Gary Middleton
Foyle · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for his statement. As other Members have stated, the First Minister spoke publicly about the £150 million secured for pay awards, including £37 million for teachers.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. Although the FE sector is facing a difficult budgetary landscape, NWRC has been able to punch above its weight.”
“<BR /> <BR />Of course, we recognise that there is more to do, but we then come to the central issue: funding. The Education Authority faces an overcommitment of some £280 million. The Department is chronically underfunded. The independent report entitled 'Investing in a Better Future' made that clear.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. I do not think that there is a single Member who does not want to see our children healthy, well fed and ready to learn. We all recognise the statistics before us: 13% of children live in food-insecure households. We understand that nutritious food is the fuel for educational attainment.”
“That targeted, sustainable intervention is designed to support what many describe as the working poor; families who work hard but struggle to make ends meet. <BR /> <BR />The Opposition's motion mentions comparisons with other jurisdictions, nothing that they are expanding universal provision. However, they are being selective.”
“We hear calls from the Benches opposite for subsidies and expansions, but we rarely hear where the money should come from. If we are to find the extra £202 million for this specific policy, which Department does the Opposition suggest that we take it from?”
The complete record
Every one of 861 lines we hold for Gary Middleton, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 9 of 18.
“<BR /> <BR />We use the word "radiant", and her radiance was very evident not only in her personality but in the passion that she had for the city that we all love and cherish. I know that in the recent days since Pat's sad passing, the First Minister has been in touch with the Hume family, and a book of condolence has been opened so that everybody can pass on their deepest sympathies and regards to the family. <BR /> <BR />One of my memories of Pat Hume is sitting beside her at the Sons and Daughters concert when we were awarded the UK City of Culture. It reminded me that Pat was very much a daughter of the city, as was John a son. Thankfully, they are now reunited. Once again, I pass on my deepest sympathies to the SDLP and to the wider Hume family.”
“On behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party, I pass on our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Hume family, their friends, the city that I represent and the SDLP. When I first heard of the passing of Pat Hume, one of the first words that came to my mind was "radiant". Although I have been in politics for only a decade, I had the opportunity and pleasure to meet Pat Hume on many occasions over that time. Although there is no doubt that we may have differed politically, that was irrelevant to Pat Hume because she always had an interest in the individual. I admired her memory because any time we met, she asked about personal things: she would ask about your wife or your newborn son, and those things really meant a lot.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. The Member makes a point, and I take that point. However, the Member has not mentioned the fact that we have been dealing with a global pandemic. Our priorities have changed since we came into this place in January 2020. I think that our constituents would recognise that those priorities have changed. The Assembly sometimes distances itself from reality, and we need to deal with reality.”
“The reality is that we are talking about, potentially, £500,000 per annum. It will be £344,000; you have the broadcasting cost on top of that, but that is the minimum. Again, that is money that would be spent here in the Chamber. The public would not benefit from that one bit. I recognise that it is part of NDNA, but it needs to be brought forward in a package. We need to ensure, given the current climate, that we can justify the actions that we take. I do not have to go too far in my constituency to know that we could be doing with £500,000 to ensure that our crisis intervention service can continue. We could be doing with £500,000 to make our education system better. Let us have the conversation, but let us do it respectfully. We are up for NDNA, but we need to do it collectively, together and through dialogue.”
“Others put forward a proposal for a Northern Ireland centenary stone at no cost to the taxpayer, but that could not be tolerated. There was a proposal to plant a Northern Ireland centenary rose on the grounds of Stormont, but that could not be tolerated. However, it is now proposed that we spend almost £500,000 for ourselves in the Chamber and we are expected to just get on with it. No, if we are to do this respectfully — I am up for doing that on NDNA — we need to be serious about ensuring that there is respect both ways. That is the only way in which we will move forward. If we continue to poke one another in the eye and we cannot get over the likes of planting a flower, there is not much hope for the rest of this place. <BR /> <BR />The practical and financial implications cannot be dismissed.”
“I thank the Member for that. She will know — the Chair articulated this fact — that, initially, when this was brought forward, it was to come as a package. There would be three Bills, from which the relevant services would flow. That was the initial position, but that changed. We want to see that collective package being dealt with. There are pieces that, as I said, may be difficult or uncomfortable, but that was the basis on which we agreed it. We requested at the Committee that it go to the party leaders' forum, but that was rejected. We appreciate that that was the Committee's decision. We have tried to get consensus on this and go forward in mutual respect. <BR /> <BR />We talk about respect and NDNA. The Northern Ireland centenary celebrations were also part of NDNA.”
