John Blair
South Antrim · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“It supports the Department's role in enforcement by ensuring that animal welfare standards are being upheld. At their core, the regulations are based on prevention, accountability and transparency.”
“I, like others, rise as a member of the AERA Committee in support of the regulations, which seek to make CCTV mandatory in our slaughterhouses. I do not intend to repeat all of the relevant points that have been covered by the Committee Chair and Committee colleagues.”
“<BR /> <BR />I recognise the work of my colleague the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, who is using the powers within his remit to help mitigate climate change.”
“I rise as chair of the all-party group on climate action to address the extreme heatwave that is forecast to hit mainland UK, including a rare red weather warning, with temperatures forecast to be as high as 40°C. It is yet another reminder that climate change is not a distant future risk that we can brush under the carpet.”
“They place pressure on our health service, disrupt transport and infrastructure, reduce productivity and threaten food production, water supplies and biodiversity. If such events continue to grow in severity and frequency, the cost to our communities, our local economy and our natural environment will only rise.”
“I thank the member of the Commission for that reply. It is good to hear that those reviews take place, of course. However, further to the information that was presented, will there be an ongoing review of the continuous improvement plan, and will that information be available to Members?”
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“<BR /> <BR />It is, nevertheless, important that the Order, which establishes a scheme for monitoring, reporting and verification requirements, is implemented in Northern Ireland. There has to be an opportunity for major ETS providers to exceed limitations if required, but those matters will require ongoing analysis and review going forward. I suggest that clarification is also required on the carbon tax. If there is no deal, there might be no chance to negotiate a linked scheme between the UK ETS and EU ETS. In that circumstance, the UK Government might also put an option on the table for a UK carbon tax. However, they have not said that they will definitely introduce a carbon tax or a stand-alone UK ETS. Clarification on those matters is most definitely required.”
“We are the only region of the UK that was not included in the impact assessment for the system that is the cornerstone of Government policy to combat climate change and to limit greenhouse gas emissions across the power, industrial and aviation sectors. That is especially concerning when considering the fact that, at the end of the Brexit transition period, we will be the only devolved nation to share a land border with the EU. The Minister will be aware that I raised issues around that at today's Question Time. I should, at this point, express my gratitude to DAERA officials and the Assembly Committee officials for the information that they brought to us on the issue on that occasion.”
“<BR /> <BR />However, I rise on behalf of Alliance to accept the need for the emissions trading scheme in Northern Ireland, which will include the draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Order, a framework that will apply to energy-intensive industries and which also, of course, allows for opt-out; a framework that also needs to be built on policies that are bespoke to Northern Ireland's industries and need. <BR /> <BR />As a member of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, I was deeply troubled to learn at a Committee briefing that the UK Government did not include Northern Ireland when assessing a framework to combat the effects of climate change.”
“I will start with the statement that it is predicted that, in 2021, emissions from ETS industries will be between 126 million and 131 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. It hardly needs to be said that we are at a crucial juncture in efforts to mitigate the impacts of global warming. The decisions that we make today and the actions that we take will determine whether we succeed or fail at preventing the worst consequences of climate change and the further devastation that it brings.”
“I thank the Minister for the information provided on North/South cooperation. Can I ask about east-west cooperation? What action is being undertaken by the Department to ensure that Northern Ireland is included fully in UK Government consideration of post-transition period planning? I ask that because it became clear recently, as the Minister is aware, that Northern Ireland has not been included in impact assessments carried out for emissions trading schemes for the future.”
“Will the Minister, in the interests of future planning processes, provide an update on the prospects of multi-year Budgets starting in 2020-21?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. In relation to the help that is available to the aviation sector and, in particular, to Belfast International Airport in my constituency, will he detail any discussions that he has had with the Treasury about the possible removal of domestic air passenger duty?”
“If we mean the recently publicly expressed sentiment and intent to build back better and have a green recovery, we cannot in any convincing or sincere way also realistically talk about further fossil fuel exploration. Green recovery requires 21st-century solutions to modern-day needs. I support the motion and urge others to do so.”
