Brian Kingston
North Belfast · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“As a DUP member of the Justice Committee, I welcome the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill moving to Second Stage. As other Members have mentioned, we are currently handling three substantial Bills at Justice Committee: the Justice Bill, the amendments on which we completed voting on earlier today after seven days of debate; the Criminal…”
“We recognise, however, that the commissioner is not to be an appeal mechanism for when, for example, the outcome of a trial is considered to be unsatisfactory, such as when an unduly lenient sentence is handed down.”
“The special measures include ensuring that an alleged perpetrator is not allowed to cross-examine the victim of the alleged offence, including in sexual crime cases. <BR /> <BR />We heard comments from the Sinn Féin Member for Mid Ulster in praise of her party's support for victims' human rights.”
“We are aware that the trial process often focuses more on the defendant who is charged with an offence than it does on the victims of the alleged crime. Victims must be at the heart of the justice system, not peripheral to it.”
“We welcome the fact that, through the legislation, the post will be formally established and regulated. <BR /> <BR />The principal aim of the commissioner is to promote the interests of victims and witnesses. The commissioner is intended to have a strategic role rather than to become involved in individual cases. Indeed, clause 8 states:”
“Although the Minister notified us a week ago that he would make his statement, it was disappointing that we received the text of it less than an hour before he was scheduled to give it in the Chamber, which did not help us with scrutiny.”
The complete record
Every one of 1,072 lines we hold for Brian Kingston, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 15 of 22.
“The report found that there was a failure to take ownership, to implement effective monitoring arrangements and to engage with children and the community and voluntary sector and that the strategy failed to turn the curve and reduce child poverty. <BR /> <BR />The DUP is ready to lead a step change in approach. Tackling poverty, including child poverty, is a cross-cutting issue and, therefore, an Executive-wide responsibility. However, that should be a catalyst for good and for real change, not for paralysis and inaction, as has often been the case. <BR /> <BR />We all know the importance of getting a new anti-poverty strategy right. The challenge that poverty presents to households across Northern Ireland is huge. There is a heavy burden on many hard-working people who are struggling to make ends meet.”
“<BR /> <BR />DUP elected representatives got involved in politics because they care about this place. We care about its people, and we want to see Northern Ireland thriving. We have a strong record of delivery for working people, and we are committed to ensuring that each child gets the best start in life. Since taking up the role of Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons and his officials have been working with other Departments to learn from the actions and the failings of previous leadership in this area. <BR /> <BR />The Public Accounts Committee report on child poverty in Northern Ireland reported that the delivery of the last child poverty strategy was characterised by failure.”
“In many cases, that need for support is being met by community, voluntary and faith-based groups, which do amazing work in our communities. <BR /> <BR />Childcare is one example of a financial burden for working families. The DUP designed a subsidy scheme and slashed childcare bills by 15%, saving working parents up to £160 per month. That is DUP delivery. In under four months, £4 million has been issued in support of families with young children. <BR /> <BR />We have seen the successful roll-out of the social supermarket scheme. That was co-designed with councils to assist those facing food poverty. The social supermarket provides wrap-around services to help address the underlying issues contributing to a household's financial position. The models evolve and develop in recognition of level of need and the geographic area.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Alliance Party for tabling the motion on this important matter, and I hope that the Assembly will accept our amendment, which captures current progress on the updated anti-poverty strategy. <BR /> <BR />The Democratic Unionist Party continues to stand by families across Northern Ireland, many of whom are feeling the financial squeeze, with soaring costs for basic goods such as food and utilities. That is evidenced by the stark statistics provided by the Trussell Trust. There has been a 143% increase in emergency parcels distributed over the past five years. In 2023-24, almost 61,000 parcels were distributed for children. Those of us who interact with the public in our constituency offices see all too often, sadly, the daily struggles that people face.”
“Secondly, there was an address by Munira Subašic on behalf of the Mothers of Srebrenica. In July 1995, over 8,000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys were murdered by Serb forces at Srebrenica, which was in a UN protected zone, in just two days. They included 22 members of Munira's extended family, including her husband and youngest son. Another participant at Thursday's ceremony was Reverend David Kale, rabbi of the Hebrew congregation of Belfast synagogue. <BR /> <BR />It was encouraging to see young people from a range of schools and youth organisations taking part in the ceremony. It is important that we remember those past horrors in support of the survivors, for vigilance against future atrocities and because the final stage in every genocide is denial. With sadness, we say, "Never forget. Never again. For a better future."”
