Cheryl Brownlee
East Antrim · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I want to recognise three outstanding East Antrim candidates for this year's BBC 'Make a Difference' awards. Their passion, dedication and commitment has made a lasting impact on East Antrim.”
“Individuals such as Iris often work quietly behind the scenes and give their time and energy without seeking any recognition. Iris has become the backbone of community life. Her nomination reflects the esteem in which she is held in Islandmagee, where everybody loves her.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. We have over 17,000 children and over 4,000 adults on the waiting list. They are waiting for up to six years for an assessment. <BR /> <BR />Minister, in the delivery plan, there are no measurable targets to reduce those waiting times.”
“It showcases everything that is best about Carrickfergus and beyond, from the magnificent historical re-enactment to the participation of over 40 marching bands, Orange lodges, children's entertainers, pipers, Highland dancers, Lambeg drummers, community groups, living history performers, volunteers and many more.”
“I recognise the outstanding success of the Royal Landing celebrations held in Carrickfergus on Saturday. Once again, thousands of people lined the streets of our historic town to witness what can only be described as a spectacular re-enactment of one of the most important moments in Ulster's history: the landing of King William III at Car…”
“They overlook the volunteer time, the hours that are taken to preserve our history, the young people who spend their evenings participating in bands and cultural organisations and the thousands who attend with pride and enthusiasm.”
The complete record
Every one of 509 lines we hold for Cheryl Brownlee, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 11.
“I thank the Minister for his support for the arts. How will the new arts policy address regional disparity?”
“<BR /> <BR />That night provided an opportunity for reflection, and we remembered those who are no longer with us, especially Davy. He would have loved nothing more than to be there front and centre, sharing in that historic win. I am immensely proud of Carrick Rangers and our amber army. I am perhaps even prouder that I managed to convert a dedicated Blues man on the night. However, football has always been about more than the result, and I was deeply moved when a Cliftonville supporter came to the aid of a Carrick Rangers fan who had become unwell. <BR /> <BR />I congratulate everybody associated with the club and, of course, the team on its hard work in achieving that monumental success. Carrickfergus is so proud of them. Up the amber army.”
“That success did not happen overnight; it came from years of hard work and dedication not only from the players on the pitch but from the coaching staff, the board, the chairman and all the volunteers who are the backbone of the club and stick with Carrick Rangers through thick and thin and in difficult times. I was particularly struck when I saw the chairman, Peter Clarke, run onto the pitch and take sight of the packed-out north stand. His face filled with pride and emotion. In that moment, you could see the weight of all the work, sacrifice and passion that have gone into building and sustaining the club. Carrick Rangers is much more than a football club: it is a community, one that now stretches far beyond the town of Carrickfergus to America, where we have a phenomenal and growing fan base.”
“I do not think that any of us is able to describe what it meant to us on the night.”
“It should come as no surprise that I rise to celebrate the fantastic achievements of Carrick Rangers Football Club, which proudly lifted the County Antrim Shield last Tuesday at Seaview. After a phenomenal second half, the match finished a 1-1 draw, taking us straight to penalties. It was there that young Pengelly showed nerves of steel as Carrick Rangers won the shootout 4-2 against very, very worthy opponents in Cliftonville. <BR /> <BR />Despite what my Facebook may have suggested, Carrick Rangers went into the match as the underdog. It was a monumental victory. It was the first time in 33 years that the club had brought the shield home, and it will live long in the memory of all supporters. As the shield was lifted, I looked around the ground at the roaring support — the loyal, dedicated fans, many of whom had a wee tear in their eye.”
“I thank the Minister. Only four SPOs have been issued since 2023, which is horrific. The PSNI has relayed some of its frustrations with SPOs and the challenges that it has had in relation to training. What more can your Department do, potentially in collaboration with the PSNI and other statutory agencies, to encourage the use of SPOs and to ensure that they are being used effectively and efficiently for those who are at immediate risk?”
“Nobody in public life or on any side of politics should have to endure it. She is a tireless advocate for her constituents and serves with integrity and strength. Those who resort to such vile personal attacks are not fit to tie her laces. That behaviour must be called out for what it is. It must be challenged, and it must be stopped. We stand with Carla and every person who is the victim of such abuse. It is time for social media companies and regulators alike to move beyond words and take real action.”
