nor cover-up.”
“The legislation is clear that a person may at any time resign the office of ombudsman by notice in writing to His Majesty. For the avoidance of doubt, I say that the then permanent secretary had no vires to accept a resignation from the Police Ombudsman.”
“The Member will be aware that I did not return to office until February 2024, following the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive. I was therefore not in post in September 2023. I first became aware of the matter upon being briefed by my officials on 12 February 2024. <BR /> <BR />For clarity, the Police Ombudsman is independent and appointed as a corporation sole by His Majesty the King on the recommendation of the First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly. For further clarity, the Department of Justice is not afforded any specific powers under the terms of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 to act to temporarily suspend or otherwise interfere with the ombudsman's term of office.”
“I encourage anyone who has been a victim to report it. There is no shame in being a victim. By coming forward, you can help to protect others and to bring the scammers and fraudsters to account. Addressing community safety issues such as this can only be done through partnership working. My Department is committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to support preventative action, to raise awareness and to ensure that our communities are safe places to live, work and visit. I will continue to do everything that I can in support of that endeavour, and I thank the Members who secured the debate today. <BR /> <BR />As this is the last opportunity that I will have, I wish all Members a peaceful Christmas and a crime-free new year.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Department also provides about £2 million in core grant funding to Victim Support NI — the proposer of the motion and other Members have indicated the importance of having proper support for people who have been victims of fraud — which can provide a range of services to all victims and witnesses of crime, including victims of scams and fraud. Services include the provision of emotional support, advocacy, information and advice to victims; assistance with claiming criminal injuries compensation; and court support to adult prosecution witnesses who are called to give evidence in court. Together, those services help people who are affected by crime to deal with the impact, to claim compensation and to give their best evidence. <BR /> <BR />I will close by reiterating that any of us could be a victim of fraud or a scam.”
“For example, as part of the awareness campaign, I was pleased to open the Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership's Challenging the Scamdemic scam awareness conference earlier this year, which was a really insightful opportunity for people to share their experiences. <BR /> <BR />My Department and the PSNI jointly fund the Crimestoppers Northern Ireland regional manager post, which is a key role in raising awareness and encouraging reporting of intelligence by promoting, developing and maintaining awareness of Crimestoppers throughout Northern Ireland among all our partners and the general public. Crimestoppers ran a "Stop! Think Fraud" campaign on social media and radio earlier this year.”
“Those insidious crimes are carried out by people who exploit those who are lonely and vulnerable and who are living in the hope of having companionship; it is horrific that they carry that out in such a calculated manner. At the conference, Ofcom introduced partners to its recently launched serious game, which is an online interactive simulator to help users identify romance scam red flags. <BR /> <BR />In addition to all that, the Department and the Northern Ireland Policing Board fund community safety partnerships across each of the 11 council areas, and those partnerships lead on community safety at a local level. Many have a dedicated community safety warden scheme that provides sessions on crime prevention and raises awareness of a range of scams and fraud, including romance scams.”
“The ScamwiseNI Partnership also has an effective online presence, and my Department uses its own social media channels, whether it is Bluesky, X, YouTube or Instagram, to highlight current scams and the steps that people can take to protect themselves. <BR /> <BR />I will give Members an example of the work of Scamwise. On 29 September 2025, the PSNI launched a new romance fraud social media campaign, sharing advice on how to spot and stop those types of scams. A conference led and facilitated by the PSNI was held on 6 November 2025, where Dr Elisabeth Carter, a criminologist and forensic linguist, was the key speaker. She educated partners about how romance scams work, explained the psychological manipulation involved and provided insight into why victims stay engaged with the scammer.”
“The UK Government will soon publish their new fraud strategy, which includes references to Northern Ireland. The strategy acknowledges and provides a response to the ever-increasingly sophisticated and transnational nature of fraud, with advances in technology making online fraud and scams more complex. <BR /> <BR />We know that legislative measures alone will not solve the problem and that we all have a role to play. My Department helps to address harm and vulnerability caused by fraud and supports partnership working to tackle the threat of scams through its membership of the ScamwiseNI Partnership, chaired by the PSNI. The partnership was established in 2016 and now has over 45 partners that work collaboratively to provide valuable information and crucial advice to keep the public informed, aware and vigilant.”
“<BR /> <BR />Fraud affects not only individuals but businesses. I note what my colleague Ms Egan and Mr Martin raised with regard to their constituents. I am determined to ensure that Northern Ireland does not fall out of step with the rest of the UK and, critically, that law enforcement agencies here have the full range of powers that are available elsewhere. As Justice Minister, I work closely with UK Government Ministers to consider any developments in policy and legislation that would benefit Northern Ireland. That includes the UK-wide fraud strategy led by the Home Office. The PSNI is also engaged in aspects of the fraud strategy, working with the UK and international law enforcement partners to identify and tackle emerging scams and assist in investigations impacting on victims in Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Department of Justice is not a member of the joint agency task force because it has an operational focus. However, I am kept updated about its work, and I see great value in the positive, collaborative work between the members of the JATF and its many successful operations. <BR /> <BR />In addition, the joint PSNI and an Garda Síochána cross-border policing strategy 2025-27 aims to build on established collaborative relationships. There are four main areas of focus in the strategy, one of which is proactive collaboration in the prevention and detection of crime, including financial crime and cybercrime. Both those examples — the JATF and the working group deriving from the strategy — demonstrate the strong partnership and close working relationships that often go unseen but are vital in keeping people safe.”