“<BR /> <BR />On this day, we also remember those targeted in more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Darfur and Bosnia, of which this year is the 30th anniversary. <BR /> <BR />On Thursday evening, I joined those attending the Northern Ireland regional ceremony for Holocaust Memorial Day at Belfast City Hall. The event was addressed by our First Minister and deputy First Minister. There were poignant contributions from those with lived experience. First, there was a recorded interview with Professor Peter Lantos BEM, who grew up as a member of the Hungarian Jewish community. Of the 800,000 Jews living in Hungary in 1944, it is estimated, over two thirds — 565,000 — were murdered in the Holocaust. Peter, then aged 5, and his mother were survivors of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where his father died of starvation.”
“I join in the recognition that today is Holocaust Memorial Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz, where Nazis murdered Jewish people and others who did not conform to their twisted vision. We know that our king will be among those attending the commemoration there today. <BR /> <BR />The Holocaust was the attempt by the Nazis to destroy all Jewish people in Europe. Building on centuries of antisemitism, the persecution of Jewish people began as soon as the Nazis came to power in Germany in 1933. It is calculated that 6 million Jewish men, women and children were murdered in ghettos, mass shootings, concentration camps and death camps; also targeted and murdered were Roma and Sinti people, black people, the disabled, gay people, political opponents and others.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer and for that detail. I do not doubt that efficiency savings are a priority in each budget-setting process. Perhaps now, with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the EA approaching, this would be a timely opportunity to review what further efficiency savings and reductions in duplication have resulted and what further could be done, given all the demands on his departmental budget.”
“Can the Minister advise whether teachers' terms and conditions in England are the same as those in Northern Ireland?”
“I will push the First Minister more on that. She talks about taking a victim-centred approach and showing sensitivity to those who have suffered. Does she not recognise that, when individuals who engaged in terrorism are individually lauded and honoured by those in political leadership, it causes only hurt to the families whose loved ones were murdered by terrorists?”
“Will the Minister confirm that it was not in fact 80% of all parents, as was implied in her article, and that, in the case of Bangor Academy, the true figure represented around 40% of all parents?”
“Last week, Connie Egan MLA wrote in 'The Irish News':”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. I understand that it is the responsibility of the Chief Constable, but I am also aware that sometimes in the past there has been a long delay and a waiting list for officers appointed through a recruitment exercise. Has the Minister had some communication with the Chief Constable or the Policing Board to ensure that officers appointed through this exercise can have confidence that at least some funding is in place to enable appointments and not long waiting lists?”
“I just want to mention that I have had experience of that with a family member. What fundamental change — more physical space, staff or beds — is required to address that inefficiency and increase capacity in A&E departments?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and answers so far. His statement commenced by referencing the pressures that are on our health system and the likely difficulty over the winter period. That pressure will be felt particularly in accident and emergency departments, yet I see only a single sentence mentioning the urgent and emergency care review. When an ambulance is parked outside A&E, as well as the ambulance vehicle itself, there is a staff ratio of three, maybe four, people caring for the one patient.”
“I have every confidence that it will make great use of the future centre for the Westland community and others who will benefit from it. In the patchwork quilt of North Belfast, Westland is a predominantly unionist community, but the community group participates in various cross-community activities and is becoming more ethnically diverse. People from neighbouring areas attend its fun days and other activities. <BR /> <BR />Now that there is a clear pathway to the delivery of the new centre, the relevant agencies must continue to support the Westland Community Group. I trust that the letter of offer will be issued soon. Again, congratulations to all concerned.”
“Vice chair, Katie Shoukri, who has been a member of the committee since the very start, 42 years ago, and is a former chairperson deserves a special mention. "Well done" to Katie for that long commitment. I also give special thanks to officials from the Urban Villages team, particularly Joe Hinds, and from Belfast City Council, particularly community worker Siobhan Shannon, and to all others who have supported the group in its campaign. I make special mention of councillors Fred Cobain and Jordan Doran and, previously, Harry Smith of Intercomm. <BR /> <BR />Considering that Westland is such a small area, I have been impressed by the energy and activities of Westland Community Group. Even without a centre, it managed to hold summer schemes, community fun days and pensioners' dinners.”
