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.”
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“Many in the unionist community feel as though their British culture and identity have been undermined and not treated fairly. Will the First Minister confirm today that the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression will actively work to promote cultural understanding of the British identity, will not be biased towards one identity over the other and will be fairly funded across identities?”
“We thank the Ulster Unionist Party for tabling the motion. We will support it and the Alliance Party's amendment.”
“We want to make it clear that if, at any stage, the UK Government bring forward proposals to increase protections against the negative impacts of fireworks, such changes must be applicable throughout the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The licensing system in Northern Ireland, which is one of the most robust, makes it possible for authorities to identify illegal firework use and supply. However, the current system is not perfect. The Minister should consider further measures to tackle the illegal supply of fireworks. The main fireworks legislation here was created in 2002. It has not had any substantive reviews or changes in over 20 years. Legislation needs to keep pace with technological advancements and tackle the problems with enforcement in the modern day.”
“<BR /> <BR />As my colleague referenced, a report by the USPCA in 2024 showed that 80% of pet owners said that their dogs had been distressed or frightened by fireworks. Every year, we hear heartbreaking stories of pets that run away and become lost after being frightened by fireworks. As well as looking at reducing noise levels, the Minister should consider an enhanced public awareness campaign that relates specifically to animals and pet owners and focuses on the Halloween and New Year periods. <BR /> <BR />The regulations for manufacturing fireworks, particularly in respect of maximum permitted noise levels, remain a UK Government competence, but, regrettably, successive Governments have ensured that Northern Ireland slavishly follows EU rules on the matter, which is a nonsense.”
“Like most dog owners, I had the experience of seeing my dog distressed by the sound of fireworks, particularly the loudest ones, a few weeks ago at Halloween. I am aware that fireworks can also be very distressing for elderly and vulnerable people. Therefore, we support calls for the Justice Minister to engage with the Government around the possibility of reducing maximum noise levels for all types of fireworks. It should be recognised that most fireworks displays are safe and well managed. They are a source of enjoyment and wonder, and they contribute to national, community and family events across the country. However, as others have said, fireworks can also be misused in manners that are dangerous, inconsiderate and malicious.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement, particularly his commitment to being innovative and trying new things to maximise delivery. Does he have any figures on the economic value that building social housing brings to Northern Ireland?”
“I welcome that the Minister is investigating tackling blight and increasing funds for public services by increasing the level of liability for non-domestic vacant premises. The Minister will be aware of the need to disincentivise domestic properties — houses — being left vacant with reduced rates liability in certain circumstances. Does he have any intention of reviewing the removal of rates liability for domestic properties that are vacant and causing blight?”
“Nearly 29,000 people suffered serious life-changing injuries last year, which is almost 80 people every day. The theme for 2025 is "Safe vehicles save lives". It highlights the importance of maintaining vehicles to ensure that they are roadworthy and utilising modern technology, such as automated driver assistance systems, to prevent collisions. <BR /> <BR />I expect that all drivers have had the experience of someone driving behind them, particularly on country roads, and causing them to feel under pressure to drive that bit faster. This week is a reminder to us all never to be pressured into driving at a higher speed that would cause us to feel not in control or unsafe and never to be the one who pressures another driver for the sake of arriving a few seconds or minutes earlier. It is better to arrive a bit later but to do so safely.”
“We do not know the circumstances, which are under investigation, but the devastating outcome is a reminder to us all of the dangers, particularly when travelling at speed, and the need for concentration and caution when driving, because lives can be suddenly and utterly changed or ended. <BR /> <BR />The theme of Road Safety Week changes each year, but it often focuses on critical areas, such as the devastating consequences of speeding; vehicle safety and checking that vehicles are roadworthy; using modern safety technology; and the personal responsibility of every road user when it comes to their safety and that of others with whom they share the road. We are told that 1,671 people died on UK roads last year, which is between four and five people every day.”