“Just today, a colleague received a response that stated that the Health Department requires an additional £536 million to see through commitments in New Decade, New Approach. I want to see those things happening, but the reality is that we have to ensure that, when we do those things, we prioritise and put money in where it is required. <BR /> <BR />On the cultural aspects of NDNA, we made it clear in the Committee that it is important that we do not cherry-pick elements of the agreement because it was a balance that was based on consensus. We want to see New Decade, New Approach being delivered, but we cannot allow it to be cherry-picked.”
“There is a lot in it that I did not particularly like and there are many things in it that I did like, but the consensus was that we needed devolution back for our health service, our economy, our infrastructure and many other areas. That is why we felt that it was important to agree it. <BR /> <BR />We have made very little progress on a lot of the necessary reforms that are in New Decade, New Approach. Obviously, COVID-19 had a significant impact in that regard. There are many aspects of NDNA that I would like to see being progressed, such as the expansion of Magee university. We would like to see an increase in the number of police officers. We want to see investment in our health service.”
“The motion before us is the result of extensive discussions in the Procedures Committee. As my colleague Mr Tom Buchanan said, Committee members were not unanimous on the motion, but I put on record our thanks to the Clerk for the information that was brought forward, to the staff and to the Chair of the Committee for the way in which discussions were conducted. <BR /> <BR />Members across the House will know that colleagues and I raised concerns in Committee at every stage about how this issue was brought forward. Like those in the majority of parties in the Chamber, I and others came back to this place on the basis of the New Decade, New Approach agreement.”
“The Minister has just touched on what I was going to ask. As many students return to face-to-face teaching, what support is available for students who have faced mental health issues over the past year?”
“The Minister will be aware that it is important that we improve rail connectivity to the north-west. The council recently approved a motion to seek your backing, Minister, for a feasibility study into restoring the Londonderry to Portadown rail line. Will you actively support that?”
“I thank the Member for raising that point. When looking at planning issues, it is important that parties recognise that, in order to further a lot of the aims that I outlined, we need to make sure that planning is processed as quickly as possible. <BR /> <BR />That leads me on, finally, to the Department for Infrastructure. More needs to be done. For example, the Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland (EVANI) recently highlighted the number of broken chargers across Northern Ireland. Other Ministers very much need to step up. It is all fine and well to bring motions like these, and we will happily support them, but we need Ministers to take them seriously in order to ensure that we can deliver on the many objectives that we need to meet.”
“It is one thing to pledge to create thousands of green jobs, but there needs to be buy-in from private industry and education and training providers in order to ensure that the capacity and skills exist. <BR /> <BR />My final point relates to hydrogen technology. Northern Ireland is uniquely placed to use renewable electricity to produce green hydrogen. It would make use of the wind that is available when the demand for electricity is lower. Onshore wind provides more than 80% of Northern Ireland's renewable capacity, and we need to exploit that. There is real potential for Northern Ireland to become a global centre of excellence for the hydrogen economy. That would see local manufacturers rapidly growing in order to try to meet the worldwide demand. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I thank the Members for tabling the motion. We will support it.”
“That plan includes a number of headline commitments, such as delivering a net zero carbon energy transition, improving the energy efficiency of buildings and industry and encouraging green innovation in renewables and low-carbon technologies. Those are areas on which we need our Departments to be working. <BR /> <BR />There will also be massive opportunities to exploit emerging green technology across various sectors, including energy, transport and manufacturing. It is important that we have the right skills mix, and that we ensure that our skills strategies are aligned with that potential for growth, moving forward. Training and upskilling our young people must be at the heart of that.”
“There is a need to take on board independent, expert advice, including the clear finding by the Climate Change Committee that even the reduction of meat and dairy production to 50% and the increase of tree planting would not be enough to allow us to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. <BR /> <BR />There are other departmental initiatives within our remit. In recent weeks, the Economy Minister launched the 10X Economy plan. It is her vision for a decade of innovation in the regional economy. One of the guiding principles of that plan is around supporting a greener, sustainable economy. That links in with the economic recovery action plan, which the Department has also launched.”
“I will speak about that shortly. <BR /> <BR />Democratic Unionist Party Ministers continue to champion the green recovery and the need to address climate change around the Executive table. The inter-ministerial group on green growth has been established by Edwin Poots, the AERA Minister. The Executive's overarching, multi-decade, green growth strategy and delivery framework for Northern Ireland aims to transform our society towards net zero by 2050, protect and enhance our environment and deliver sustainable economic growth. <BR /> <BR />We recognise that the desire expressed in the motion is to decarbonise our economy rapidly. Of course, at the same time, we have to ensure that the transition is fair and just, and that it does not place a disproportionate burden on certain industries, particularly our agri-food sector.”