“The Westland Community Group was started 42 years ago, and, 23 years ago, the group received a second-hand prefabricated community centre from the lower Oldpark area as a temporary measure. With structural supports physically holding up the roof, the group got as much use as it could out of that centre until, five years ago, it was finally condemned and had to be demolished. There have been many efforts over the years to secure funding for a new centre. Now, thanks to Urban Villages, which sits in the Executive Office, that has been achieved. <BR /> <BR />I congratulate the community group's committee, under chairperson Robert Hollywood, for its dedication and tenacity in reaching this breakthrough moment.”
“I commend the work of Westland Community Group in North Belfast and wish, in particular, to celebrate the allocation of Urban Villages funding for a new Westland Community Centre, which was confirmed by junior Minister Reilly in the Chamber yesterday in response to questions for oral answer from Phillip Brett and me. I met the Westland Community Group committee last night. It is, of course, delighted with the allocation of £1·6 million for the new, purpose-built community centre. <BR /> <BR />Westland is an estate of just over 200 houses. Built by the Housing Executive over 50 years ago, it is now a mixture of social housing, owner-occupied properties and private rentals.”
“— be set to one side until Durham Street is finished?”
“Closing the left-hand turn on to Grosvenor Road at the same time as Durham Street is closed is a major cause of the congestion in Great Victoria Street. Is that being actively reviewed? Can that decision —”
“The Minister will recall that, at a previous Question Time, I asked him about the Grosvenor Road left-hand turn. At that stage, I was not sure whether that was a temporary or permanent measure, and I do not think that the Minister was sure either. As he is now aware, once people are on Great Victoria Street, they cannot turn left on to Hope Street to go down to Durham Street. They cannot now turn left at Grosvenor Road. They have to continue down Fisherwick Place past John Bell House or else go on to Divis Street if they are heading towards the Westlink or to the west or north of the city. <BR /> <BR />I detect a hint of light in what the Minister said about a potential review of that decision.”
“This is wonderful news that has been long awaited by the Westland community. Along with my colleague Mr Brett, I pay tribute to Westland Community Group and all who have supported it. I want to mention, in particular, councillors Fred Cobain and Jordan Doran. It is an active community group that is worthy of support. I hope that the junior Minister and colleagues will ensure that the letter of offer goes out as soon as possible. I checked with the chairman: he has not yet received it, but, hopefully, it is virtually on its way and will soon arrive; I would appreciate it if that could be chased up. I wish to highlight, as the junior Minister did, the importance of ongoing inter-agency support for the community group.”
“As a member of the Committee for Communities, I join other Members in very much welcoming the publication of the housing supply strategy. I commend the Minister for publishing the strategy and welcome the fact that he has touched on various matters that are relevant to it. He will be aware of our manifesto commitment to help working families: will he outline some of the ways in which his strategy will provide support for them?”
“Would the Member like me to respond, or will he take a point? I suggest that he might want to watch a bit more Michael Portillo when he is off over Christmas.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. One heard during the debate various Members lamenting the once much greater rail network across the island of Ireland. Does the Member agree that, historically, across the world, the development of the railways was a strong and positive feature of British rule and influence —”
“I join other Members in welcoming the very positive statement by the Minister. <BR /> <BR />Can he set out more detail on how much each primary school will receive, how they will access those funds and how they will go about spending that money?”
“That funding supports a range of statutory and voluntary support services for vulnerable and homeless people. <BR /> <BR />We commend the motion to the House.”
“That is impacting on the affordability of mortgages and deposits, particularly for first-time buyers. <BR /> <BR />The DUP has taken action over recent years to improve housing options. We have been supportive of the co-ownership scheme, and our Minister, Gordon Lyons, has increased the upper value limit for qualifying properties in order to help more people into homeownership through co-ownership. We have helped working families by launching the intermediate rent product, where a long-term, low-interest loan is offered to an operator to develop a supply of affordable homes for rent at a 20% discount to the market value. Among all the competing demands on the departmental budget, Gordon Lyons provided a 6·4% increase in funding for the Supporting People programme in this financial year.”
“However, the commencement of the Complex Lives project three years ago had rejuvenated her work, and she saw the real difference that the project was making to individuals, with over 150 supported so far. I encourage other councils to study that model. <BR /> <BR />Of course, we need to increase housing supply across all areas. That includes speeding up the planning system and ensuring that the necessary infrastructure — in particular, waste water infrastructure — is in place. The reality is that the supply of new social and private housing is not keeping up with demand. The Chartered Institute of Housing has advised that the number of new houses built here in 2023-24 was the lowest in a decade. The most recent house price index shows that average house prices in Northern Ireland have increased by 5·7% over the past year.”
