Jonathan Buckley
Upper Bann · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Sinn Féin's representatives in the European Parliament voted against proposals aimed at strengthening the management of illegal immigration and facilitating the return of failed asylum applicants — those who entered countries illegally — to designated return hubs outside the European Union.”
“Last year, Sinn Féin, alongside the open-border brigade of the Alliance Party and the SDLP, voted against my motion in the Assembly that called for action to address concerns about illegal and uncontrolled immigration.”
“People want an immigration system that is controlled, credible and properly enforced whilst ensuring that the genuine, heartfelt, lived experience and concerns of local citizens are at the heart of the debate. That is not an unreasonable position to take.”
“I highlight yet another example of a political party claiming to represent the views of people across the island of Ireland yet taking a position that is fundamentally out of step with the concerns being expressed by a vast number of people across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and, indeed, the rest of the United Kingdom, and t…”
“The Minister is aware and is, in fact, on record as having suggested that organised drug crime is happening in prisons. I have previously raised that matter in the Assembly.”
“Minister, I am sure that you agree that we cannot continue to leave residents in limbo. There has to be some progress on the matter. A number of unfinished developments have been lying stagnant for a long time, but the number is so small that it would not require that great an amount of money to ensure adequate facilities for residents, e…”
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“I am glad to speak in the House after the previous contribution from People Before Profit. <BR /> <BR />I deplore the loss of all innocent life, at home and abroad, but there has been a significant lack of balance during this item of business. I have seen, on recent visits to Israel and the Palestinian Authority, the horror of the situation faced by both sides. The living conditions of many innocent Israeli civilians, including children and women, along that border have not been mentioned. They have to live within a minute of a bomb shelter because of indiscriminate missile attacks from Hamas. I have seen the terror tunnels that Hamas ruthlessly uses to cross to take innocent Israelis to their death in extreme circumstances. I have seen them, and there needs to be recognition that this is a difficult situation.”
“We urge the Minister to bring forward legislative proposals to enhance current statutory provision. Those should include establishing a cross-departmental independent scrutiny mechanism, developing and funding a cross-departmental NI autism training strategy, providing training, providing an early intervention service, providing an autism information service and helpline and meeting the needs that adults with autism and autistic adults have in terms of lifelong learning, employment support, recreation, emotional and mental well-being and supported living. <BR /> <BR />As time is eluding me, I thank Members for their contributions and urge them to support the amendment.”
“That creates further inequalities, particularly given, as I mentioned, the higher prevalence of autism in deprived areas. As the Committee Chair mentioned at the start, the guiding principle of the NHS, which is its being free at the point of need, must be restored for our autistic population. Members right across the House can agree on that. <BR /> <BR />We need to seriously question whether the interim strategy is fit for purpose to deliver the necessary results, given the new and unprecedented challenges presented by the pandemic. Changes cannot wait until the next scheduled evaluation. The Minister needs to follow through on his pledge that every child, diagnosed or undiagnosed, receives equitable access to the practical support that they desperately need, and he outlined that.”
“There was mention of notable people with autism, some of whom I did not even realise were people with autism, who have contributed to and played a fantastic role in our society and had a real impact on Northern Ireland and, indeed, the world. <BR /> <BR />There can be no substitute for face-to-face assessment. Whilst digital solutions and weekend appointments can reduce some of the delays, that should not take away from the need to progress systematic improvements in how we approach autism and those who are waiting for an assessment. The debate is whether a strategy or legislation is best suited to making those improvements. It is deeply worrying that parents and families have felt it necessary to pay for private provision in order to receive a diagnosis.”
“I thank the Principal Deputy Speaker. I agree with the point raised by my colleague. Clare Bailey put on record the need for that joined-up approach. If we are to deal with this in the long-term way that Members envisage and see the need for, there will have to be that joined-up approach. We have to recognise that it is an issue not just for Health but for every Department, including Education, Finance, Communities and even DAERA, as mentioned, given the disparity between rural and urban. There is a part for them all to play in ensuring that we cater for people right across our communities in dealing with the scourge of autism and helping them to come forward and receive the support that they need.”