“Members will be aware that I regularly make ministerial statements to the Assembly following meetings that I hold with my Irish counterpart under the auspices of the intergovernmental agreement arrangements on criminal justice matters. Those meetings include updates on the work of the joint agency task force; I think that it was Mr McGlone who talked about that cross-border working. The joint agency task force is a powerful example of what can be achieved by collaboration and partnership working. Its meetings are jointly chaired by the PSNI and an Garda Síochána, alongside a range of partner organisations. JATF focuses on six designated strategic priority areas, one of which is financial crime. The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau works closely with the PSNI and the NCA in the prevention and detection of such crime.”
“On the point in the motion regarding recognising that scams are increasingly linked to organised and cross-border activity, the PSNI has indicated that it is not aware of any specific data to show that there is a marked increase in cross-border criminality, including scams, in the context of Northern Ireland and the rest of Ireland. However, Members will be aware that all borders, whether on the island of Ireland or internationally, pose no obstacle to organised crime groups that are intent on carrying out fraud or exploitation. Indeed, they may provide them with additional opportunities. <BR /> <BR />I also want to highlight and pay tribute to the excellent working relationships that exist between wider law enforcement agencies.”
“Only last month, senior officials from my Department attended the Sir George Quigley memorial lecture in Queens University, hosted by the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation. The focus of that event was on combating economic crime across the island of Ireland, with the keynote speakers being the Chief Constable of the PSNI and the Commissioner of an Garda Síochána. That demonstrates the importance that both organisations place on the issue. Both addresses covered the response to tackling fraud and scams, which shows the dedication and commitment to ensuring that that is viewed as a priority area of focus.”
“The most recently published OCTF annual report and threat assessment provides case studies of how law enforcement partners have worked together to combat the threat posed by fraudsters and scammers, and it is available online if members wish to read more about it. The OCTF report, which my Department coordinates and publishes, includes work by the Department for the Economy's Trading Standards Service. The Trading Standards Service works to tackle mass marketing scams and doorstep crime and disrupt the operations of the perpetrators behind phone-enabled, online and mail scams. <BR /> <BR />Tackling the cross-border response to financial crime, including scams and fraud, is of high importance to police forces on both sides of the border.”
“<BR /> <BR />Members will be aware that there is an already an exceptionally strong partnership-working model, which provides a robust response to organised crime across Northern Ireland. My Department works closely with a range of partners through the organised crime task force (OCTF) to reduce the harm caused by organised crime, including fraud and scams. The OCTF supports the development of operational partnerships and plays a key role in informing the public about successful operations against criminal groups and how to protect themselves from and report any suspicions of organised crime.”
“I am well aware that the PSNI works closely with other forces across the UK and feeds into national and international investigative arrangements. Only a few months ago, I visited the PSNI's cyber centre and heard first-hand about the work that it carries out on a daily basis and the difference that it makes. I am aware that the PSNI engages with financial institutions and makes proactive interventions to safeguard the public, where it is expected that people are actively being targeted by fraudsters. <BR /> <BR />The National Crime Agency also has a key role to play in tackling fraud. It works closely with PSNI colleagues, and, in recent weeks, I met the director general of the NCA and was briefed on the complexity of the issues that the agency increasingly faces.”
“From a justice perspective, the risk of harm caused by organised crime, including fraud, is one of my top priorities. Criminals are interested in only one thing: lining their own pockets. They are motivated purely by profit, and they really do not care who gets hurt in the process. We all recognise that organised criminals are agile and innovative. They find new ways of exploiting people's vulnerabilities for their own gain, and, in turn, we have to adapt our collective response. It is essential that we send clear and consistent messages that crime does not pay and that profiting from people's vulnerabilities will not go unchallenged. <BR /> <BR />I acknowledge the outstanding work of the PSNI in the area. It has a comprehensive approach to tackling fraud: protect, pursue, prevent and prepare.”
“I have heard heartbreaking accounts of the effect that being a victim of fraud has had on individuals' lives and those of their families. Often, we hear of people who feel deeply ashamed that they have fallen victim to those manipulators and very distressing offences, and we know that there continues to be under-reporting. I emphasise that there is no shame in coming forward to report those crimes should you find yourself a victim. I encourage anyone who finds themselves in that position to come forward. I also stress that anyone, including any of us in the Chamber, could fall victim to fraud, not least given the increasing sophistication of those engaged in the crimes. <BR /> <BR />Whilst fraud happens at all levels, I acknowledge that some of it has an organised and coordinated element to it.”
