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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“It later emerged, however, that the father had previously posted on social media praising the terrorist actions of Hamas on 7 October 2023, saying:”
“Last Thursday, the Hebrew congregation of Heaton Park in Manchester was targeted in a diabolical act of terrorism on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar. The attacker drove a vehicle into pedestrians, then launched a knife attack on worshippers, two of whom were killed, with others injured before the attacker himself was shot dead by the police. The victims have been named as Adrian Daulby, aged 53, and Melvin Cravitz, aged 66. Tragically, one of the victims was hit by police gunfire as worshippers held the synagogue door closed in order to save lives. <BR /> <BR />The 35-year-old attacker came to the UK from Syria as a child, along with his family. His father issued a statement condemning his son's terrorist attack last Thursday.”
“The university campus and Belfast Stories attraction lead the way to a brighter future for this city-centre quarter. Let us see Castlebrooke and Tribeca adding to that regeneration, not holding it back.”
“<BR /> <BR />We welcome the move by Belfast City Council to purchase the historic Assembly Rooms and other buildings in the car park behind it. We trust that that will come to fruition and kick-start the redevelopment of the wider site. Castlebrooke tells us that a new planning application is being prepared and that it plans to carry out briefings around the end of next month. North Belfast DUP representatives — Phillip Brett and I and our councillors — will continue to push for progress and for early actual progress, not land banking, which is what it seems to be currently. <BR /> <BR />There have been changes in the economic landscape, but this is prime real estate that connects the city centre to the North Belfast and greater Shankill area.”
“It has created a 12-acre site — a significant chunk of the city centre. That would be good news, if it was progressing, but, instead, we have seen frustrating years of delay and a lack of physical progress. <BR /> <BR />Castlebrooke points to wider circumstances that have impacted on its plans. Originally, the site was meant to be retail-led and a John Lewis store was touted, but the growth of online and out-of-town shopping seems to have damaged that prospect. Likewise, Castlebrooke thought about creating a more office-led development, but COVID and the growth of homeworking impacted on those plans. We are told that it is now meant to be residential-led, including some student accommodation and possibly still a hotel, but we hope that there will still be retail uses and public spaces, especially on the ground floor.”
“However, the derelict sites are very evident when you come into the city centre from the Shankill, Clifton Street, Donegall Street and York Street/York Road. <BR /> <BR />The non-development of the Tribeca site has been a huge blight and cause of frustration. It did not progress when it was known as "Royal Exchange", and, when Castlebrooke bought it, we expected rapid progress. I understand that the name "Tribeca" comes from New York, where it means "Triangle below Canal Street". I do not know about Belfast: I think that I once heard that, here, it is an abbreviation of "Triangle beside the cathedral" or "Triangle below the cathedral". Castlebrooke has expanded the site by buying up more land and property on the other side of North Street between Rosemary Street and Lower Garfield Street.”
“I thank my colleague Phillip Brett for bringing the debate to the Assembly Floor. I note the high level of agreement from all parties about the frustration at the lack of progress with the development. <BR /> <BR />North Belfast has the highest level of dereliction in the city centre area. I acknowledge that we have had investment and progress, particularly with the new Ulster University campus. It is a pleasure to see the young people and the new student accommodation in that area. We will see the new Belfast Stories visitor attraction, which the council will bring forward. As others have done, I acknowledge the progress at Hill Street, the MAC, St Anne's Square and the work of the Cathedral Quarter Trust and BID. Moving towards the river, there is the impressive City Quays development by Belfast harbour.”
“As the Minister is aware, among the projects currently receiving Shared Prosperity Fund funding are community-based employability projects, which formerly had European social fund funding. They face an uncertain future, yet we hear employability support being lauded as a key theme at the Labour Party conference. Has the Minister raised with the Westminster Government the needs of those projects and the uncertainty of their future funding?”
“I listen to the Member saying that this is somehow all to do with Brexit. Is that the case across Europe, where there has been rising tension relating to immigration?”
“A programme that is mentioned in both amendments and the motion. I am not sure whether we will divide. In our view, the Justice Minister should take the lead on these matters. The Alliance amendment seems to say that it is up to the Executive as a whole to provide funding, and every Minister will say that — it is common — but I do not think that there is a need to divide on the matter. The Justice Minister should take the lead on the matters that are under her responsibility.”