“The delays cause undue stress, distress and uncertainty to each child and family involved, who wait to receive tailored support. We must see ambitious time frames for addressing those waiting lists.”
“Members have rightly put on record ways in which we can address those disturbing statistics. The postcode lottery in the provision of services, both rural and urban, that has been mentioned should also be seen to be addressed by the House. <BR /> <BR />We fully endorse the aim of the motion, which is to address the rising inequalities in care and services for children with autism in Northern Ireland. However, we need to see much more than another toothless or aspirational strategy. We need practical and immediate solutions to the mounting number of autism assessments and care inequalities. I thank the Minister for his comments about ways in which the Department can help to address those in the immediate term. There needs to be a clear and detailed road map for clearing the backlog of autism assessments across all trusts.”
“I do not rise to add to the debate, because Members across the Chamber have spoken eloquently in their desire to tackle the growing crisis in autism waiting lists in Northern Ireland. I thank the Members who tabled the motion and those who have indicated support for the amendment. <BR /> <BR />The statistics speak in their own right. Everybody has touched on a different statistic that can alarm us all. For me, the key statistic was the prevalence of autism in our most deprived communities — 37% higher than the Northern Ireland average — which goes right to the heart of what we aim to address through the motion. When we combine the autism statistics from a pre-COVID environment with waiting lists that have been compounded by COVID, the statistics are startling. At 31 December 2020, 4,495 children were waiting for an autism assessment.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. There is no doubt that it is a significant act of confidence not only in our young people but in the wider agri-food sector, in which my constituency of Upper Bann and my county of Armagh play a key role. <BR /> <BR />What change is envisaged in the blueprint across Northern Ireland, particularly in relation to AFBI, given these plans? Does he expect much change?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, you will know that there was an intense reaction and, in fact, affection for the members of our fire service who took part in tackling the blaze. Can the Minister elaborate on whether there is any way that the community can get more involved in helping when situations such as this develop on our mountains?”
“While I welcome the opening of our society, particularly the business and hospitality sectors, the Minister will know that there was quite a bit of ambiguity about the rules and regulations surrounding that reopening. With that in mind, what consultation has there been with the Executive task force and councils in order to ensure that there is continuity of approach in how they and the hospitality sector in particular deal with those difficult circumstances in the immediate weeks ahead?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I wholeheartedly agree with the Member's point, and the points that have been echoed by my colleague Pam Cameron. The lack of visitations in the care home and residential settings has been a cruel aspect of COVID. However, from speaking to the sector, I know there is alarm about the lack of support in place to help adjust so that visitations can be provided in the very difficult circumstances. Insurance is a particular problem, and insurers are now holding care and residential homes to ransom rather than allow safe and compliant visitations. Will the Member agree that it is important that the Department of Health and Executive colleagues work with that sector to ensure that barriers can be overcome?”
“I appreciate the Member's giving way; she is touching on points that are close to my heart and the hearts of my constituents. Does she agree that it is equally unacceptable for trusts to adopt different approaches in their communication on birthing partners, which is what we have seen to date? If we are going to get clarity on the matter, it must apply across Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. She knows that that point is something that I have raised consistently at the Committee, particularly on the message to stay local. The Committee has not had any indication or clarity from officials as to what that message means. As we go towards the summer months and people begin to get some release from their cabin fever and start to go about their business, it is crucial that they know exactly what they can and cannot do.”
“Their sacrifice is not in vain, and I pledge to them, in their memory, to their families and, indeed, to the community that I represent that I will do all within my power to make sure that this place prospers in the next century and that it is seen and recognised as a welcoming place for those who may not share my community background or history. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland is a place that we can all rightly call home. Northern Ireland is a place that should be welcoming to all. That is the spirit in which I look to the next 100 years. I look to it with positivity, and I invite colleagues, yes, to reflect on the past but to look forward with optimism and to mark the centenary with the respect that it deserves.”
