Phillip Brett
North Belfast · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Paula has been a diligent Chair who has championed the interests of victims and survivors. I personally thank her for her work on the Bill. I pay tribute to Committee members, who also dedicated their time to the Bill, and to our Committee staff.”
“At the outset, I pay tribute to the Member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone for her heartfelt and valuable contribution. As you rightly said, Mr Deputy Speaker, her family will be very proud of the contribution that she has just made. <BR /> <BR />Today marks a truly significant moment.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am therefore delighted to report to the House that a U-turn has been secured. This year, the Twelfth has been promoted through Discover Northern Ireland's social media channels.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill will establish a statutory public inquiry alongside a redress scheme, both of which are important. Their establishment recognises that there is a responsibility not only to uncover truth but to acknowledge the profound harm that was caused.”
“I warmly welcome the progress that has been achieved in the promotion of the Twelfth of July and our wider Orange and Ulster-Scots traditions by Tourism Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />Today's debate is not about rewriting history but about confronting history honestly. It is about recognising that vulnerable women and children were failed by institutions, by society and by the state.”
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“The Member had the opportunity to join us to remove those targets in order for the A5 to proceed — he spent 90 seconds of his speech talking about how he wants to see the project delivered — but he did not take that opportunity. <BR /> <BR />I will move on to the motion and say why my party will oppose it. Ms Bradshaw articulated one of the reasons when she highlighted the inclusion of "petty rows" in the text of the motion. The one example that the leader of the Opposition gave for why those words were included was not an Executive motion but the Back-Bench motion that I moved yesterday, the debate on which took place after the motion before us was tabled. He therefore cannot even articulate a reason for why that wording was included.”
“I am happy to give way to the leader of the Opposition: if he really wants to start building things and get that investment moving, he can join me in tabling a motion today that calls for the Executive to revoke those targets so that we can ensure that projects are delivered.”
“It is right that we waited to have that before publishing our investment strategy, because, once again, in fairness to the leader of the Opposition, had we published an investment strategy in advance of knowing what our affordability envelope was, he would be the first to stand up in the Chamber and criticise the lack of ambition or our ability to deliver that strategy. <BR /> <BR />Secondly, we cannot get away from the judgement on the A5 development. The court ruled that the current climate change targets meant that that capital project and its investment strategy could not go ahead.”
“I will split my speech in two. One part will be on where I agree with the leader of the Opposition, and the other will be on where I disagree with him. The first part might be slightly shorter than the second. All Members in the House want to see an investment strategy, and no contributor will stand up and lament the leader of the Opposition's call for that. However, it is important to recognise the context in which the forthcoming publication of the investment strategy will happen. <BR /> <BR />First, in fairness to the leader of the Opposition, he articulated the fact that the comprehensive spending review has taken place, and the Finance Minister and Executive colleagues are now working on a multi-year Budget.”
“For me, that statement encapsulates everything about his vision, which is built on pride, opportunity and a belief that, as a nation, we can stand together. <BR /> <BR />As Michael continues to lead Northern Ireland, we pay tribute to his commitment, his class and his contribution to our national story. He has earned his rightful place among the great figures of our sporting history. On behalf of the Assembly and every supporter who dared to dream, we say, "Thank you, Michael". You have given us moments that we will never forget, and, like you, we believe that the best is yet to come. <BR /> <BR />Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, 'We're not Brazil, we're Northern Ireland'.”
“<BR /> <BR />When he returned to the job in 2022, he did so with the same passion and pride. His focus on raising standards, nurturing talent and bringing on the next generation of footballers has never wavered. As Michael said:”
“Through hard work, discipline and vision, he reignited that spark of belief that Northern Ireland could once again stand shoulder to shoulder with Europe's elite. Our two weeks in France in 2016 will be forever etched into the national consciousness of this country. That campaign involved more than just football matches; they were nights when the whole country smiled together, when Windsor Park roared as one and when the world once again took notice of Northern Ireland. Under Michael's leadership, our team reminded us that success is not defined by size but by spirit. Through his organisation, determination and togetherness, he showed that we can bridge any gap, and he gave a generation of young fans, which I once was, heroes to believe in for the future.”