“Much of the abuse comes from trolls hiding behind anonymous profiles, and there is a lack of consequences for them. Platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have done little to tackle the problem. There is no doubt that stronger account verification, faster removal of abuse content and real sanctions are needed, but what we see from regulators at the moment is simply not good enough. Women and girls are vulnerable users and continue to face harassment, exploitation and intimidation online, with little meaningful protection or recourse. Voluntary compliance has failed. Without legally binding obligations and penalties that actually hurt them, the platforms will continue to prioritise profit over people. <BR /> <BR />The abuse that has been directed at Carla is horrendous.”
“When individuals resort to personal abuse rather than argument, they have already lost the debate, but we should be honest about the damage that the abuse causes. The harm does not stop with the individual but extends to their families, children and loved ones. When we look in the mirror in the morning, we may wish that we looked slightly different, but that gives nobody the right to pass judgement or hurl abuse at another human being.”
“Carla's response has been powerful and dignified. By calling out the abuse for what it is, she has stood not only for herself but for each and every one of us who is constantly attacked on social media.”
“An important issue that concerns everyone in the Chamber is the growing tide of online abuse, particularly the personalised and appearance-based attacks directed at women in public life. In recent days and weeks, our MP Carla Lockhart has been subjected to utterly appalling abuse on social media. It is not a criticism of her politics, which is, of course, a legitimate part of debate, but vicious, demeaning comments about her appearance. That behaviour is not political discourse; it is bullying, pure and simple.”
“<BR /> <BR />As legislators, we have a responsibility to ensure that fire safety is treated as a public health priority, and that means backing prevention, supporting awareness campaigns and ensuring that fire safety remains visible, consistent and adequately resourced, because when the warning signs are clear, inaction costs lives.”
“If prevention is our first line of defence, silence is not an option. We rightly praise the brave professional Fire and Rescue Service staff, whole-time and on-call, who respond at all hours and often in extremely difficult conditions. <BR /> <BR />Firefighters will say that the best fire is one that never happens. Fire safety starts long before the alert sounds. It starts in education in our schools and communities through outreach and in messages that reach older people who live alone, those using alternative heating and families under pressure. I remind everybody here today, and anybody who is watching, that the Fire and Rescue Service offers free fire safety checks. They are offered online for everyone, but there is an in-person, at-home safety check for those individuals who are at an additional risk.”
“Most fatal fires happen in the home. They are linked to cooking, smoking or electrical faults — risks that we all know how to reduce. Testing your smoke alarms to make sure that they work, safer night-time routines and a clear escape plan do save lives, yet prevention depends not just on individual behaviour but on public awareness. That is why it is deeply concerning that, despite the rise in fatalities, we have had no sustained public fire safety advertising campaign in recent years. <BR /> <BR />The annual spend on fire safety messaging by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has plummeted from around £1 million in 2010-11 to zero in 2022-23, as was discovered by a recent FOI request. Fire safety messaging is vital to reinforce those basic life-saving messages.”
“Fire safety affects families, our neighbours and our communities right across Northern Ireland each and every day. Last year saw the highest number of fatal house fires in Northern Ireland in 25 years, and that is not just a headline; it is a serious warning. Behind every statistic is a life lost and a family grieving, often the result of entirely preventable incidents.”
“I apologise for not being here at the start of the statement. <BR /> <BR />Deputy First Minister, I welcome the statement. As has been discussed, there is clearly a strong theme regarding the creative industries, which are absolutely critical to the Northern Ireland economy. Will you provide some more detail on how critical the creative industries are to the economy? What can we do to ensure that we remain competitive in a highly competitive global market so that we are front and centre and achieve what we want to?”
“When preparing for the question for urgent oral answer in June 2024, did your briefing papers have any details of the resignation?”
“<BR /> <BR />We are very happy to support the motion and the amendment. The more that we can do to raise awareness and support for everybody involved in this space, the better, in order to protect our community and society.”