“<BR /> <BR />Colin McGrath from the SDLP, who is no longer in the Chamber, thought that there was about 95% agreement on everything before us. When I look at the wording of the two amendments and the motion, I see a lot of agreement. Unfortunately, the SDLP has framed its motion as a criticism of the Executive, rather than looking for solutions. The motion is about taking forward the debate from last week. As I said, my colleague Paul Frew noted the Executive commitment and highlighted actions for the Minister of Justice:”
“There are Members who talk about the condemnation of hate and violence but have continued for years to justify violence that took place against people right across our society. We will always call out that hypocrisy, and I regret the Sinn Féin Member's failure to respond to the request to condemn the sectarian murder of 10 Protestant workmen at Kingsmills. <BR /> <BR />Paul Frew, in proposing our amendment, said that it strengthened the original motion. It does; it notes the Executive's statement, which committed to partnership working with all sectors, and it calls for action by the Justice Minister. He also highlighted the concerns that the definition of hate crime should not be based on the perception alone of the person who was the victim of a crime.”
“At times, incidents have occurred that have caused public outrage. Some have exploited that outrage to direct intolerance against entire ethnic minority communities unfairly. Everyone should be equally subject to the law and to the protections of the law. There should be zero tolerance for attacks and intimidation in our society. We support the police and all relevant authorities when it comes to tackling those issues. Perpetrators must feel the full force of our legal system and, in particular, there needs to be an effective multi-agency response from the criminal justice system to ensure that such offences are investigated swiftly and that punishment, including sentencing, fits the crime.”
“All of us who have been elected to the Assembly have a duty to promote peaceful, democratic and respectful means to address and manage the political and societal issues that arise. We in the DUP do not dismiss people's concerns or patronise them by saying that they have no legitimate concerns, as some parties have done. Equally, I recognise that there are intolerant elements in society that seek to set an agenda of intolerance of difference, and we have a responsibility to stand against that.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. We had an extensive debate on the topic last Tuesday on a motion condemning the racist and sectarian attacks and intimidation that occurred over the summer. That motion was agreed without opposition, so I do not need to repeat all that I said in that debate. Sadly, it has been necessary for me to visit homes and venues that were targeted over the summer to speak to those who were victims, support those who were affected and engage with community groups, statutory agencies and the police to prevent further attacks. Some of those meetings to move situations forward are ongoing. <BR /> <BR />The Democratic Unionist Party remains committed to building a safe and inclusive society in Northern Ireland. The DUP is absolutely clear that violence is wrong. It is wrong now as it was in the past.”
“Will the Minister advise how many instances like this happen in a year? Can he help to contextualise it as regards the total correspondence that his Department sends by post?”
“I will follow up on that in writing. I will also follow up on Glenbank industrial estate on the Crumlin Road in north Belfast where, again, significant land has lain empty for over 25 years.”
“I will give the Minister time to get a glass of water. <BR /> <BR />Those figures are encouraging. I remember the excitement when the first cruise ship came to Belfast in 1996, and we now see about 150 ships every year, so it is part of the success story of Belfast. Given the importance of the tourism sector to our economy, Minister, why have you imposed a real-terms cut on the Tourism Northern Ireland budget?”
“Does she agree that former IRA members should come forward with their truth to the PSNI and the new truth recovery body?”
“The Democratic Unionist Party remains committed to building a safe and inclusive society in Northern Ireland.”
“The DUP is aware of the massive positive contributions that foreign nationals working and living here make to healthcare, agri-food, business and, indeed, every sector of our society. Notwithstanding our views on the need to deal with the source of illegal immigration, including on a UK-wide basis, there is absolutely no contradiction in our position that the people who are currently in our communities ought to be welcomed and supported whilst also being subject to the rule of law. The needs of people who have lived in an area for generations must continue to be met. However, we are unequivocal that the answer to concerns around community cohesion and the traditional residential character of our communities as a result of illegal immigration is not to attack persons rather than policy.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I am coming on to that. I recognise that, in some areas, people are well-meaning and wish to prevent crime, but that can be intimidating for others. Some unvetted patrols risk falling on the wrong side of the law when they are not constituted, AccessNI-checked, properly trained or insured yet want to challenge people on the streets, as you said. Indeed, some vigilante patrols have been nothing short of a cover for thuggery and criminal attacks. Policing is the responsibility of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, as the lawful and accountable authority. There is and was always an alternative to violence. It is a pity that not all parties here recognise that fact.”
“My comments are relevant. <BR /> <BR />Self-appointed patrols, which can be well-meaning, risk raising tensions and can be intimidating for others.”
“<BR /> <BR />It also does not help when some elected reps are totally dismissive of community concerns, such as concerns about incidents of inappropriate behaviour that have occurred, including indecent exposure and sexual attacks that must be thoroughly investigated, and about the difficulty of securing houses. Those are legitimate concerns. Areas that have suffered from sectarian attacks over many years see the irony and hypocrisy of Sinn Féin and others suddenly having plenty to say about the place when they were silent before. Indeed, Sinn Féin was notable for its silence throughout the summer in response to the issue of groups such as Kneecap and Bob Vylan using platforms to promote intolerance, hatred and incitement.”