“For our safety and that of future generations, we should not allow the new Administration in the Assembly to sell off public lands or allow drilling on our island, and we should ban fracking completely. We urgently need to legislate for the cessation of petroleum licensing for exploration and extraction. Until that can happen, it is imperative that a moratorium on fracking be imposed. Today, we can join counterparts in the UK and Ireland in calling for a date for a moratorium on the exploration and development of new reserves. We can promote the widespread roll-out of renewable energy, decrease the consumption of fossil fuels and mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change.”
“The correlation is simply too strong to ignore, especially when we have cleaner and renewable energy options easily available to us.”
“The environmental concerns also risk detrimental health issues. There is growing evidence of a variety of health problems associated with air pollution and water pollution caused by fracking. Multiple public health risks have emerged in research associated with petroleum exploration and production, including increases in certain cancers, asthmatic conditions, neurological problems and low birth weight amongst those living in communities that neighbour drill sites. Those issues, at the very least, deserve further exploration, examination and, of course, a moratorium.”
“Scientific assessments of the carbon contained in existing fossil fuel reserves suggest that full exploitation of those resources is incompatible with the agreed target of no more than 2°C of global warming. The unrestricted extraction of those reserves and continuing to issue petroleum licences in Northern Ireland, or elsewhere, undermines attempts to limit greenhouse gas emissions and would be counter to these imperatives. By ceasing to issue petroleum licences in Northern Ireland, we can contribute towards our climate change obligations and prevent any further damage or risks associated with drilling exploration wells, unconventional hydrocarbon exploration and, of course, fracking. <BR /> <BR />The big picture is climate change, but fracking is harmful not only to our climate.”
“I welcome Minister Mallon's recent plans to extend the planning permission requirement to cover exploration for oil and gas, including fracking. It is a welcome announcement and, in my opinion, a critical step towards the cessation of petroleum exploration and the detrimental associated environmental impacts that it causes. Like the proposer of the motion, I thank the campaigners who have kept us informed and involved. <BR /> <BR />Speaking on behalf of Alliance, I say that we are at a crucial juncture. The decisions that we make today and the actions that we take will determine whether we succeed or fail at preventing the worst impacts of climate change and the further devastation brought by that.”
“It will also enhance and extend the work done by Members and former Members, such as that outlined by Joanne Bunting in proposing the motion. <BR /> <BR />As an Assembly, we acknowledge Anti-Slavery Day 2020 and the important work of other organisations in raising awareness of human trafficking and campaigning against modern-day slavery. With colleagues on these Benches, I am happy to support the motion.”
“That work, which is sometimes publicised, though often not, is taking place across our constituencies, and it will be aided by the raising of awareness such as will result from the motion and debate. <BR /> <BR />The motion calls for increased protection through the National Referral Mechanism and seeks to extend the period of protection for those who are most in need due to modern slavery, exploitation and servitude. It seeks to protect those who are most vulnerable and in need of time to recover, and to assist with investigations into crimes. Amending section 18 will build on work done in 2016 by my predecessor, David Ford, as Justice Minister to extend assistance and support to potential victims of slavery.”
“I would like to take the opportunity to applaud the Department of Justice for the considerable research and work that has already taken place on tackling human trafficking; the important work of contracted providers for their support services; and the progress that the Department has made towards eliminating modern-day slavery locally. I am sure that the Minister will give us more detail on some of those issues when she responds to the debate. <BR /> <BR />I must also commend the work of the PSNI's modern slavery and human trafficking unit, which, with other agencies across the island and beyond, has continued to work with an increasing number of referrals, thus helping more of those who have been exploited and are suffering.”
“That means that, potentially, one in every 130 women and girls is living in modern slavery and is dehumanised and treated as a commodity or property. <BR /> <BR />It is a global and local problem, and it is happening here in Northern Ireland. Slavery has no place in modern society, and we have an opportunity to condemn practices that exploit the most vulnerable and condemn trafficking as a violation of basic human rights. <BR /> <BR />I firmly believe that slavery in the modern context can be eradicated for good.”