“As a young unionist with hope, I look forward to the next interesting time in our lives and in the development of this country, but I must mark and recognise the huge contribution and sacrifice of so many. Today, I think about my great-uncle Bobby Crozier, who was killed by a terrorist act at Glenanne army camp as he donned the uniform to protect its citizens. Today, I think about the many families of those who donned the uniform to defend this nation and ensure that we could reach this historic milestone in our nation's life.”
“It is with immense pride and joy that I stand in the House today to welcome and mark the centenary of the country that I love and cherish. Undoubtedly, Northern Ireland means a lot of different things to many people, but one thing that we, regardless of community background, can all take huge pride in is its people. Be it in war, on the sporting field, in civic society, in industry or in medicine, Northern Ireland has punched well above its weight across the world. I am proud to call this place home, and I recognise that it is a shared home place. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to the next century with optimism. As the youngest unionist in this place, I am not oblivious to the threats that face the union and face Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I wholeheartedly agree with her sentiment towards the NHS staff, but does she agree that, equally, our praise must go to those care home staff, who had such difficult circumstances to deal with and who, quite often, were the mediators between the family at the window and the resident in the care home as, sadly, they went through their end of life in an isolated place?”
“We must take it upon ourselves to work with everyone who wants to come forward in order to put a stamp on transforming our services and on the experiences of cancer patients. If we do that, it will be a true and lasting legacy of the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />I thank Members again, and I thank the Minister for his comments. He put on record his serious dissatisfaction with and alarm about the current waiting lists. We all have that concern, and Sinéad Ennis was absolutely right when she outlined that we have heard a lot of words about it. We need to see the plan before we can put it in action and collectively work together to achieve its aims.”
“Quite often, we talk about failures in early diagnoses and about treatment pathways that have not worked out, but we need to address the conversations that charities that deal with terminal illness have. We need to address that because it is a bigger problem that is coming down the line. Members can grasp that. <BR /> <BR />I really thank Members for their points. Each one of you has a powerful story that you can tell, but please let us work together and do what we can to help on the issue. I want to see this place adopting the same vigour in fighting cancer that it adopted in fighting COVID-19. It may not be you today, but tomorrow it could very well be you, your family member, friend or child. Cancer is something that very few families escape.”
“Since she came to the House, she has been on record championing the mental health needs of our community. Let us think of that in relation to our cancer patients. Just imagine the mental turmoil that many of them go through. That has been exacerbated by COVID-19. <BR /> <BR />Alan Chambers said that cancer thrives in periods of delay. How true. We have all heard about that. Paula Bradshaw talked about One Cancer Voice requiring a Northern Ireland-specific focus. I pay tribute to her for her work throughout the pandemic and before it as the chair of the all-party group on cancer. It truly has been great to see that work continuing, and I thank her for that. I also thank my colleague Joanne Bunting for her work on the all-party group on terminal illness.”
“The Chair of the Committee, Colm Gildernew, talked about MLAs' experiences. Being able to talk about those experiences will provide powerful testimonies. There is a need for clear investment — the Minister and many Members across the House outlined that — but we really need to focus on where our energies and finances must go in order to help those who are in need. <BR /> <BR />We also heard about a multi-year Budget. I am sick hearing about that in this place. It is time to deliver it. If we cannot put that provision in place for the health service in particular, we are only papering over the cracks. That is something that there is no political difference on in this place, but it is a real point. <BR /> <BR />Cara Hunter talked about the pandemic coming at a huge cost to other services.”
“<BR /> <BR />I listened to health chiefs talk to us at the Committee of experiences of late presentations at A&E, when, sadly, little to nothing could be done. It is essential that GP referrals are addressed as early and efficiently as possible so that cancers can be detected and the best possible course of action taken to alleviate the diagnosis. Many Members talked about early diagnosis, and it is so true: if we catch it early, there is a chance. I recognise that these issues were prevalent before COVID-19 and have only been exacerbated by it, but, for many people, if their condition is not caught early, it is too late.”