“That is my idea of a whole-community approach: meeting and working with people on the ground, being present in the area, engaging with people and monitoring tension, not just preaching from afar through the megaphone of the media. <BR /> <BR />It is clear to me that there is a small, intolerant element that seeks to play on public concerns and grievances in order to increase tension and the potential for intimidation and attacks. For short periods, such people can intimidate others into silence, but it is important that they are not allowed to set the agenda for the whole community.”
“The violent incidents that created victims this summer were disgraceful. Where they occurred in my constituency, I spent many hours door-knocking, speaking to victims, speaking to other residents and engaging with community groups, the PSNI, the Housing Executive, housing associations, other elected reps, local clergy, council officers and any others who wished to help calm the situation. Where possible, I have done that away from the glare of publicity, but, when necessary, I have spoken publicly to condemn violence and intimidation as wrong, as harmful to the entire community as well as to the victims and as not representing the views of the vast majority of people living in the area.”
“I commend the Minister, as others have done, for creating the Olympic Legacy Fund, which builds on the success of the Olympic Medallist Fund. For clarity, is it a rolling fund with no fixed deadline so that groups can apply to it and have their applications assessed straight away?”
“I commend the Minister for bringing the fund forward, in contrast to 14 years of delay and stalling by previous Ministers. He is to be congratulated. Did the criteria for the fund change after the closing date for applications?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. She may be aware that there have been a number of developments since 2022, with the reopening of Flax Street, the filling of retail units at Hillview Retail Park, the new Eurospar at Edenderry garage and busy bus stops on both sides of the Crumlin Road. There is cross-community support for the pedestrian crossing. Will the Minister ask her officials to reassess that potential new crossing's priority? It should be moving up the list.”
“— that, in turn, will result in an end to the war.”
“Hamas is a deadly gang of murderers, whose game is to swing international opinion in its favour and against the victims of its terror. <BR /> <BR />The disturbing images from Gaza lead us all to the conclusion that the war must end. However, we must remember that it started because terrorists raped, burned and murdered people and took people captive. They still hold hostages today. That was done deliberately at a time when many Arab nations were moving to normalise their relations with the state of Israel. The time has now approached for redoubling of the efforts to see a permanent and sustainable ceasefire —”
“It is imperative that there is swift action and lasting solutions to this hugely concerning situation. As a party, we want to see a stark increase in the amount of aid reaching Gaza. We support the recent efforts made by all contributing parties, including airdrops, and call for those efforts to be redoubled. In addition, a repeat of previous temporary pauses in the conflict is needed to see vital aid making its way into Gaza. That would allow humanitarian corridors to open. DUP parliamentarians will continue to support any initiatives and efforts that see an increase of aid into Gaza. Whilst doing so, we continue to uphold Israel's right to defend itself and its internal security against the threats posed by the terrorist organisation, Hamas. Those ought not to be mutually exclusive aims.”
“Writing to Sarah Champion, chairwoman of Parliament’s International Development Committee, Lammy stated:”
“There are reports that others have been beaten, shot or killed for publicly opposing Hamas. Israel is clearly determined to end the rule of Hamas and eliminate its leadership. <BR /> <BR />On the claims of genocide, as has already been referenced, a letter written last week by the then Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, confirmed that the UK Government do not believe that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. He wrote:”
“Next month marks the second anniversary of the murderous onslaught by Hamas on 7 October 2023, when it carried out murder, rape and kidnapping, killing around 1,200 people and taking another 250 Israelis hostage. Hamas continues to ruthlessly hold hostages, starving them to death, and it continues its terrorist attacks and rocket assaults on Israel. This summer saw the retrieval of two more dead Israeli hostages. There are 48 still being held by Hamas, which indicates the unwillingness of Hamas to bring the war to an end. <BR /> <BR />If we want peace, we must ensure that Hamas is ousted from Gaza. In Gaza, public criticism of Hamas carries significant risks. In March this year, 22-year-old Oday al-Rubai was abducted and tortured to death by armed gunmen after taking part in anti-Hamas protests in Gaza city.”
“I will comment first on the political process. We have a motion on Gaza tabled by Sinn Féin in the Northern Ireland Assembly, when we have virtually no influence over UK foreign policy, which is a reserved matter for Westminster. The irony, of course, is that Sinn Féin has the ability to influence, debate and vote on such matters in Parliament at Westminster, but it chooses to boycott that elected Parliament. Today's debate only exposes its failure to turn up and represent people where it would count. <BR /> <BR />I turn to the subject matter. Absolutely, the situation in Gaza is dire. We deplore the loss and suffering of all innocent life.”
“I hope that the Minister will encourage greater levels of in-office working. Does he share the concerns raised by bodies such as Belfast Chamber and the Belfast One and Linen Quarter business improvement districts (BIDs) about the impact of COVID and greater homeworking on high street retailers and eateries, and does he agree on there being a need to support their financial viability?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer, but I am disappointed that he was not able to provide any statistics on the level of homeworking and in-office working. Perhaps he is saying that they will be available in the future.”