“On behalf of the Alliance Party, I support the motion, which rightly addresses the reality of modern slavery and, in turn, raises awareness. Like other Members, I would like to thank the Members who tabled the motion. <BR /> <BR />When considered in historical terms, the word "slavery" conjures up images that it seemed had been relegated firmly to the past, but the reality is that more people are enslaved today than at any time in history. Whether globally or locally, the statistics are shocking, and, of course, they relate to real lives that have been adversely impacted by corruption and exploitation. Last week, a United Nations report estimated that 29 million women and girls are victims of modern-day slavery. They are exploited by practices including forced labour, debt bondage and domestic servitude.”
“However, should the motion pass today, it will enable the Assembly Commission and AERC to agree terms of reference to ensure that an independent review will be conducted. A further debate will be held in the Chamber once the review is complete. If the recommendations are approved by the House, the Assembly Commission will, in the context of the Assembly's decision, be able to progress other elements of the commitment in NDNA, particularly on issues related to delivering funding for an Opposition. I commend the motion to the House.”
“<BR /> <BR />On the points raised by Jim Allister, the issues with regard to the role of an Opposition are a matter for that review, and they will be brought back to the House at an appropriate stage. I am sure that Mr Allister and other Members will understand that this matter, like other items in NDNA and as the Assembly Commission accepts, has been subject to delay in the midst of other priorities during the public health crisis. I am sure that Mr Allister will understand that the more political matters that he raised are not for consideration by the Commission. <BR /> <BR />The Assembly Commission acknowledges that progress on this, as with other items in NDNA, has been delayed.”
“I thank Members for their contributions. As my Commission colleague Dolores Kelly said, the purpose of the motion is very specific. The Assembly Commission seeks the agreement of the Assembly to refer to the Assembly and Executive Review Committee the matter of a review of the arrangements provided for an Opposition as set out in the New Decade, New Approach deal. Therefore, there is little, at this stage, that I need to add. <BR /> <BR />I will take a moment to reflect on the comments made by a couple of Members. I appreciate that Maolíosa McHugh, in his role as AERC Chair, outlined the role of the Committee, the detail of the review and the working arrangements that will be put in place with the Committee as we move forward.”
“Given that Northern Ireland will remain aligned to large aspects of EU regulation, the all-island context of matters such as food safety and environmental considerations should be self-evident. <BR /> <BR />Questions also remain about the trading from Northern Ireland to Ireland of products that incorporate components from the rest of the UK. In that context, in the absence of a UK-EU free trade agreement, there will be a serious impact from the application of tariffs. Those concerns have been raised by producers here and by suppliers in GB, who are concerned about the future of those arrangements. <BR /> <BR />Guided by my belief in open and liberal international trade and, more importantly, by many expert voices from our vital sectors, I support and urge support for the motion and the amendment.”
“<BR /> <BR />As a member of the EARA Committee, it is important for me to stress the significance of the agriculture sector to our regional economy. It represents around 10% of all activity, and that is considerably higher than the overall average for the sector in the rest of the UK. It is essential that the protocol be implemented in a way that minimises friction on the flow of agri-food trade and that works for businesses and citizens in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The impact of any potential delays, here or in GB, on the value of perishable goods and animal welfare are matters of critical concern and consideration. The prospect of resolving issues such as the common veterinary area are not enhanced by threats to break the terms of international agreements. That is a reality.”
“<BR /> <BR />We should also point out that concern extends beyond this island. At a meeting, just a week ago, the House of Lords EU Environment Sub-Committee raised its concerns about any reneging on the terms of the protocol that could see the customs frontier being pushed back onto the island, bringing the pressures of checks, as the UK naturally seeks to protect its own economic integrity. In the context of an increased level of checks and controls being required for goods moving from the rest of the UK to Northern Ireland in the absence of a UK/EU agreement, I, along with my colleagues, urge the UK Government to consider the likely impact that that would have on Northern Ireland businesses and consumers if the future relationship negotiations are unsuccessful.”