“I put on record the life-saving work of many of our GPs who have gone above and beyond during COVID-19, but it is fair to say that, across our constituencies, patients in GP practices have had very different and diverse experiences in their journey. <BR /> <BR />I listened at the Health Committee and read out an account of a gentleman who talked about the experiences of two of his close friends who wanted an urgent face-to-face appointment. These are things that you cannot diagnose or have a conversation about over the phone. You want to see somebody, face to face; you want to tell them the experiences; you want to talk about your anxieties. They were failed because they could not access that. The two friends died.”
“I encourage every Member to engage on the issue in that manner, as you have done today, because there continues to be a real and palpable anger regarding the plight of cancer patients who are awaiting critical, time-dependent surgeries and facing cancellations and prolonged delays in the most crucial of stages. In January of this year, it was revealed that 275 people in Northern Ireland had had their red-flag cancer surgery cancelled. <BR /> <BR />I was particularly struck by Stewart Dickson's comments in relation to GP provision, because that is something that I have grappled with in my constituency and in stories that I have heard. Evidently, there is a great difference in experiences across the board in GP provision.”
“I say this to both of them: while we may not agree on many political issues in this place, I stand four-square behind you in your fight against this terrible disease. Thank you both for putting on record your stories, because, for every story that is told in this place, there is the opportunity for another person to hear it, get themselves checked and, hopefully, receive the life-saving surgery or healthcare provision that they require. <BR /> <BR />We on this side of the House have our own stories that we could tell of colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they go through this terrible ordeal. When all is said and done, and when we look back on this period, it will be our response to this issue that can define this place in a positive light.”
“I cannot help but feel that, as a society, we have, in some way, failed those patients at a time when we were, in fact, trying to save life. I know that the health service had to adjust to work in ways in which it had never worked before, under incredible pressure — many Members have mentioned the challenges that staff faced — but cancer is something on which, collectively, we have to do better. <BR /> <BR />This has been a wonderful conversation and debate. It has been wonderful to hear Members talk about their personal experiences, all politics being removed as Members have talked about the situation that we find ourselves in. I pay tribute to Fra McCann and Stewart Dickson for putting on record their own personal stories.”
“As I rise in the House today, I thank every Member who has contributed to the debate. Members across the House, including you, Mr Deputy Speaker, will know my passion for this issue, particularly during COVID-19.You have afforded me considerable latitude to discuss it in previous debates, and I thank you for that. <BR /> <BR />We watched as a pandemic hit these shores, and we listened to the stories and testimonies of people across our land who were dealing with a cancer diagnosis and felt that they had nowhere to go. It was heartbreaking. I have had many personal testimonies, as, I am sure, have other Members. I went on record in the House previously to state that one of the greatest costs of COVID has been the neglect of cancer patients.”
“I thank the Minister for the statement. A third recall will cause further distress to many patients across Northern Ireland, but, indeed, it is necessary. Within cohort 2, a subgroup of patients was assessed, and 75% were secure and 19·5% were not secure. Can the Minister elaborate on the other factors that must be considered, as is mentioned in the statement? There is also reference made to 5% where there is uncertainty. Can the Minister elaborate on stage 2 of that process? What is the follow-up process when uncertainties like that are found?”
“Minister, can you outline the recognition that is given to the reality when considering thresholds for the sustainability of schools?”
“Sadly, the Minister's answer today confirms verbally what she confirmed to Mr Allister in written format, which is that the Department for Communities will not fund the centenary celebrations in Northern Ireland. Many people in Northern Ireland will rightly view her callous snub of the centenary as a recurrent and running theme in Sinn Féin: first, there was the centenary stone, and, now, a Department that has so much responsibility is not putting forward any funding. When will the Department for Communities — "Communities" plural — step up and respect the cultural aspirations of a significant community in Northern Ireland?”