“Working together across departmental organisations will bring justice here, and we will try to deal with it in a coordinated way, because we all must work together. <BR /> <BR />Before I conclude, I want to say that there is no shame whatsoever when a scam happens. Emma said that people can feel embarrassed about it, but it has probably happened to every person in the Chamber in some shape or form. Things are becoming more complex now, and it is harder to distinguish between the truth and fraud. People should never feel shame and never feel embarrassed. They should always contact somebody to clarify things and be sure before they go any further. As I said, it has happened to me, and I thought that I was pretty decent with tech, but obviously not, and things are also more complex.”
“The Department of Justice has an essential role, not just in awareness-raising but in ensuring that agencies on the ground have the support and resources that they need to keep pace with the evolving nature of fraud. <BR /> <BR />Our older generations deserve to live in safety, free from the threat of crime, abuse and exploitation. We have continually set out in our manifestos that we should protect our older generation from financial abuse, and redoubling our efforts against online fraud is now more important than ever. We also need better data to understand both how such abuse is broken down by age and its true impact on our older population. The motion rightly calls for "a coordinated, cross-departmental strategy", because joined-up action will protect our elderly, support victims and bring the criminals to justice.”
“Under the new joint agency task force, the PSNI and the gardaí are investigating dozens of complex scams that target individual companies, particularly in border areas. The perpetrators of those scams pose as legitimate buyers and have left local businesses thousands of pounds out of pocket, sometimes stealing valuable machinery by using fake or cancelled payment screenshots. That is a coordinated criminal threat. It is planned and requires coordinated policing and a governmental response. <BR /> <BR />Although we recognise and value the work of the PSNI, ScamwiseNI and other partnerships and, of course, our policing and community safety partnerships (PCSPs) and Crimestoppers, along with many other important contributions by the voluntary and community sector, the message from the evidence is clear: more needs to be done.”
“Many victims are left feeling deeply shaken, anxious and distraught, particularly at this time of year, when isolation can make the emotional impact even heavier. <BR /> <BR />It is the scale of the problem that should alarm us all. The PSNI reported more than 5,200 cases of fraud in the past year alone, with almost £19 million in losses. Every week in Northern Ireland, about 100 reports of scams are made to Action Fraud, and I am sure that there are many more that are not reported. Those crimes are no longer small. They are growing in sophistication, using phones, tech, social media and email in order to deceive, impersonate and manipulate. Increasingly, scams are enabled by modern technology, with the likes of AI making scams harder to identify. The emerging rise in cross-border fraud is even more concerning.”
“Thank you for tabling the motion. We should all have been horrified when we read the recent story of 82-year-old Eddie Rushe from Lurgan, who was cruelly scammed out of nearly £35,000. Eddie was targeted through sophisticated AI-generated advertisements bearing the faces of well-known public figures. It began as what he believed to be a legitimate and trusted investment opportunity but ultimately led to a devastating financial and emotional loss. Tragically, his experience is not an isolated incident. It is shameful that older people are increasingly singled out because of their vulnerability, trust and lower familiarity with technology. The criminals know exactly what they are doing. They prey on loneliness and fear, and the harm that they inflict goes far beyond bank statements.”
“I thank the Minister for bringing the statement to the House. This is a huge day for the deaf and disabled community, and I really welcome his statement. Minister, it is a time-bound issue. When will the strategy be finished, and when can people expect delivery on the ground?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Does he agree that it is simply unfair that an ever-increasing number of working people are being asked to pay more to cover the cost of rising benefits bills and that that situation is becoming completely unsustainable?”
“I welcome the fact that the coastal forum is meeting, but how will it help to protect our critical infrastructure and work collaboratively with the Department for Infrastructure in East Antrim? We have concerns about the A2 corridor, the rail line and protecting our harbour assets from the increasing risk of coastal erosion and rising sea levels.”
“I recently received correspondence, which I welcome, in which it is said that both Health and the police are approaching the point when they are ready to launch the first stage of Right Care, Right Person. That is really welcome news. We want to see vulnerable people getting the right support at the right time and that being worked on collaboratively to ensure that people get the help that they need. <BR /> <BR />We will, of course, support any measure that improves care for those experiencing mental ill health. People in crisis deserve clinical care, not a policing response by default, and, of course, our officers deserve to focus on the job that they were trained for.”