“It is with a deep sense of pride and huge gratitude that I rise to mark the historic occasion of Michael O'Neill's 100th game in charge of Northern Ireland. Despite the best attempts of the officials last night, what a performance it was by the football team to mark that occasion. <BR /> <BR />In football, numbers, goals, results and appearances tell part of the story, but this milestone represents something far greater. It marks a journey of leadership and belief and the restoration of national pride here in Northern Ireland. When Michael first took charge of Northern Ireland in 2012, he inherited a side facing massive challenges, but he saw potential in our players where others did not.”
“I will not give way any further. We have had an argument. It is clear how the votes will be cast. The Alliance Party has admitted that, in the deal that it did with its friends in Sinn Féin and the SDLP, it was done over. However, rather than vote with this party to get the review, it will just vote with them again. The people of Northern Ireland will see from the vote tonight that the Alliance Party had the opportunity to ensure that the voice of the people of Belfast was heard by saying that we need a review of the policy, but, rather than vote for that, its Members will vote with their friends in Sinn Féin and the SDLP.”
“There is no legislation from Westminster on dual language street signs. My view on the matter is clear. I was on Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council when it introduced its policy, which was that, if a majority of residents want to have a dual language street sign in whatever minority language that is, fair play to them: go ahead and do that. We voted that through.”
“You are perfectly able to do that, yet you set out to attack us. I just ask how your remarks have served the cause of unionism standing together, and I ask you to reflect on that. <BR /> <BR />Mr Gaston went on to discuss the power of the Communities Minister to issue guidance. Guidance is guidance and has no legal impact, and the Member knows that very well. When parties on this side of the House should be standing together, Mr Gaston's speech was an attempt to throw mud in the air and confuse.”
“You must not have read your speech very well, Mr Gaston, before you read it out, because half your speech was dedicated to attacking the DUP. We have made it very clear what we have done. First, we tabled the motion on which you have just spent six minutes speaking. Secondly, although you lambasted the issue of the Irish Language Commissioner, we did not consent to having a stand-alone Irish language Act or an all-encompassing Irish Language Commissioner that would have delivered what Sinn Féin wanted, which was a requirement for a percentage of Irish language speakers in the Civil Service and for dual language street signs and road signs all over Northern Ireland. In your determination to discredit and attack the DUP, Mr Gaston — in your dedication to that — you missed those facts.”
“It is now clear that the Alliance Party could not make it clear that it will not call for a review of the position in Belfast. Listen: that is its prerogative. It needs to own that. <BR /> <BR />We have been accused of whipping up tension, but this is the very place where such discussions and robust debates should happen. We are the elected representatives of the people of Northern Ireland, and this is where their discussions should happen.”
“I will move on. We will aim for the stars on that one. <BR /> <BR />In the 10 minutes in which Alliance Members spoke, they did not articulate how they will vote on the motion. I am happy to give way to them now, if they wish to clarify to the public who are listening how they will vote and the reason for that.”
“<BR /> <BR />In the 14 minutes during which SDLP Members spoke in the debate, they did not make one remark about the motion. They could not articulate one sentence in support of the 15% policy that has been put in place by their party. Mr McGlone made excellent remarks. I have a lot of time for Mr McGlone, and he gave a great history of the Irish language, but it is of absolutely no relevance to the issue before us. The leader of the Opposition decided to speak about flags and the chats that he has in cafes on the roads of South Belfast, but he could not articulate why his party voted for Belfast City Council's policy. Justin McNulty — well —”
“Mr Gaston has to read from his scripted remarks, which were given to him before he came into the Chamber, and there were no compliments, no thanks and no talk of unionists working together. We hear of unionists standing together. I am very happy to stand with him, but I will not sit here and take attacks from one party that then expects us to roll in behind it on another. Our agenda on the issue is clear. The debate was an opportunity for unionists to stand together. Instead, Mr Gaston wasted half his time attacking the DUP. The DUP did not deliver the stand-alone Irish language Act that the party opposite wanted. The very people who may be appointed to those roles attack the party for not being able to achieve it, yet you, Mr Gaston, come to the Chamber and attack me.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. The debate brought little that was surprising. Sinn Féin Members articulated their long-held position. Let us make it clear: Sinn Féin's position, which it is entitled to hold, is that there should be dual language street signage across Northern Ireland and in every corner of it. That is what it wanted from its stand-alone Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022, but that is what it did not get. <BR /> <BR />Despite that, the TUV has to take this opportunity, at a time when unionists should be standing together on the issue, to attack a fellow unionist. There was no mention of the fact that it was a unionist politician who tabled the motion.”