“This week is Road Safety Week, which is held annually across the United Kingdom on the third week of November. The annual campaign, organised by the road safety charity Brake, focuses on raising awareness and promoting life-saving messages to reduce casualties on our roads. <BR /> <BR />Our thoughts and prayers remain very much with all those affected by the shocking tragedy that occurred on Saturday, when five young adults, aged between 21 and 23, lost their lives in a road traffic accident near Dundalk. On behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party, I express our deepest sympathies and condolences to their families and friends. The scale of that tragedy is chilling.”
“No, I do not have that information to hand, but I will get it for the Member. <BR /> <BR />The UUP calls for a coordinated approach between the Minister of Education and the Minister for Communities. All Ministers should work in a coordinated way to support low-income families, whether that be the Education Minister supporting educational attainment, the Health Minister addressing health inequalities or the Economy Minister supporting skills growth and good employment opportunities. The anti-poverty strategy is a full-Executive strategy, with responsibilities for all Ministers.”
“something that he has already done. In July, the Education Minister announced an increase in the income threshold for free school meals and the school uniform grant, committing to link future increases to the rate of consumer price inflation. That support will keep pace with the cost of living.”
“I turn to the Ulster Unionist Party's amendment. The Education Minister has made it clear that Education has been and remains significantly underfunded. Currently, the EA faces an overcommitment of £280 million. As a result, the EA board, on which all parties sit, has had to make difficult decisions. In its statement, the Education Authority said that the price charged for school meals had not increased since 2017-18, as has been acknowledged, and will remain well below the cost of producing the meal. <BR /> <BR />The amendment calls on the Education Minister:”
“The UK Government have a responsibility to provide clarity on the future of the local growth fund without delay. Over the course of the past three years, the DUP has repeatedly sought clarity on when the funding will be available, how it will be administered and the degree of input that local Ministers will be afforded, but the responses have been lacking in information.”
“<BR /> <BR />Creating opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, be it through greater educational attainment, training or employment, is crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty and dependency for many. Minister Lyons announced a new strategy that aims to provide more for disabled people to help them to get better jobs and reduce the disability pay gap. The local growth fund is being created by the Labour Government to replace the Shared Prosperity Fund, which replaced the European social fund. However, many voluntary sector groups, which do tremendous front-line work to assist people who are considered to be economically inactive into employment and vocational training, have no certainty about their funding beyond the end of this financial year.”
“<BR /> <BR />For all the proposals to address poverty, these are the critical questions: how will they be funded, and what is the evidence that they will make a real difference? The answers to those two questions are often lacking. The DUP is committed to ending the two-child limit on universal credit payments, and we will strongly support such a move if it is announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in her Budget speech next week. Indeed, I joined a number of charities and other MLAs for a campaign photo at the front of Stormont in support of such a move. We placed our hands on a sign to make handprints, and I still have the paint under my nails to show for it, as others may also do.”
“The Democratic Unionist Party is dedicated to providing opportunity and support for all families across Northern Ireland, many of whom are feeling the squeeze on their finances. It was the DUP Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons, who led engagement with other Departments and Ministers to create and publish a draft anti-poverty strategy for Northern Ireland this year, some 19 years after the previous anti-poverty strategy was published in 2006. The new strategy sets out a long-term approach to addressing poverty by minimising risks and impacts and helping people to exit poverty. On 5 December last year, Minister Lyons took the decision to announce that all existing welfare mitigations would be extended to March 2028. That should help to give stability to families.”
“Will the Minister tell us more about how much savings the purchase of those homes will generate?”
“Minister, you will also be aware of the previous case of Lewis Crocker, who, in similar circumstances, experienced religious bias in selection. In that case, he was excluded from the Northern Ireland squad for the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2015, despite the head coach's recommending him for selection. He subsequently won a settlement of £8,500 from the Ulster Boxing Council under fair employment law. Despite that setback, and to his huge credit, he went on to become the International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight world champion just two months ago and is the pride of Sandy Row. Are you now satisfied that the culture of discrimination against Protestants in boxing has ended with the case of Daryl Clarke from Monkstown Amateur Boxing Club?”