“It is an important role that allows people to see that scrutiny is taking place, both by a commissioner and the Committee members, who are acting independently to ensure that the codes and principles of conduct are upheld by MLAs and the Assembly. We welcome the new commissioner and look forward to working with him.”
“As a member of the Committee on Standards and Privileges, I reiterate the words of the Committee Chair in welcoming the appointment of the new commissioner, Mark McEwan. I wish him well in post, and the Committee will work diligently with him. I also join others who have paid tribute to Dr Melissa McCullough, the outgoing Commissioner for Standards. It is an important role, which is part of the public scrutiny of our role as MLAs. I found her work to be thorough and her investigations to have been carried out diligently. It is fair to say that even those Members who came to her attention and were found to have breached the code of conduct or its principles mostly accepted, with good grace, that there was an issue. In most cases, an apology was made, and in some cases, there were further consequences.”
“I note the First Minister's answer, but I think that a policy of dither and delay does not serve the people of Northern Ireland well. Does the First Minister at least agree that the lack of guidance from the Equality Commission vindicates the actions of the Education Minister and the Communities Minister in issuing their own guidance, particularly in relation to schools, changing rooms and toilets and sporting categories for women and girls?”
“We are doing a double act. I note the First Minister's answer. I hope that it is fair to say that she sees the United States of America as an important partner for Northern Ireland when it comes to economic development and cultural ties. Therefore, will she commit to engaging with the current Administration in order to promote Northern Ireland as a great place in which to live, work, visit, study and invest?”
“<BR /> <BR />Of nine Victoria Crosses (VCs) awarded for action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, four were awarded to 36th Division soldiers. One VC was subsequently awarded to a soldier in the 16th (Irish) Division, which served nobly later in the battle alongside the 36th (Ulster) Division. The battle ended on 18 November 1916. By then, there were over one million casualties: 420,000 British and over 500,000 German. By the end of the battle, the British had advanced 7 miles. <BR /> <BR />As we remember those who gave so much in that battle, let us remember all those who have given so much in all conflicts for the freedoms that we and others enjoy today.”
“The Germans suffered 10,000 to 12,000 casualties, equating to roughly 5:1 losses for the attacking forces. <BR /> <BR />The 36th (Ulster) Division was the only division of X Corps to achieve its objectives on the opening day of the battle. That came at a heavy price, with the division suffering over 5,000 officers and men killed, wounded or missing. When news of those losses reached home, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Sir Crawford McCullagh, requested that all business be suspended for a civic act of remembrance lasting five minutes. He was the first person to be recorded as publicly calling for a period of silence for the remembrance of fallen soldiers. That event is portrayed in the stained glass window in Belfast City Hall that honours his many years as lord mayor.”
“On this 1 July morning, I rise to commemorate the 109th anniversary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The battle resonates throughout history for us due to the sheer scale of casualties among Ulstermen on the first day of what became one of the bloodiest battles in human history. <BR /> <BR />The battle was intended to be a decisive blow against the German forces. In preparation, the British artillery fired constantly for six days to destroy the German front-line trenches, with over 1·5 million shells fired. However, that bombardment did not have the desired effect. At 0730 hours on 1 July, whistles blew, and thousands climbed bravely out of the trenches to cross no man's land under enemy fire. By the end of that first day, the British forces had 57,470 casualties, with 19,240 dead.”
“I thank the Minister for that update. Indeed, we received a briefing on the intermediate rent scheme at the Committee recently. In areas of higher rents, it particularly benefits lower-income households that do not have points for social housing. Can the Minister advise the House of when we can expect those homes to be built?”
“Northern Ireland has clusters of absolute excellence, and our creative industries is very much one of those. Recently, the deputy First Minister and the First Minister joined me and others at the launch of Studio Ulster, which is the most advanced virtual production facility in the world. Can our creative industries, which are recognised as one of our centres of excellence, be developed further by sharing within the United Kingdom?”
“I welcome the first meeting of the East-West Council to have taken place in Northern Ireland and the launch of the Connect Fund, which the deputy First Minister has explained. <BR /> <BR />One of the Council's objectives is:”
“The First Minister's statement touched on a discussion about mother-and-baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses and stated that redress payments should not affect benefit entitlements. Was there any discussion about ensuring that, whilst compensation is paid out from the public purse in the first place, the institutions responsible for running the places where harm resulted must make a contribution? Some of them operated on both sides of the border. Was that raised at the meeting? Is there ongoing determination to ensure that they make the contribution that they are obliged to make?”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her statement. There are public concerns about the appropriate use of artificial intelligence. Can the deputy First Minister tell the House more about how AI is already being used in the Northern Ireland public sector?”