“I appreciate the Member articulating her remarks, but we are now into the second Alliance speech, and we still have not heard how you are going to vote on the motion. Will the Member articulate to the House and the watching public how the Alliance Party will vote on the motion?”
“I have not seen the detail of that Bill, but, once it is published, we will look at it in great detail and consult stakeholders, those in the workplace and businesses, to ensure that we have legislation that is fit for purpose. <BR /> <BR />I thank the First Minister, the junior Ministers and the deputy First Minister for setting out the legislative programme. The leader of the Opposition criticised them for not giving a press conference or issuing a press release on this issue, yet he would be the very first person to stand up and criticise the First Minister and deputy First Minister had they not brought the issue to this very place first. You cannot have it both ways, and it is clear that there is no constructive Opposition in the House, just one Member from Newry and Armagh who shouts out random statements.”
“I also welcome the Utility Regulator decarbonisation Bill, though I will look, in my roles of Chair of the Committee and DUP economy spokesperson, to expand the role of the Utility Regulator, who plays an important role here in Northern Ireland. In my view, the Utility Regulator's advice should not just be confined to the Department for the Economy, because the Utility Regulator has a vital role to play in advising other Departments so that we can meet as many of our legislative targets as possible. The 'good jobs' Bill has been mentioned already, and, as a party, we want to see the rights of workers being strengthened and workers across Northern Ireland being treated fairly. We will ensure that any Bill that comes forward from the House has the support of workers and our business community.”
“I have a message for the Opposition: when you win elections, you get to set the legislative agenda. Our Ministers have the right to bring forward whatever legislation they see fit, because that mandate was given to us by the people of Northern Ireland, who placed us in government. <BR /> <BR />I want to speak about a number of the Bills that are included in the programme, the first of which relates to the Department for the Economy. I welcome the Minister's progress on the RHI closure Bill, the detail of which, as we have seen to date, reflects a good deal for those who entered the scheme in good faith and those in the public who want to see a value-for-money scheme.”
“That is another helpful intervention from the Member for Newry and Armagh. <BR /> <BR />I want to put on the record the Opposition's obsession with legislation. Legislation does not always mean good government. We have witnessed legislation passed in the House that has not been good legislation. The Climate Change Act, to which Members of the House tied themselves, is the very reason for the A5 project now being stalled, and our investment strategy needs to be under review because that Act is hampering growth. One of the first acts of this Assembly mandate was to undo a private Member's Bill that introduced free parking at hospitals, and that was necessary because Members lined up behind a populist cause to try to get that legislation passed before the election, even though they knew that it could not be delivered.”
“First, I thank the deputy First Minister for moving the motion. <BR /> <BR />When the Executive present their legislative programme, it is the opportunity for the "constructive" Opposition to tear into the Executive, highlight their failings and set out the Opposition's alternative legislative programme. It will not be lost on the people of Northern Ireland that we have one Member from the Opposition present in the Chamber now. We have one Member from the SDLP. Others came, read out their pre-scripted remarks and then left the Chamber. The opposition that sit on the left of me cannot even bother to turn up either. Therefore, when those parties call out and challenge the Executive parties, which turn up and speak up for the people of Northern Ireland, let them look at the empty Benches, and that will give them the answer.”
“It is very hard to give support to a Bill that has not even been drafted yet. It would be remiss of me or my party to give carte blanche approval to a Bill that we have not even seen.”
“The Minister will be aware of my ongoing desire, and that of his party colleague, to get that service in place and delivered before Christmas. Will the Minister fulfil the Christmas wish of Miss McAllister and I for Santa to put the support in place so that we can have late-night public transport before Christmas?”
“Had I used such derogatory language about the Irish Republic, it would be front-page news. The BBC would hound me at my house, and Stephen Nolan would discuss it every single day. However, that passed off without comment from any of the parties opposite. Had I said that about the Republic of Ireland, the Alliance Party, the SDLP and Sinn Féin would call for my resignation. We see your double standards. <BR /> <BR />Later today, those parties can right their wrongs during the debate on our motion that calls for the removal of a discriminatory Irish language sign policy. The people of Northern Ireland will watch how their MLAs vote on that issue. The time for weasel words is over.”
“Where are the police investigations, media outrage and political statements condemning bullet holes in the "welcome" signs at our international borders with the Irish Republic? There has been no comment from other political parties in the Chamber. My community sees the double standards in the House and the media, and we will call them out. <BR /> <BR />Just last week, the war memorial in Glengormley in my constituency was spray-painted and defaced. I am the only MLA who called that out. Where were the comments from the Member of Parliament for that constituency? Where was the media outrage? There was none. We see their double standards. <BR /> <BR />Last week, a former Member of Parliament and Sinn Féin Member called this country — the country that I love — a "shithole". Had I appeared in a programme and called —.”