“I thank the Minister for that answer. Can I push the Minister to ask him what discussions he had to ensure that clear, Northern Ireland-specific advice and guidance on the two new schemes — the veterinary medicine health situation scheme and the internal market scheme — will be published before January 2026 for practising vets and farmers? Will it cover at-risk categories, how the two schemes will operate in practice and contingency arrangements?”
“From the perspective of the unionist community in Northern Ireland, we have to say that there were occasions of missed opportunity during that service, such as the centenary of Northern Ireland in 2021, but that is a matter for another time, and it will be reflected on. However, we recognise his service. I remember meeting him when Michael Longley received the freedom of the city of Belfast. As a fellow poet, Michael D Higgins attended that event. That was a special occasion in the Ulster Hall. We acknowledge his service to the Republic of Ireland, to the people of Ireland and to all who look to Ireland for their identity. We wish him well in his retirement and many years of happiness to come.”
“We recognise that this is an important day for the people of the Republic of Ireland, with the inauguration of the new president of Ireland, Catherine Connolly. This is an opportunity to pay tribute to the terms of service of Michael D Higgins in that important head of state role.”
“As was the case with the Minister of Education, we all recognise that difficult decisions are having to be made. To allow the Health Minister to overspend by £100 million this year is one thing, but that cannot become a recurring loss, year-on-year. What information or undertakings have you received from the Health Minister that he will prevent that being a recurring loss?”
“It is a difficult situation, with difficult options being considered by the EA, the Minister and the Executive as a whole. What indication has the Minister received from the Finance Minister regarding finance that might be available in the December monitoring round?”
“And the UUP, which supports that. <BR /> <BR />However, the double standards of the Finance Committee were in full view when the members who voted to investigate the DUP Minister divided the Committee — Ayes 4, Noes 5 — in voting not to investigate Sinn Féin Minister Caoimhe Archibald: nationalist and Alliance against unionist. Everyone can see the clear double standard in play. Likewise, the motion before us is entirely about politics; it is not about principle. We in the DUP stand 100% behind and beside our Minister, and we will have no part in this charade.”
“No, I will not have time. <BR /> <BR />The DUP and UUP members said that, if the Committee had any sense of consistency, it would also then investigate the Sinn Féin Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald, who recently announced that she had issued an instruction to stop her officials taking part in UK trade discussions with Israel and to prevent Invest NI support from going to any companies from the Northern Ireland defence industry — an area of excellence — whose products or components might be supplied to Israel. That is the imposition of her political views on officials, and we in the DUP seek to bring that matter before the full Executive.”
“Shame on the parties that align themselves with his position on Israel in the motion. Those parties are supporting a stunt motion that will, of course, come to nothing. <BR /> <BR />The named supporters of the motion are all members of the Finance Committee. At the Committee last week, the SDLP Chair pushed forward a proposal, which split the Committee, resulting in Ayes 5, Noes 4, nationalist and Alliance against unionist, to investigate the actions of the Education Minister, Paul Givan, in taking part in the trip to Israel and, in particular, a post on social media that he visited a school, which is not surprising.”
“It is understood that some Members and parties in the Assembly disapprove of other Members taking part in the official visit to Israel last month. They are entitled to that view, and we are entitled to support the Members who took part in the visit, which, clearly, made a strong impression on them. However, the fact that Sinn Féin, the Alliance Party and the SDLP are being led on the matter by Gerry Carroll MLA, who has the most extreme anti-Israeli views, is utterly appalling. As we have repeatedly stated, Gerry Carroll posted on social media on the very day of the diabolical slaughter, rape and kidnapping of Israeli and international citizens by Hamas on 7 October 2023, "Victory to the Palestinian Resistance", along with the image of a clenched fist. That was and remains a shameful message.”
“However, we stand over the proposed voluntary nature of the scheme, which means that a certificate is provided if so requested by one of the parents and that there should be no charge for the original and a first copy of a certificate or an amended certificate. The legislation is intended to be compassionate and practical, and we welcome its progression to Consideration Stage.”