“So, whether it was the decision taken after a debate last week, the week before or a ballot taken four years ago, it is crucial that we continue to debate and discuss these very serious outcomes and the issues arising for our constituents and vital sectors in this place. <BR /> <BR />From this point on, like Declan McAleer, the Committee Chair, and Patsy McGlone, I will concentrate on matters relating to my membership of the EARA Committee. In doing so, I know that any border across the island or down the Irish Sea has emotional and political implications. However, in pragmatic terms, while east-west trade is greater in value than North/South, there are many more movements across this island than across the Irish Sea. There are also 270 North/South border crossing points to manage as compared to seven along the Irish Sea.”
“Like my party colleague Stewart Dickson, I rise to express my deep concerns about recent developments relating to the UK Government's Internal Market Bill proposals that threatened to break international law. That will not surprise any Members. I urge the Assembly to support the motion and the amendment. I urge the UK Government to reconsider their proposals and to engage with the EU constructively on these very serious issues. <BR /> <BR />I speak with the assumption that evolving processes with different and very serious potential outcomes can, and should, be the subject of debate in any democracy. Democracy does not stop with the outcome of one ballot.”
“They can also assist in delivering associated Executive plans on mental health and tackling paramilitarism. In the expectation that agreement in the debate will be focused on effective delivery as well as increased resource, I am happy to support the amendment as a step towards a better-resourced, politically supported, inclusive and representative Police Service.”
“We know that it is more true today than ever, with changing societal need and a rising mental health response requirement. We know that police officers are often delayed for hours on end in A&E units and that much police work is done with young people in places where there is no structured youth provision. We know that, despite successful nurse-led custody work, triage response teams and other multi-agency trials, there is not yet an agreed, collaborative, interdepartmental and inter-agency framework for delivery. The police continue to lead on issues and in areas that are not essentially policing issues. <BR /> <BR />Those arrangements, like the need to address the current year-on-year funding set-up, are vital if we are to plan properly and use any increase in police numbers to the best effect.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have no doubt that, like her Executive colleagues and Members throughout the House, the Minister of Justice sees the policing resource issue as a priority, and I am sure that she will respond accordingly today. I am also sure that the Chief Constable knows the importance of efficiency, process review and modernisation of service delivery as part of the equation. I hope that the message from the House today is one of support for those who are trying to deliver in the interests of keeping people safe. <BR /> <BR />Perhaps, on that theme of people and community safety, we can also use today as an opportunity to review and refresh approaches to joined-up policing. We all know the line, "Policing cannot be done by the police alone", and some of us have used it in the past.”
“Members will be only too familiar with the expectation that is placed on the PSNI in policing the pandemic, as has been only too well publicised in recent days. That expectation should be measured in the context that the police are often responding, with their own internal COVID human resource challenges, in a situation in which 101 and 999 calls and antisocial behaviour reports are now back at pre-lockdown levels. That, of course, comes in addition to the very worrying pressure that is created by increased domestic violence reports since the beginning of lockdown in March. All that is being policed against the backdrop of continued severe dissident terrorist threats and uncertainties for policing in light of eventual EU exit outcomes.”
“The amendment also references UK Government funding directly and calls on the Executive to take action to follow up on that existing commitment. I should say, however, that we understand the core intent of the original motion, and I, like all Members, support the call for increased policing resource. <BR /> <BR />As a Policing Board member and an MLA, I am acutely aware of the challenges facing policing, not least in the current COVID-19 scenario.”
“On behalf of Alliance, I support the amendment in the first instance. At the outset, I should declare an interest as a member of the Policing Board. <BR /> <BR />The amendment, I believe, correctly addresses the realities of the long-awaited increase in PSNI officer numbers, as well as the significant shortfall in UK Government funding made available to fulfil New Decade, New Approach commitments. The motion, whilst addressing the importance of visible neighbourhood policing and other matters, references inaction when, in fact, there might have been some progress already, as mentioned by Dolores Kelly a moment ago. I also feel that it falls a little short in addressing the need for collaborative action, forward planning and, indeed, collective responsibility for New Decade, New Approach.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Waste incinerators have been measured as an expensive method of generating energy and handling waste. Will the Minister give the House his Department's assessment of the economic burden that the proposed Hightown incinerator would have on local councils and their environmental services' capacity?”