“I thank the Members for tabling the motion. It is timely to recognise that today marks a positive step forward in the recovery. It is good to see many of Northern Ireland's cafes, pubs and restaurants open. That is a good step forward. <BR /> <BR />Obviously, the Democratic Unionist Party fully supports the need to ensure that the economic recovery is underpinned by initiatives that are not only sustainable but environmentally responsible and support decarbonisation. It will also be important that investment is inclusive of, and fair towards, all communities, households and industries across Northern Ireland. We agree that sustainable solutions can benefit standards of living for people across Northern Ireland and help tackle deprivation and isolation. There is no doubt that the motion cuts across all Departments.”
“I thank the Minister for that detailed update and for taking the time to visit Londonderry Chamber of Commerce very recently. A key element of the Minister's economic recovery plan is the high street voucher scheme. Will she provide a bit more detail about that scheme, which we hope will provide a stimulus to our high streets?”
“I thank the Minister for her response. The Minister will also be aware that there are particular challenges in our rural communities. I have heard time and time again about the difference in funding available for some of the more urban communities and that available for rural communities. Will the Minister commit to addressing and putting a focus on how we bring rural communities up to par with many of our urban villages?”
“Does the Minister agree that we need to tackle TB in wildlife and in cattle to deliver a healthier wildlife population?”
“It is to the Minister's credit that the economic recovery plan has received such positive comments right across stakeholders and business representative bodies. I welcome the fact that it has now been fully funded by the Executive. Does the Minister agree with me that it is important that, alongside the economic recovery plan, we now see a reopening of our economy and provide clear dates for our businesses to open in a safe manner?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. The Minister has set it out that his Bill will set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 82% by 2050. Others have suggested reaching net zero by 2045. What impact would that have on Northern Ireland, and is it a realistic target?”
“Her Majesty The Queen is very much in my thoughts and prayers as she continues to reign over us in the times ahead. We have lost a tremendous public servant who served his queen and country for decades. We send our heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty and the royal family.”
“Of course, when it is all stripped back, Prince Philip was a devoted father, grandfather, husband and great-grandfather. Her Majesty The Queen, when speaking about her husband, stated:”
“<BR /> <BR />His Royal Highness took part in over 22,000 solo engagements. When he retired in 2017, he was said to have been a patron, president or member of almost 800 organisations. He had visited 143 countries in an official capacity. That is a significant lifetime of service. One of his many lasting legacies is the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. I, like many others, have benefited from that award, and I have been inspired listening to the many stories from across the UK and the world about young people whose lives were transformed by the award. I trust that it will be very much a positive, lasting legacy of His Royal Highness. <BR /> <BR />In the 99 years of his life, Prince Philip saw many world-changing events. He saw leaders come and go, but his service went on. The impact of his service and legacy will live on for many years to come.”
“On behalf of my constituents in Londonderry and the wider Foyle constituency, I pass on my deepest sympathies and condolences to Her Majesty The Queen on the sad passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. <BR /> <BR />It has been 68 years since Her Majesty and His Royal Highness stood in Guildhall Square in Londonderry as part of a visit following the coronation. Over the weekend, I heard from many constituents about their fond and cherished memories of that visit and of being there with their parents and grandparents. Over the many decades that have followed since that visit, the duke served with immense dedication and a tireless commitment to public service, and that is evident to us all not just in the United Kingdom but across the Commonwealth and worldwide.”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. The Member for Foyle Martina Anderson stated that ambulances were stoned. We need to be careful with our facts and our language in the Chamber.”
“Therefore, I ask the Chamber this: do you care deeply enough about a shared future to take on board the genuine concerns raised by the unionist community? Collectively, we in the Chamber have the ability to send a strong message to every person in our society that we are serious about making Northern Ireland work, that we want to deliver a better future and that we are not going back.”
“It is the job of us in the Chamber to improve the choices that our young people have, to provide them with a hopeful present reality and a hopeful future, not re-enacting the acts that, sadly, have been too familiar in the past. The Assembly needs to focus on the full reopening of our youth services, allowing for interventions and targeted programmes for our young people, providing them with an alternative platform to highlight the fact that they have a voice, that they will be heard and that they have a say in democratic processes and will never again turn to the violent acts that, we all agree, are completely and totally wrong. <BR /> <BR />All of us in the Chamber need to redouble our efforts to bring about calm and hope for all in Northern Ireland.”