“Rather than constantly extend that coronavirus-themed emergency legislation, it is right that we and the Finance Minister legislate to permit on a permanent basis electronic communication via email without the reference to coronavirus. That legislation is now before us, and I believe that it is universally welcomed. <BR /> <BR />The Bill also provides for the issuing of a certificate that recognises the loss of a baby at any stage during pregnancy, including at an early stage, if so requested by one of the parents. It is consistent with our pro-life position in the DUP that the loss of an unborn baby, including before 24 weeks gestation, in any circumstances can be recognised and covered by the legislation.”
“I am a newly added DUP member of the Committee for Finance. My party and I welcome the purpose of the Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill. The Bill will modernise the permitted manner of notification to registrars of any death to include the sending of documents by electronic means and provide for the issuing, at a parent's request, of a certificate recognising the loss of a baby at any stage during pregnancy. <BR /> <BR />Permission of the electronic transfer of documents for the notification of any death was introduced on a temporary basis during the coronavirus pandemic. That was appreciated by funeral directors, particularly as it meant that they did not have to constantly travel to City Hall — in the case of Belfast — to hand deliver documents that could more readily have been sent by email for verification.”
“Does the Minister agree that the fact that his detractors have failed to articulate any coherent or relevant objection to his visit to Israel last week has exposed the fact that their only real objection is that it was to the state of Israel?”
“As a member of the Committee on Standards and Privileges, I welcome the appointment of a new commissioner. We trust that it will be a longer appointment than the one immediately previous to it, which, we understand, was short-lived due to another recruitment. As has been said by the Chairperson of the Committee, the commissioner has an important independent scrutiny role and reports to the Committee on Standards and Privileges with recommendations. Reports are considered by the Committee and, ultimately, brought to the Floor for debate on any sanction or consequence. I commend the work of the Committee. We look forward to working with the new commissioner in that independent role and ensuring that standards, the codes of conduct and the principles of conduct are upheld in the Assembly.”
“She wanted to see reform and more money for public finances. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I thank everyone for their contribution to the debate. We think that there is strong support for our central theme, and we hope that the motion will be approved by the House.”
“I have already commented that that rates bill needs to be paid and should be pursued rigorously. I thought that you were going to speak about the motion, but you have decided not to. <BR /> <BR />My colleague Harry Harvey said that funds are needed for all the actions and priorities in the Programme for Government and that, as we know, every Minister is crying out for more funding to enable those ambitions to be met. He also said that the 93% target is too low and that, while other proposals have been put forward by the previous and current Finance Ministers on the maximum capital value of property and on reducing the early payment discount, first and foremost, the public expect to see us bring in what is legally due under the current system, and that must be the priority. <BR /> <BR />I thank Claire Sugden for her contribution.”
“You had quite a bit of time to speak, and you did not really address the motion. Will you address it now?”
“He finally returned to the motion's theme in his final sentence to support the concept that more rates should be raised.”
“Do I have 10 minutes, Mr Deputy Speaker? Is that correct? <BR /> <BR />Deirdre Hargey and Jemma Dolan pointed out that the £1·63 billion of rates collected last year was the highest amount ever. They said that measures needed to be put in place to support those in financial difficulty, so that people are not pursued with unnecessary rigour if they are unable to pay. <BR /> <BR />Eóin Tennyson also commented on the increase in rates collection in recent years. That shows the importance of setting targets. He wanted to distinguish between those who will not pay and those who cannot pay. He commented on the 10-year review announced by the previous Finance Minister and said that it is taking too long. <BR /> <BR />Matthew O'Toole expressed support for the motion and then spoke at length about revenue-raising powers.”
“Mr Gaston mentioned a number of cases in which he would be sympathetic to people having difficulty paying their rates, and he highlighted one case in which a significant rates bill is outstanding. That is unacceptable. That case should continue to be pursued and the rates brought in for it — there is no doubt about that. <BR /> <BR />We stand by our view on the 93% target. I heard the Minister say that he did not feel that it was comparable to England, where the rates collection rate is 96%. It is our duty to push to increase the 93%. If that was what was raised, we would have £105 million not collected each year, so we are actually exceeding the 93%. Therefore, why not increase the target? Why have a target that is below what is actually being collected?”