“I also welcome the Minister's announcement of the establishment of a reference group to advise and inform on the requirement and necessity for a victims of crime commissioner. <BR /> <BR />Mindful of the need for future solutions and improvements to our victim support system to ensure effective service delivery, I support the motion and what it proposes. I am also hopeful that the motion and any outcomes from today's debate will be complementary to progress already made, will be considered in conjunction with processes already under way and, most importantly, will be taken forward with the individual needs of all victims as a top priority.”
“The history of underpolicing those communities and victims of crime is, of course, a separate issue, but it is also part of the picture. It is essential that we view that picture overall, not as a specific need, however important that need may be, but as part of the overall justice scene. It is important that the system provides support to victims of hate crime through the criminal justice process and signposts them to relevant services through their ongoing struggles for equality and justice. <BR /> <BR />I welcomed the Department's announcement, last year, of tackling intolerable hate crime and carrying out an independent review of hate crime legislation in Northern Ireland. Many parties will have already engaged with Judge Marrinan's review of hate crime. It is reassuring that the Department is fully engaged in that process.”
“Victims of hate crime, for example, who have experienced a personal attack because of their race, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender identity or even disability may have endured a lifetime of discrimination, and they will require a tailored approach to victim support. <BR /> <BR />In the context of the motion, we also need to consider the importance of victims to the policing scenario, the complexities that motivate hate crime and effective policing practices. One could argue that hate crime has become a gauge for contemporary police relations with vulnerable and marginalised communities, so we should consider the importance of how we police effectively and how police can lead conversations with such communities about crimes arising from prejudice.”
“I rise on behalf of the Alliance Party to support the motion, although I should make it clear at the outset that I see the motion as a framework on which to build a more comprehensive and operative support system through which all victims of crime will receive a level of support that is suitable to their individual circumstances and requirements. Of course, the circumstances surrounding each crime are different, and the needs of each victim are different, so the support that they receive should be tailored and appropriate to their needs. The nature of the crime experienced by the victim should also be taken into account so that they receive effective service and support as they proceed through the justice system.”
“As one who lives there too, on behalf of my Alliance Party colleagues, I extend our deepest sympathies to Derek's partner Sarah, his three children and those across the arts sector, who will of course mourn his passing.”
“All of us who love poetry in Northern Ireland and, indeed, many beyond will be saddened to hear of the death of Derek Mahon, who was one of our great writers. It particularly hits home for those from north Belfast and south Antrim, as his early poem 'Glengormley' originated in the area. It says:”
“However, the Bill should have been changed to address a more delicate marine environment and depleted fish stocks. The Fisheries Bill presents us with an opportunity to create bespoke policies that are relevant to Northern Ireland and our unique position and to achieve lasting change for the better. Therefore, with a view to future solutions and improvements, which, I hope, the Minister can reflect on, I am content to support the LCM and do so in the knowledge that we need to avoid further confusion and delays at this stage.”
“Overfishing is, of course, also a threat to sustainability. <BR /> <BR />The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) estimates that 31·4% of fish stocks are either already fished to capacity or overfished. That is counterintuitive, considering that sustainable fisheries management and more abundant fish stocks can provide the fishing industry with greater long-term security. It is estimated that recovering fish stocks to healthy levels would result in a 37% rise, which is the equivalent of £241 million per year in the value of fish landings UK-wide. It would, of course, create many more jobs as well. <BR /> <BR />Now, more than ever, it is crucial that primary legislation enshrine sustainability in law, and, as a framework Bill, the Fisheries Bill provides an opportunity to do that.”
“<BR /> <BR />The urgency of the EU exit timetable was mentioned, as was the additional pressure of limited capacity and time for the AERA Committee to give full and proper consideration to forthcoming Bills and procedures. That is of the utmost concern when we consider the importance of the forthcoming and now delayed joint fisheries statement. <BR /> <BR />Whatever the outcome of the current process, the challenges of balancing the needs of the sector with environmental issues will remain and will be real. Human activities threaten the health of our oceans. It is estimated that over 80% of marine pollution comes from land-based activities, such as pesticides and nutrients used in agriculture ending up in coastal waters, resulting in oxygen depletion that kills marine plants and shellfish.”