“That damages respect for the rule of law. When those in senior government positions break the law but are not held accountable, that endangers devolution. It is because we believe in the police and the rule of law that we want to see the law applied equally and fairly. Everyone inside and outside the Chamber must work to rebuild confidence and promote stability. Given the scale of the problem facing trust in politics and policing, while we support the motion, it is self-evident that words of condemnation will never be enough to provide solutions. <BR /> <BR />We all have choices to make. We have a choice as to whether to engage in violence or not. We have a choice as to which path we take in life.”
“The incident that I refer to did not happen last week or last year or the year before that; it happened four years ago, when a group of loyalists gathered peacefully to tackle ongoing issues of antisocial behaviour in the St Columb's Park and Bonds Street areas. Night after night, there was violence and alcohol and drug abuse in that park. There were no summonses for those engaging in that behaviour, yet, four years on, in the week that the deputy First Minister and others got off the hook, the loyalists received those summonses. There are questions to be asked of the PPS in that respect. <BR /> <BR />The perception of two-tier policing has led to the erosion of support in the unionist community and created a vacuum that, sadly, others seek to fill whether it is a perception or a reality of double standards in the police.”
“We must never stoop to the level of those who would use terror and violence for political means. <BR /> <BR />Frustrations have been building for months. In speech after speech in the Chamber, I and others have warned of the complete disregard being shown to the unionist community by those who champion the border in the Irish Sea and call for the rigorous implementation of the protocol. The complete disregard for the COVID-19 regulations shown by the deputy First Minister has caused immense anger and raised serious concerns about the criminal justice system. <BR /> <BR />In the week that the deputy First Minister and her colleagues received word that they would face no prosecutions for breaching COVID restrictions, at least 12 loyalists of whom I am aware in Londonderry were summoned to court for illegal assembly.”
“It is of the utmost importance that those concerns are not drowned out by the destruction and mayhem that we have sadly witnessed on our streets. The outworking of that frustration and anger must be entirely peaceful and democratic. <BR /> <BR />The overwhelming majority of my constituents, and, no doubt, constituents across Northern Ireland are law-abiding and just want their concerns to be heard.”
“I thank the Member for that and I agree with it. <BR /> <BR />There can be no excuse for damaging or destroying the property of our neighbours in our communities or, indeed, for attacking the PSNI officers attending the scene. My thoughts are with each and every one of those officers injured and, indeed, all the rank-and-file officers of the PSNI who have, unacceptably, come under attack simply for doing their jobs. <BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that there are deep frustrations and anger in the unionist and loyalist community. However, the presence of that disorder and rioting on our streets is wholly unacceptable. There is no justification. The fundamental concerns expressed in the wider unionist community are genuine, and they must be addressed.”
“I am proud to come from the Newbuildings area of Londonderry. My wife is from Nelson Drive. I was born and bred in that community and my roots are there. It is my greatest honour to have a mandate to represent those areas and all the people of the Foyle constituency. The images and the videos that I have seen on news outlets are not a true reflection of who we are. In my constituency, I believe that the sense of community and looking out for one another is second to none. Over the course of the pandemic, we have seen the best of our people step up to help their neighbours. <BR /> <BR />I unequivocally condemn the violence and disorder that we have witnessed across our communities in recent days. Whether the violence happens in Londonderry or Belfast, Ballymena or Craigavon, it should be equally condemned.”
“However, that said, we do fully appreciate the hardship experienced by Northern Ireland's students based in other parts of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic. I urge our MPs to continue to lobby at Westminster to ensure that institutions in other jurisdictions provide support for our students. <BR /> <BR />Finally, my party will continue to raise issues on behalf of students, whether through the all-party groups or in the Chamber. It is important to address students' issues. The University of Ulster Students' Union has launched the 'Student Mental Health Action Plan', and as it says:”
“I thank the Member for her intervention. Again, as I said, the Minister has made it very clear to me, personally, and also to Members across the Chamber, that she will continue to raise student issues. Of course, there is a huge remit in the Department, but we are here today, thankfully, talking about students. We need to try to do whatever we can to support students within the legal possibilities that we have. No doubt, the Department has explored all avenues open to it, but we will hear about that from the Minister very shortly. <BR /> <BR />The priority must be, as always, to ensure that we get support to our students in a timely and effective manner. The most appropriate way to deliver those payments is through the existing mechanisms in the institutions.”