“I heard a number of things about people who are having difficulty paying their rates, but the question remains: why is more not being done to collect? The distinction between those who cannot pay and those who will not pay is too arbitrary. There are people in the middle who are reluctant to pay, and people need to be put under pressure to pay, in the interest of fairness and the public purse. Certainly, measures might need to be put in place over time, but if people are swinging the lead, that should not be tolerated.”
“At a time when proposals have been brought forward for charging ratepayers more, the public expect us to exhaust all avenues to ensure that the rates that are due are being paid, and paid fairly by all. <BR /> <BR />My colleague Diane Forsythe said that half of the £145 million that has been carried forward from previous years is being examined for potential legal action. Why only half? We have to ask that question, and the public will ask why it is not a larger amount.”
“The Minister mentioned some measures, and we would be interested in seeing those in writing. The bottom line is that, as the motion states, it is unfair that law-abiding people pay their rates while others fail to pay and, ultimately, have the slate wiped clean. <BR /> <BR />A number of Members spoke of the need to be aware of the value of repayment plans and support where people have difficulty paying their rates. Absolutely: they should be in place when people are in financial difficulties, rather than seeing businesses go bankrupt and, therefore, lose. Anyone who is involved in a business will know that, at some stage, debts have to be written off.”
“which is currently 93%, and, secondly, to:”
“<BR /> <BR />In the previous financial year, £18 million of unpaid rates were written off. That is a substantial amount — £18 million in one year. Our motion notes with concern that, over the past six years, the total written off was £82 million. That is a shocking statistic when we think about the need for those public funds. Our motion asks for two actions from the Finance Minister. First, to:”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank all who contributed to the debate on the motion, and I thank those who indicated their support for our motion and those who have made other observations. It has been an interesting debate. I think that everyone has agreed that the pressures and demands on the public purse in Northern Ireland are vast and are well known to us all and to the general public. Many Members pointed out that the only means by which the Assembly can raise taxation for public services, in addition to the block grant that we receive from His Majesty's Treasury, is through the rates as a property tax on residential and commercial premises. Therefore it is essential that we ensure that everyone pays their fair share, in view of the need for public finance and fairness to everyone.”
“As for his comment that my colleague Diane Forsythe is not a champion for the voluntary and community sector, the Alliance Member clearly knows nothing about her work, including as chair of the all-party group, but ignorance is no excuse on his part.”
“Of those, over 3,000 have achieved a qualification and 850 have been helped into employment — again, exceeding the target — 651 of whom are now in sustained employment lasting over six months. That shows the important work that those groups carry out in our communities. <BR /> <BR />On a day when all parties should unite in support of our voluntary and community sector, the comment from the Alliance Party Member was an indulgence and regrettable. We will take no lectures on the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland from the Alliance Party, which called for the rigorous implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol and was left with a red face when the EU agreed to change it due to the stand taken by the DUP. We continue to campaign to restore our place in the UK's internal market.”
“Around 27% of adults are not working and are not actively seeking employment. That category includes those with long-term sickness or disability, those with caring responsibilities, full-time students and people who are in retirement. Extra investment, support and outreach are required to assist such people into employment. <BR /> <BR />Belfast Works Connect is a consortium of five community-based groups across Belfast, covering the north, south, east and west of the city and the Shankill. It supports people who are economically inactive due to ill health, disability, caring responsibilities, early retirement, complex needs etc. Those people are considered to be furthest from the workforce. Between 2023 and 2025, the consortium has enrolled 5,244 such people. That is 112% of its target.”
“One such group is the Prosper NI consortium, which operates in 10 of the 11 council areas in Northern Ireland, helping disabled people into vocational training and sustainable employment. Prosper NI reports that, since April 2023, it has enrolled 2,158 economically inactive participants, of whom 874 have achieved qualifications and 753 have progressed into paid employment. Those are economically inactive and disabled people who have gained confidence, skills and independence, and local employers have benefited from additional motivated staff. <BR /> <BR />With the unemployment level among those actively seeking work in Northern Ireland at a record low — around 2% — it is all the more important that we have projects that help us to address our high level of economic inactivity.”
“It is appalling that those dedicated staff are once again in that uncertain position.”