“The attack on the Irish language street sign at Shandon Park on Saturday was wrong and should be condemned. I say that without fear or favour. Attacks on all signs, and all criminality, should be called out at all times. I am able to say that, but other elements of the House, and, indeed, the media, seem not to want to say the same thing. They pretend that it does not happen and ignore it when it does not fit their narrow agenda. <BR /> <BR />In a podcast last week, a former Member of Parliament for Fermanagh and South Tyrone claimed with a straight face that she had never seen the blacking out of "London" on a Londonderry sign. I do not know whether she drives around wearing a balaclava, but I do not know how she could not have seen those defaced signs. Where are the police investigations, the media outrage and the political statements?”
“On a point of order, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Can you outline who I accused of lying? I said that this party did not lie. I did not accuse anyone of lying, so I ask you to withdraw that remark.”
“When we do not meet these targets in 2030, it will not be this party that lied to the public.”
“We have no socialisation policy, which was promised last year, and that means that, even if we do try to build those new homes, they could not even benefit or connect to it. <BR /> <BR />Let us deal in facts. This was a perfect opportunity. Mr Honeyford gets this issue, and he had a really good opportunity to bring forward a cross-cutting motion that we could all have supported that called for the Minister for Communities to play his role, the Minister of Finance to play his role in relation to regulations, and the Minister for the Economy. Mr Honeyford and I bang our heads off the wall at Committee week after week. This is a complex issue. Dr Aiken gets criticised by Members in the House, but he gets it. Putting a battery in a roof or changing the future design of houses is not going to meet this target.”
“I wholeheartedly agree with the points that you make in relation to the grid connection here in Northern Ireland and the ability to draw that down, but your motion does not mention any of that, because that falls under the Department for the Economy. I am not a climate change denier, but I am going to set out why we are not going to meet the targets. It is because our energy policy in Northern Ireland is an absolute basket case. We have no renewable energy support scheme. It was promised that the legislation would be introduced this year and that the auction would take place. That has been delayed. We have no long-term storage policy for energy, which the Member has articulated the need for but does not mention in the motion. We have no grid connection policy, so, even if we do produce that energy, it cannot be drawn down.”
“I gave you your opportunity, Ms Armstrong. You did not take it. <BR /> <BR />The Alliance Party is now saying in this motion today that we are going to get to 80% in less than five years. What is the great solution that the Alliance Party is putting forward to achieve that? It is going to redesign future social homes. Ms Armstrong went on to articulate how we are going to do that, and it is by putting a battery in the roof of those homes. Therefore, the Alliance Party's action as to how we are going to double our production of renewable energy is to change building regulations, which do not even come under the remit of the Minister whom it is attacking today, and put a few batteries in the roof of homes. That is not a sustainable position, and the party needs to be honest with the —.”
“Actually, it was a Member from the Alliance Party, but I appreciate your commentary, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, during my remarks. <BR /> <BR />The Alliance Party's position on this is clear, but let us introduce some facts. What is the current percentage of renewable energy produced here in Northern Ireland? I will give way to the proposer of the motion if she knows the answer. See, she does not know the answer. The current position is that it is 43%.”
“Let us introduce some facts into the debate. We are getting lectured by the Alliance Party on meeting legal targets by 2030, but, just last week, that party's own Minister approved 1,000 additional hours of fossil fuel production. The Alliance Party now comes to this Chamber, lectures the DUP and calls the DUP climate change deniers. The ones who are continuing —.”
“Thank you very much, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. The public, when they hear debates in the Chamber, are used to parties — normally us — being accused of gaslighting them, but we have just had people stand and read scripted remarks that, they know, are factually incorrect.”
“I appreciate the Member's giving way. I agree with him about the Department for the Economy, but why is no mention of that Department included in the motion that is before us today?”
“I appreciate the Member giving way. Does the Member honestly believe that the legal target set by the previous Assembly will be met?”
“Ms Armstrong wants to shout from a sedentary position about batteries. As such, does the Member further agree that the Alliance motion has not outlined a single cost of introducing its proposals?”
“Does the Member agree that, in order to ensure the drawdown of that supply, a grid connection policy is needed? One does not currently exist.”