“We cannot ignore the reality that police officers, however dedicated they are, are not trained clinical professionals. When they are sitting for hours in emergency departments with someone in distress, they cannot give that person the care that they need, and they are being dragged away from the core duties that the public expect them to carry out. We all know that the Health Minister must accelerate the delivery of the mental health strategy. I know the challenges that he continually faces, but we also know that we must work collaboratively, and that includes the Justice Minister. They must show leadership by ensuring that Right Care, Right Person is implemented properly and safely. We recognise that progress has been made, but, of course, the strategy must be accelerated.”
“When a crisis worsens, that will, in some cases, fall at the door of the PSNI. The inquiry also highlighted a number of things about that provision, particularly around services for those who have had a dual diagnosis of mental health and addiction issues. Again, we have not really dealt with that effectively. As a result of a lack of crisis services, those in need are forced to attend emergency departments just to get basic help and support. More complex mental health needs are now presenting, and we are aware of the workforce challenges. Invest to save was the main message from the inquiry, and I know that the proposer of the motion detailed that today. <BR /> <BR />All of this is happening at a time when officer numbers are at critically low levels and when officers are under extreme pressure from all angles.”
“At the Policing Board, all members have repeatedly raised concerns about the unsustainability of pressures on the front line, and we all know that the PSNI cannot continue to act as the service of last resort simply because other parts of the system are not functioning. <BR /> <BR />It was during my time on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that we looked at the inquiry into mental health, and it highlighted that Northern Ireland spends less per head on mental health than any other part of the UK despite having some of the highest levels of need. It also exposed the fact that over 17,500 people are on a waiting list for their first appointment. The PAC described that as unacceptable and rightly so. However, those are not just numbers on a page; they are people who are struggling every day to access support.”
“I declare an interest as a member of the Policing Board. <BR /> <BR />The public rightly expect the PSNI to focus on keeping our community safe and responding to crime. However, it is through no fault of their own that officers are being diverted to roles that they are neither trained nor resourced to carry out. The PSNI has told the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee that officers are now responding to 107 "concern for safety" calls every day and that only 3% of those calls have anything to do with actual crime. Officers spend an average of 14 hours in A&E waiting for someone who needs a mental health assessment, and deploying police officers to hundreds of such incidents is not the most appropriate use of policing resources, nor is it safe or sustainable.”
“Will the First Minister commit to releasing any and all information held by the Executive Office, including any emails or briefings relating to an invitation to junior Minister Reilly to the Belfast City Hall event?”
“Our officers need greater protection, and I am pleased that my colleagues Philip Brett and the Chair of the Justice Committee, Paul Frew, continue to explore amendments to the Sentencing Bill to ensure that those who attack police officers face tougher and more meaningful penalties. If criminals know that there are no real consequences, the violence will only continue. We need sentencing that reflects the seriousness of the assaults, a justice system that stands firm with our officers and a political system that does not hesitate to say, "Enough is enough".”
“More recently, just last week in Londonderry, an officer was stabbed with a blade during a violent attack in the early hours of the morning. <BR /> <BR />Attacks on our emergency services are completely unacceptable. Officers go out every day to keep our communities safe, and they should be able to do that without the fear of violence. It is criminal, and the DUP will never accept it as usual. When officers are hurt, vehicles are rammed and morale is shattered, it affects everyone in Northern Ireland. It means fewer officers on the streets, slower response times and the public being left less safe. The consequences ripple far beyond the incident.”
“I rise today to raise the issue of the horrific levels of violence being inflicted on our PSNI officers. Sadly, we are seeing a pattern of brutality that is becoming more frequent, more severe and more dangerous. Between October 2024 and September 2025, there were over 2,600 assaults on officers. They are not routine risks of the job. Officers are being kicked, bitten and spat at, and their vehicles are being rammed. One officer had blood sprayed in their face and eyes after a detainee ripped out a cannula and claimed to have HIV and hepatitis C. That is trauma that no one signs up for. A female officer was sexually assaulted during an arrest and was left with physical injuries and psychological scars. We have also seen more than 100 vehicle ramming incidents, with police cars being taken off the road and officers hurt.”
“On these Benches, we will continue to press the case in the House, with the Executive and, of course, with the UK Government and to support the Chief Constable in his pursuit, because no child in Northern Ireland should ever be at risk because the system meant to protect them simply does not have enough people or enough support.”