“However, capacity — both staffing and space — is an issue, so engagement with the independent sector will be crucial in the immediate term. Will the Minister outline the engagement that will happen immediately with the independent sector?”
“This is a bleak statement from the Minister, and it is clear that the current situation cannot continue. It is unsustainable. For many of our constituents, the COVID pandemic has, sadly, become a healthcare pandemic that has rocked the very principles of the NHS that he outlined: available to all and free at the point of access. I share the Minister's concern wholeheartedly, and I want to see the same vigour from the Executive in engaging on this issue as we have seen in the fight against COVID-19. <BR /> <BR />Will the Minister indicate the shortfall in the recurrent funding that would be required year-on-year to implement the strategy that he outlined in the statement? We know that waiting lists will not be dealt with immediately and that that requires a long-term strategic plan.”
“How difficult that must have been, and yet he was never afraid to reach the hand of peace across the divide. Through his distinctive presence and unique sense of humour, he put ordinary people at ease, engaging with all whom he encountered. <BR /> <BR />On Friday past, the nation lost a giant. As with any death, his passing will leave a huge void for his family, friends and loved ones, whose lives were touched by his presence. In time, we will be able to celebrate and fully understand the legacy that he has left and rededicate ourselves to the values to which he devoted his extraordinary life. I know that Her Majesty The Queen will take great comfort in scripture. I particularly draw comfort from the words of Matthew 25:23:”
“I cannot begin to comprehend what Her Majesty The Queen and the royal family are enduring today. They grieve as all families do, but they grieve in the full glare of the media. It is difficult to quantify the depth of devotion and servitude demonstrated by the Duke of Edinburgh for his country and Commonwealth in a life spanning over 99 years. He accompanied Her Majesty The Queen on all 251 of her overseas tours, and he reigns as the longest-serving consort in British history. <BR /> <BR />Prince Philip had a genuine interest in Northern Ireland's affairs. His association with these shores lasted 73 years — the first example taking place with Her Majesty in 1949 — despite the difficulty of the tragic and barbaric death of his uncle and mentor, Lord Louis Mountbatten.”
“That service has been paid in full. Her Majesty summed up that life of service in her own words:”
“For the Duke of Edinburgh, service came first: service to his nation and its people and, most importantly for him, service to Her Majesty The Queen, spanning some 73 years. At the Queen's coronation in 1953, the Duke of Edinburgh swore to be Her Majesty's:”
“He arrived in Britain in a crib made from an orange box via a British warship sent by his future wife's grandfather, King George V, and went on to a flourishing naval career. Like many of his generation, he fought with duty and courage in the Second World War. In Britain's darkest hour, he was among those who participated in the Allied invasion of Sicily.”
“I rise to give thanks for the life of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and to tender my deepest and heartfelt sympathies and those of the people of Upper Bann whom I represent to Her Majesty The Queen and the entire royal family. <BR /> <BR />His Royal Highness was an incredible man in his own right. His life was devoted to public service. Many words come to mind when people think of the contribution of Prince Philip: strength, duty, freethinker, forthright, service. An incredible life, I think, we can all agree. <BR /> <BR />His early years are like something from an award-winning film. He was born on the island of Corfu into a world of severe and life-threatening circumstances.”
“<BR /> <BR />In closing, although we were told of the much-heralded New Decade, New Approach, there has been a new decade but no new approach. Sinn Féin needs to reflect on the damage that it has done to Northern Ireland society by its actions and failure to own up, recognise its mistakes and deal with the situation.”
“The Member nails the point very well because, let us face it, where were the efforts to engage, explain, encourage and, ultimately, enforce the regulations during Bobby Storey's funeral? Their conduct served only to draw the conclusion, that many have sadly come to, that Sinn Féin is above the law that it sets. The Chief Constable has to consider his position. He has to go because there is a crisis of confidence, and Members need to take note of that. I mentioned ACC Todd: the man charged with the task of upholding the rule of law was party to the breaking of the law. He let down and undermined the very police officers who have had such a difficult job throughout COVID. We have asked them to do some incredibly difficult things.”