“<BR /> <BR />This morning, I was pleased to attend an event at Belfast City Hall highlighting the Complex Lives project, which addresses the needs of rough sleepers and homeless people who face complex issues in Belfast. It is a joined-up, multi-agency approach, funded by the Housing Executive, the Public Health Agency (PHA), Belfast City Council and the policing and community safety partnership (PCSP). Through the project, statutory and voluntary agencies involved in housing, health, criminal justice and employment and skills work closely to support vulnerable individuals and seek to break negative cycles of behaviour. I was struck by the words of a Housing Executive officer who said that, after working with homeless people for 15 years, she had felt burned out.”
“Housing has been secured as one of the nine priorities in the Executive's draft Programme for Government. We must provide more social, affordable and sustainable housing. However, addressing homelessness is not just about increasing housing supply but about making sure that those who have associated challenges receive the right intervention at the appropriate time. <BR />Addressing homelessness requires work across Departments, certainly for Communities and Infrastructure but also for Health and Justice in recognition of the need for support services for vulnerable people who have associated challenges such as mental health problems, drug and alcohol dependency and institutional experiences in the care or justice systems.”
“The reality of homelessness covers a wide range of circumstances and includes those staying in temporary and emergency statutory and voluntary sector accommodation while they are on the social housing waiting list; those staying in temporary private arrangements with family members and friends, who often sleep on other people's sofas and have to move around and, in some cases, sleep in their cars; those whose private rental tenancy is being ended; and, most starkly, those sleeping rough on our streets, who, in many cases, have many personal challenges around mental health, addiction and previous life experience. <BR /> <BR />The challenge is clear. The Housing Executive's waiting list for social housing in Northern Ireland stands at over 47,000 households. That is a priority for the Northern Ireland Executive and for the DUP.”
“I confirm the DUP's support for this cross-party motion highlighting Homelessness Awareness Week. <BR /> <BR />Homelessness is a complex issue caused by factors relating to a person's personal circumstances and by wider factors beyond their control.”
“That is welcome progress, and I commend the Minister for it. Will he also update us on the progress and timescale for the housing supply strategy?”
“I hope that the Minister's throat recovery has not been set back by answering questions. The fire in his belly has certainly not been reduced, however. As we heard earlier, tomorrow is Fuel Poverty Awareness Day across the UK, which is organised by National Energy Action. Will the Minister update us on the progress that has been made on the Northern Ireland fuel poverty strategy?”
“We note with concern the position that the Alliance Party took in 2021 when it opposed a Bill that would have ended disability discrimination in abortion on the basis of fetal impairment. Sinn Féin, on the other hand, yo-yoed on the issue, first saying that such grounds for abortion were inappropriate but then moving to oppose the Bill at a later stage. Therefore, the other parties need to clarify their position on disability protections. For our part, the DUP wants to see a society in which all people with a disability are treated with value, respect and dignity. No one with a disability should feel as though they are not valued by society or by our Government. Society must not stigmatise people with disabilities or treat them with any less value. <BR /> <BR />I commend the amendment to the House.”
“That committee recommended that selective abortion on the grounds of fetal deficiency should not be legalised. Our amendment takes nothing away from the original wording of the motion but adds that recognition of the inherent right to life of every human being and:”
“My party, the Democratic Unionist Party, has always defended the most basic human right: the right to life. It is deeply upsetting that the current abortion laws in Northern Ireland send a message that people with a disability are less valuable than those without a disability. Northern Ireland is not a safe place for those who have been diagnosed with a disability before birth. <BR /> <BR />In its 2017 report, the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities raised concerns about:”
“<BR /> <BR />The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was ratified and came into force in the UK in 2009. The Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has advised that he is considering the next stages in the development of an Executive disability strategy and the opportunity that that would provide to incorporate UNCRPD. The Alliance Party motion calls for that to happen. Article 10 of the convention states:”
“Northern Ireland has the highest level of disability in the United Kingdom, with one in five people affected. Achieving a fair society requires a sustained and tailored response that meets the specific needs of people with disabilities, irrespective of whether the disability is physical, learning, sensory, hidden or mental health-related. It is clear that a cross-cutting approach is needed from all Ministers. It is imperative that the needs of people with disabilities inform how the Government make policy and plan for the future. The Democratic Unionist Party wants disabled people to have more involvement in that process and at an earlier stage. Our party will continue to champion the development of a disability strategy.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. The DUP is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities can live full and active lives. We have continually advocated for better access to services that can help to ensure that people with disabilities can play a stronger role in their local communities and in the workplace. We are committed to ensuring that those living with a disability in our society are not disadvantaged in accessing public services and can lead independent and fulfilling lives.”