“People often feel ashamed and embarrassed, even humiliated, that they have fallen prey to scammers, so we must be diligent and report all incidents of attempted fraud or scamming to ensure that we raise awareness of new trends and new scams as and when we become aware of them. Hopefully, the justice system has made it easier for those scams to be reported by anyone in a number of ways, including via Report Fraud, the PSNI or, indeed, Crimestoppers. <BR /> <BR />There are elements of tackling fraud in the motion that are reserved matters and fall outside my area of responsibility as the Minister of Justice. They include aspects relating in particular to financial institutions. I will, however, take a moment to reflect on and acknowledge the harm and trauma that comes with being a victim of financial fraud.”
“Tackling fraudsters and the impact of scams is not something that can be addressed by any one individual or organisation. As the motion rightly recognises, it takes a partnership approach to tackle crime, including fraud and scams, from the initial process of identifying the fraudsters and, just as important, supporting the victims, to ensure that those participating in such crimes are brought swiftly to justice. <BR /> <BR />Prevention through awareness is a vital tool in combating fraudsters and scammers, who, unfortunately, often target the most vulnerable people in society. Despite Report Fraud’s figures showing that over 5,400 scams and frauds were reported in Northern Ireland for the period October 2024 to October 2025, we believe that under-reporting remains an issue.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I am grateful to the Members from the Ulster Unionist Party who tabled the motion, because it is a very important issue, not least at this time of the year as many people move online to buy goods and services. <BR /> <BR />In my Department, fraud and scams fall under the umbrella of safer communities. Members will be aware that the Programme for Government, which was published this year, made safer communities one of its key strands, making the issue of scams and fraud one of utmost importance. The Department is fully committed to working with all its partners, including the community and voluntary sector, as well as other Departments and organisations, to ensure that we have a community where we all feel safe to live and work.”
“The Member refers to penalty notices being a "slap on the wrist". However, they are criminal convictions and carry with them all the import of criminal convictions. They may, in effect, be a greater sanction than the one determined by the courts, if a case is prosecuted at all. Does the Member agree, therefore, that the focus of discussions should be on giving the PSNI the greatest possible flexibility to pursue crime at an appropriate level and in a way that is most likely to bring offenders to justice?”
“I will restate what others have said: the only legitimate use of a phone at the site of a road traffic collision is to call the emergency services.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is my hope that, through discussions between all the interested parties, we will be able to identify an approach and a vehicle that will adequately respond to this most serious issue in a timely way, not least because, as John Blair and Stephen Dunne mentioned in their contributions, the videoing of such incidents is not just distressing but often accompanied by speculation that could undermine a police investigation and, where offences are detected, future prosecutions. <BR /> <BR />In the meantime, I want to use the opportunity that we have been given today to appeal directly to the public to refrain from photographing or recording at the scene of road traffic collisions and to refrain from sharing such images without consent in order to avoid further trauma for victims and their families.”
“<BR /> <BR />As a first step, however, it is incumbent on us all as stakeholders, including DFI, the PSNI and social media organisations, to take a key role in the development of proposals. I am committed to ensuring that my Department engages on a cross-departmental basis, led by the Department for Infrastructure, to consider how best we might provide that support. Therefore, I have agreed to participate in a proposed round-table discussion, convened by Road Victim Support Northern Ireland-Donegal, with the Infrastructure and Health Ministers and other organisations, to consider appropriate measures to prevent the unauthorised recording and sharing of photos of road traffic collisions.”
“<BR /> <BR />Whilst the Department for Infrastructure has the main responsibility for road safety, enforcement of the related offences and penalties is often undertaken by police. In addition, telecommunications legislation, including the regulation of social media platforms, is reserved to Westminster, and, therefore, the responsibility lies with the UK Government. Indeed, it may be beneficial and even expeditious, following a more detailed consideration, for the Executive to agree collectively to write to the UK Government to determine whether it may be possible to legislate on a UK-wide basis on this issue given that it engages a reserved matter. I agree with the proposer of the motion that cross-border cooperation is important in this, and I am, therefore, happy to raise the matter with my Irish counterpart.”
“I would dearly like to see a future in which no family has to endure the loss of a loved one in that way. <BR /> <BR />Whilst primary responsibility for road safety legislation lies with the Department for Infrastructure, my Department and I are working hard to ensure that sentences delivered in the courts reflect the seriousness of the related offences and the impact that they have on, and the sense of loss felt by, victims and their families. To that end, my sentencing Bill will deliver tougher sentencing by increasing the maximum penalty and minimum disqualification periods for the offences of causing death or serious injury by driving. It is important that Ministers work together across the Executive to find timely and effective solutions to these matters.”
“A similar approach, as many Members noted, was adopted by the German Parliament in 2020. It is important to note that, whilst no equivalent offence exists in Northern Ireland, police recently charged an individual for that behaviour under the Communications Act 2003, which contains offences relating to offensive, malicious and nuisance communications. However, the clarity that would be provided by a change in legislation that makes it an explicit offence would, I think, be welcomed by all. Introduction of the proposed new offence would be novel and cut across the responsibilities of many Departments and organisations, including mine. Sadly, we continue to see lives lost on our roads in the most tragic circumstances. Every family that finds itself in that situation has my deepest sympathy and that of my Department.”