“By 24 June 2020, police were aware that Sinn Féin was preparing a management plan for the funeral, and police intended to comply with the plan for public safety and traffic management. Listening to 'The Nolan Show' yesterday, I heard ACC Todd give an account of how he policed that operation, and I, like many other Members, was confused. Who was ACC on that day? Was it ACC Todd or was it ACC Gerry Kelly? The public are rightly asking the question today. Who was in control? It certainly was not law enforcement. In fact, policing responsibilities were handed over to Sinn Féin, which was an absolute dereliction of duty.”
“That is regrettable. Northern Ireland has come a long way over many dark years of our past, where politicians and political parties have had to work together for the common interest. I am sad to say it, but that message has been undermined, and undermined by the party opposite. We have all had to play a part, a shared effort, and obeyed life-altering circumstances even at the behest of social and economic well-being. Few in society have been confused by the term "lockdown", but we are expected to believe that 24 Sinn Féin representatives were blissfully unaware that the rules applied to them. Really? Is that how low politics in Northern Ireland has got? <BR /> <BR />Any prosperous and free society relies on a fair police and a just law, so we are right to examine the police actions throughout all of this.”
“How could you not be moved? I listened to the accounts of Kellie Armstrong and Edwin Poots. How many other stories do we have where people feel a sense of regret that, because they followed the regulations and the law, they were not able to bury their loved ones in a manner that they felt was befitting for their memory? <BR /> <BR />What the public rightly want to see today is remorse from Sinn Féin, an apology, recognition of the hurt caused and, going a step further, its members saying, "We are sorry for what we did", and action taken. At the heart of Sinn Féin's mantra is respect, honesty, integrity and, indeed, equality. I, as an elected representative in this House, and many of the people whom I talk to can only conclude that by their actions, you will know them. For Sinn Féin, it is very much a case of Ourselves Alone.”
“This morning when I woke up, I brought into sharp focus what today's debate is about. Today at 3.00 pm, my neighbour of 25 years will be buried, a lady whose table I ate at throughout my childhood and whose garden I played in. That family will follow the restrictions and make that tough decision on who can and who cannot attend that funeral. For many of them, it will be making a decision between families. <BR /> <BR />Over 12,000 people have died in Northern Ireland since the Bobby Storey funeral. Families right across the length and breadth of Northern Ireland, regardless of community and regardless of religious background or political preference, have had to make the difficult decision to bury loved ones in isolation. I cannot but be moved by their accounts of what they have had to deal with. I listened to Mr Nesbitt's account.”
“Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. I am sorry but I cannot let the matter drop. Public confidence is at stake. You asked that we proceed in a professional and mature manner. Surely, that means proceeding with an impartial Chair who has no perceived conflict of interest on the matter. We have the ability to appoint temporary Speakers. It was done when the matter was debated in July. I ask that it is done again and that we can ensure full public confidence.”
“There is no doubt that on the matter before us today — the very serious issue of public confidence — your impartiality is in question. I ask you, Mr Speaker, for the credibility of this institution and for the sake of the debate, to adjourn the House, appoint a temporary Speaker and allow a fair hearing of the debate so that it can be perceived by all in our community as fair and balanced.”
“Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker, I clearly outlined the Standing Order under which I think that the sitting has to be adjourned:”
“I ask you, Mr Speaker, to think of the credibility of this institution, to allow Members time to hear the advice and to reconsider your position and put a temporary Speaker in place.”
“Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. There is a credibility issue in relation to today's debate. There is public confidence at stake here. I urge the Speaker to adjourn the House to brief party leaders as to the advice that he has received and to seek a temporary Speaker. Thousands of families have had to endure restrictions whereby they have laid their loved ones to rest in isolation. Meanwhile, we have a party in this House, namely Sinn Féin, that went to that funeral and had no regard for the regulations that were put in place. Mr Speaker, that calls into question your credibility as an independent Chair of this debate, given your role in that funeral by promoting it online.”