“Regarding Brexit and Northern Ireland's unique position, the local fish processing sector, whilst small in comparison with that in other parts of the UK, makes a significant contribution to the areas in which it is based and not just in economic terms. The sea that surrounds this island supports daily lives, provides multiple resources and services, including food, renewable energy sources, tourism, leisure opportunities, physical and mental health benefits and, of course, cultural heritage. While the sea-fishing industry in Northern Ireland makes a significant contribution to our economy and culture, it is heavily reliant on accessing markets outside the region. The value of landings outside Northern Ireland waters is greater than that of local landings, which could present challenges following the transition period.”
“On behalf of Alliance, I support the legislative consent motion, although I see it as a holding position — an interim measure —and a framework on which to build a Bill and policies that are bespoke to Northern Ireland's unique circumstances. The Fisheries Bill goes some way towards addressing the conservation governance gaps that our exit from the European Union exposes. However, issues remain that need to be addressed. <BR /> <BR />I express my disappointment that some key amendments were removed by the UK Government at the Public Bill Committee stage. Those amendments would have addressed sustainability as the prime objective of the Bill and provided for the introduction of remote electronic equipment and cameras on vessels. The removal of those amendments undermines the primary objective of the Bill, which is to make:”
“<BR /> <BR />Before I close, I again express my sympathy for the families of Charlotte and Lisa, given the pain and anguish that they have suffered. I urge that we follow the processes already in place to achieve a good outcome, and I encourage Members to support the amendment.”
“Sinéad Bradley, for the SDLP, spoke in support of the motion and of the unimaginable pain for families. She then turned to whether or not disclosure is deliberate. Doug Beattie spoke of the existing role of the parole board. He also spoke of the uncertainty for a family in not knowing when a killer will get parole. Rachel Woods spoke on the detail of the sentencing review and said that she would like to see some information on that. She also referred to her hope for change. Gerry Carroll referred, to quite some extent, to the current parole process. We heard from the Minister, who spoke of the Bills in question, the detail of current processes and, of course, the time frames involved in those.”
“Time permitting, I will reflect, as best I can, on Members' contributions. I do not think that I will have time to do so individually, but I will try to reflect on contributions in a cross-party way. <BR /> <BR />Alex Easton, who opened the debate on the motion, stressed the non-political background of the motion and set out the background to Helen's law. He also spoke eloquently of the grief and trauma for families. Kellie Armstrong, who proposed the amendment, pointed out that she believed the motion went beyond Westminster legislation and cautioned on the potential disparity between the sentence that is handed down and that which is served. Linda Dillon spoke in support of the amendment. She said that it could be the beginning of a process to deal properly with these crimes.”
“Time, however, passes, and there might be uncertainty about identities and locations. Those are practical and legislative challenges and are real, but they are matters that can be addressed in the sentencing review process initiated by the Minister, which is under way.”
“However, having listened very carefully to all of the contributions to the debate, I appreciate that some Members believe that a refusal to disclose information should mean that parole is automatically denied. <BR /> <BR />While I can understand such views, it is important that the discretion of the independent Parole Commissioners is maintained. They have the onerous task, when considering such cases, of weighing the account to be taken of non-disclosure and any reasons for that in consideration for release. That is not an easy task, and I am conscious that should disclosure be conditional on release, it is possible that with the passage of time such disclosure might be highly fallible and inconclusive.”
“As we move to vote on the motion and the amendment, we should consider that those malicious acts are a personal tragedy for the families and friends of Charlotte and Lisa and that those tragic losses will, of course, affect their lives forever. <BR /> <BR />As I wind up the debate, I want to re-emphasise the comments that my colleagues Kellie Armstrong and Paula Bradshaw made earlier when they reflected that there is not sufficient recognition of the importance to victims and their families of the parole process and its outcomes. In situations where offenders are released, victims and their families can, understandably, feel powerless and frustrated when they do not know the factors that underpin a decision.”