“Such matters belong in the political arena for consideration by elected representatives and, in particular, this elected Assembly, where they are part of the ongoing process on flags, identity, culture and tradition. That is where such matters should be decided. We do not wish to see sporting bodies being divided against each other on the matter. We do not agree with those who wish to impose such a political matter on sporting bodies where the convention is clear and unambiguous. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland has a proud tradition of punching above its weight in sporting achievement. Let us all be proud of those who represent us at the highest level of international competition.”
“We regret the push from some quarters to promote the view that we should scrap all previous convention and practice and no longer use the Northern Ireland flag, which is commonly known as the Ulster banner, at those games. I make it absolutely clear that the DUP would completely oppose removing the Ulster banner — the Northern Ireland flag. <BR /> <BR />We know that many issues around flags and anthems are established by convention. It is entirely clear that Northern Ireland has the Ulster banner, and it should be used on appropriate occasions when people and teams represent our wee country. We see it used across a wide range of sports, including football, golf, snooker, athletics, darts, bowls and many others.”
“Last month, the Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons, hosted a very successful and enjoyable evening at the SSE Arena honouring our athletes who competed and won medals in the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. Those who represented Great Britain and Northern Ireland and those who represented Ireland were honoured. Many will now be looking forward to the next major games, which will be the Commonwealth Games. We welcome the fact that Glasgow has stepped forward to host the games in 2026, albeit with a reduced number of disciplines. <BR /> <BR />Of course, in the Commonwealth Games, our athletes from all community backgrounds unambiguously represent Northern Ireland, and we take pride in their representing our wee country on the international stage.”
“<BR /> <BR />The new regulations will require landlords to get their electrical installations checked and approved every five years by a registered electrician. That requirement will be added to the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, and the certificates will be available to the tenant and, on request, the local council. Beyond the scope of the regulations, we are told that most or all housing associations already carry out five-year checks; indeed, owner-occupiers should be reminded to arrange periodic checks on their electrical installations and not just to have them carried out as part of a condition report when a home is being purchased. <BR /> <BR />We welcome the regulations in the interests of tenant safety in the private rented sector.”
“I rise as a DUP member of the Committee for Communities, along with my colleague Maurice Bradley. We welcome the fact that the Minister has brought forward the regulations to raise electrical safety standards for tenants in private rental accommodation. That is supported by the Committee, as our Chair said. <BR /> <BR />The Committee received representation from the Electrical Safety First charity, which is dedicated to reducing the number of deaths and injuries caused by electricity across the UK. It highlighted the fact that 58% of accidental house fires in Northern Ireland are caused by electricity. We are all becoming more dependent on electrical power for our homes, and, as with all power sources, there are safety risks, if proper standards and regulations are not followed.”
“I thank the Minister for this very welcome announcement, and I commend him for it. We all share concerns that increasing numbers of older people are being targeted by scammers, so can the Minister confirm that his Department will not be sending any correspondence or requests for bank account details or other personal information to senior citizens to enable this payment?”
“The stalled Tribeca development is a negative in the north Belfast section of the city centre, and it should receive dedicated attention. Along with Upper North Street, it stands in stark contrast to the development and regeneration around the new campus. <BR /> <BR />We should be mindful that economic opportunities have changed in recent years, including with changes in shopping habits and the increase in homeworking, but we remain of the view that more can be achieved through engagement with site owners by Executive Ministers, elected representatives, Belfast City Council and relevant statutory, community and private agencies to minimise delay and enable ongoing regeneration of our city centre.”
“I will not have time. Sorry. <BR /> <BR />In my experience, new developments, whether in the public or private sector, always take longer than expected for a host of reasons. It is necessary to work with developers to resolve issues and urge them to make progress. <BR /> <BR />Our amendment highlights areas of dilapidation along some of the arterial routes into our city centre, including the Newtownards Road, the Shankill Road and Sandy Row. In the Shankill area, the Democratic Unionist Party has supported the BUILD initiative since its inception. It is a community-led partnership that seeks to address issues of vacant and derelict land. <BR /> <BR />Developers often cite their frustration with our planning system. Northern Ireland needs a fit-for-purpose planning system to attract investment and development.”