“<BR /> <BR />The COVID disruption payments in Northern Ireland are being made via the higher education institutions, not directly through the Department. The Minister has made clear in a response to previous questions that the Department does not have the legal power — and that is the key point — to make allocations to universities outside of Northern Ireland, whether that might be a university in England or the Irish Republic, or to the Student Loan Company. It is simply not possible for the Minister to deliver funding through universities and further education settings, either south of the border or across the rest of the United Kingdom.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. He makes a key point that I want to get across today in the short time I have. The motion is not about sending out the message that no one wants to do anything more for students. It is quite the opposite. We need to do what we can, and that is why a £37 million package has been brought forward. That is unrivalled in the other jurisdictions. I know that many students are very appreciative of the package. Certainly, the students that I have been in touch with appreciate the measure. There are challenges and difficulties and people who feel that the package does not go far enough, but, again, the message is that the Department is trying to reach all those in need across our society in a timely fashion.”
“The amendment deals more with sending out a message from the Chamber that the Minister has the mandate to speak with the other jurisdictions and ensure that they step up and deliver for their students. I very much welcome that. The COVID disruption payment is one such area in which our counterparts can assist students from Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I dispute the suggestion that the amendment waters down the motion. Rather, it reflects the reality of the parameters that the Minister is dealing with. The Minister will be the first to say that, and she will no doubt speak later about how passionately she feels about students in Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />Students from Northern Ireland who are studying in England, Scotland and Wales have access to support from the institutions in which they are enrolled. My understanding is that in the region of £175 million has been provided to institutions and students in GB and ROI, and key to that will be ensuring that such investment translates into practical and timely support for those most in need. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the fact that Minister Diane Dodds has previously indicated, in response to numerous questions, that she will continue to raise the issue of support for students with her counterparts in the other jurisdictions. That is very important, and, if anything comes out of today's debate, it should be that we continue to go in that direction.”
“I thank my colleague from Foyle for her intervention. I agree with that. The all-party group on further and higher education is an example of one of the proactive all-party working groups. It raises various issues, and that is one of them. It is important that the Health Minister take that point on board. The all-party group met last week and raised quite a few issues that need to be considered, none more so than the student mental health action plan. We need to be mindful of the fact that student mental health is very much at the forefront of student issues and needs to be funded. We talk about the £500 payment. As important as it is, it will not solve all the problems. Many more wider issues will need to be addressed in the student setting, but I thank the Member for her intervention.”
“A total of £8·5 million was provided to address student financial hardship and digital poverty and to support student unions with mental health provision. There was £4·1 million for the provision of a safe working, learning and research environment. Finally, there was a £3·1 million package to compensate universities for lost income arising from rental pauses and releasing students from accommodation contracts. The level of support provided by the Department for the Economy for students in Northern Ireland during COVID-19 is unrivalled among Administrations across the UK and the Irish Republic.”
“Of course, students come in all shapes, sizes and ages and from different backgrounds. As I say, students have raised their issues proactively over the past while, and it is important that we hear their concerns. <BR /> <BR />Like the signatories to the motion, I very much welcome the announcement by the Economy Minister, Diane Dodds, of the £500 COVID disruption payment for our students. That was part of a wider £37 million package to address a number of areas across the further and higher education sector. That package was announced in February and was very much welcomed across the sector. It included a one-off £500 payment for students from the UK and the EU who are in Northern Ireland in full-time higher education in a university setting.”
“Particularly for students, there has been an impact on their studies; financial hardship; mental health impacts, which I will talk about in a bit more detail shortly; and the challenges around accommodation, which, of course, were mentioned with regard to contracts with landlords and the difficulties that students have found themselves in. Members on all Benches have heard first-hand from students who have found themselves in really difficult circumstances and facing the wide range of challenges that I outlined.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. The opportunity to speak on student support is very welcome. I take pleasure in speaking on students' issues when I come to the Chamber. Many student representative bodies have been in touch with MLAs throughout the course of the pandemic. I pay tribute to those organisations for the way in which they have campaigned so proactively and respectfully. It is important that I put that on record on behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party. <BR /> <BR />Right across the Province, students of all ages have faced challenging circumstances throughout the COVID pandemic, along with, of course, many other citizens in our communities.”
“— and ensure that they can do so in a safe manner.”
“I thank the Minister for that response. Minister, we hear from a lot of teachers and school leaders who want that clarity to be able to move from remote learning to face-to-face learning, but they need as much time for that as possible. I join him in urging all the other parties, which are doing a lot of shouting, to support our young people and students in getting back to school —”
“Clearly, it is for the national Government to lead on discussions with the European Union, but does the Minister agree that it is important that the UK Government stand up for the interests of Northern Ireland and put across the position that we will no longer accept the protocol?”
“<BR /> <BR />When we talk about enhancing skills and building a resilient and agile workforce that is capable of responding to future crises and challenges, a cross-departmental, cross-cutting willingness to own these issues and ensure that they are sufficiently funded is vital.”