“At the outset, I condemn the disgraceful attack on the Minister's constituency office yesterday. My thoughts are with the Minister, her staff and her family. I also thank the Minister for her commitment and support to this scheme; it is greatly appreciated. Can the Minister articulate the outstanding support from Executive colleagues that she requires to move it forward? I understand that a number of Departments have already signed up to it. How quickly can we start the process to ensure that this is in place before Christmas?”
“Mr Bradley can be assured of my support in ensuring that he gets a fair case for the people whom he represents.”
“I take it that Mr Honeyford will not be taking up my offer that we clear the site with a digger tomorrow. <BR /> <BR />My party remains committed to ensuring that we have regional balance in all parts of Northern Ireland. It is worth reading into the record some figures relating to the points raised by my colleague, Mr Bradley, who is an articulate champion for the people whom he is honoured to represent. Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Area is ranked ninth out of 11 for labour productivity, tenth out of 11 for median wages, ninth out of 11 for subregional employment rates and ninth for greenhouse gas emissions. That is where the focus of this place should be: ensuring that people of all backgrounds and communities in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area receive the support that they deserve.”
“I will go tomorrow with Mr Honeyford and a digger to clear that site completely and open it up for economic development. What Mr Honeyford did not say is that the DUP will not support a shrine to terrorists on that site. If Mr Honeyford wants to join me with a digger tomorrow, we can go and clear the site.”
“<BR /> <BR />I will pick up on some of the points made by other Members who spoke, who blamed the lack of investment in parts of Northern Ireland on the big bad unionists. The message for the Benches opposite is that you have jointly run this place for 25 years. No longer can you criticise Ministers. You have had the joint head of Government since 2003. You now hold the Economy, Infrastructure and Finance portfolios. You can no longer blame failings on the big bad unionists. Had we presided over the shambles that is the A5 court case, this party would have been hounded by our political opponents and the media. You cannot blame that on the big bad unionists. <BR /> <BR />I also want to pick up on Mr Honeyford's point. He incorrectly stated that the DUP is holding up the economic development of the Maze/Long Kesh site.”
“That new approach was taken forward by the Minister to ensure that Invest Northern Ireland would invest in new properties and business parks. To date, the Minister has allocated zero pounds to that programme. If it were a Minister from these Benches who allocated zero pounds to that fund, we would be accused of sectarianism and anti-Foyle sentiment. <BR /> <BR />The previous Minister's approach to the subregional economic plan was the economic partnerships: some £45 million has been allocated to that to date. How much of that vital £45 million of resources has been spent? Absolutely zero. Again, if this party had behaved in that way, we would have been, rightly, criticised.”
“The exclusion of Ards and North Down from the renewed focus by Invest Northern Ireland under the Minister's instruction is, in my view, completely unacceptable. In the rankings of labour productivity and median wages, that council area ranks worst and second worst in comparison with other parts of Northern Ireland. The Minister at the time could not justify the creation of a false Belfast metropolitan area plan area to exclude funding or support from that council, and, to date, neither has the new Minister been able to do that. <BR /> <BR />I also said that, in many ways, plan would not be worth the paper that it was written on if the proposals were not advanced. Unfortunately, that is now the case. Within the document, page 9 is dedicated to the Invest Northern Ireland regional property fund.”
“I start by saying that, although I am a representative of Belfast, I am the party's economic spokesperson, so I am committed to ensuring that we have a Northern Ireland that works for everyone, in every corner. <BR /> <BR />I welcome Ms Nicholl back to her place. She will bring a much-needed calm and zen back to our Committee deliberations. She is very welcome back. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Member for Foyle for the debate. Although the tone or content of the discussion has drifted away from the motion, a number of issues in it are worthy of discussion, not least the subregional economic plan that was announced by the Minister's predecessor more than a year ago. I am on record as having criticised that plan when it was launched, because I believed that it had failings. Those have been played out to date.”
“I agree with every single word that the Justice Minister has said in today's replies. Does she agree that it is vital not only that she respect the operational independence of the Police Service of Northern Ireland but that every single political party and Member respect the settlement also?”
“Does the deputy First Minister agree that that investment in Northern Ireland shows the strength and importance of having a joint head of Government that turns up, stands up and speaks up for Northern Ireland on the international stage, and will she commit to continuing to represent everyone in Northern Ireland whilst others boycott their duty to the people of Northern Ireland?”