“Thank you, and thank you to the Member. As members of the Policing Board, we visited and saw the environment that the officers were working in. Clearly, the PSNI is trying to support those officers as much as possible, but the images that they see daily are having an extremely negative effect on their mental well-being. It is extremely difficult for any officer to be in that environment, and we heard about the high staff sickness rates because of what people have to endure. <BR /> <BR />Today's motion really matters, and I welcome it. It sends a clear message about safeguarding our children: it is not optional; it is our duty. It sends a message that we need to identify the gaps and prioritise with real investment and recruitment.”
“We cannot talk about protecting our young people in this complex and dangerous digital age if we do not —.”
“Nobody could read that and not be truly devastated that that happened in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Recent reports have also reinforced the fact that crimes involving child sexual abuse have almost doubled in the past five years. Officers are now dealing with an explosion of online offending, with increasingly sophisticated digital platforms being used to target children. They are difficult for the PSNI to engage with and even get responses from in some cases. The dedicated teams dealing with those threats are working with limited manpower and specialist capability and with delays that are not compatible with protecting our children. To be absolutely clear, we support a proper, sustainable policing budget, not sticking plasters or one-off allocations.”
“I am sure that there is no one in the House who is comfortable with that. What happened in that case was not just a procedural weakness; it was the fundamental collapse of a system that should exist first and foremost to protect the most vulnerable: our children. The PSNI has acknowledged those failures, but, of course, words of acknowledgement are not enough. The truth is that, for too long, the service has been under-resourced, understaffed and stretched beyond what is acceptable. It is good to get collaborative agreement today. Our Police Service is there to support and protect us, but it has not been funded in the way in which it should have been. Nowhere is that pressure more evident than in tackling online child exploitation and abuse. It was absolutely heartbreaking, as a parent, to read the story in the ombudsman's report.”
“I support the motion. Grave concerns are felt on these Benches following the ombudsman's report. There are also concerns about police resourcing and the handling of one of the most horrific high-profile sex offender cases behind a computer screen that there has been in Northern Ireland. That sick man ruined countless people's lives. As we discuss this important matter today, my thoughts are with all those who are impacted by what we discuss and all those who have been impacted by that type of crime. <BR /> <BR />The report's findings are stark, and the ombudsman has confirmed what many of us already knew: the PSNI simply did not have enough capability or capacity to manage the risk posed by a highly dangerous child sex offender. That failure has had devastating consequences for victims and their families.”
“Minister, I absolutely love this statement, and it comes not a moment too soon. Public money demands public accountability, and, without real consequences, nothing will change. Will the Minister detail what the consequences will be for the IABA and the Ulster Boxing Council if they do not engage and show sufficient progress?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. There is extreme concern about this in East Antrim, and I understand the issues involved. However, as only 27 of the 89 estates have been stocked, has any consideration been given to reassessing the cost of the rod licensing fee to reflect the affected areas or, potentially, to reduced or limited stocking in the future?”
“We have never shied away from defending what is right, and the mural continues that tradition. It is a declaration and a reminder of who we are, where we came from and the values for which we stand. Yes, it is bold, defiant and unapologetic. That is exactly what it should be, because the men who trained there did not apologise for standing up to tyranny, and we should not apologise for remembering them.”
“If people cannot tell the difference between those who fought for freedom and those who fought against it, maybe that is exactly why the mural is needed. <BR /> <BR />The artist, Dan Kitchener, captured something powerful: the harsh reality of war, the machinery and the rubble. He also captured the light breaking through the clouds, which represents hope. It is honest and raw, because history was not polite, and neither were the men who fought to defend us. The mural stands in an area that, for years, has been scarred by graffiti and intimidation. Now, instead of darkness and division, we have a wall that tells a story of courage and of the victory of good over evil. Carrickfergus has always been a proud town: proud of our castle and of our involvement in the wars of the previous century.”
“They were trained here, they bled for freedom and they set the standard for courage under fire. Carrickfergus played a part in that global story. While others turned their back or declared themselves to be neutral, our town stood up, opened its doors and helped build an elite force that led the way across Europe. That is our history and our connection to one of the most respected military units in the world. <BR /> <BR />Some people have criticised the mural, saying that it looks too militaristic and aggressive. They have made the bizarre statement that it resembles a paramilitary image. Frankly, that is a lazy and offensive comparison that shows a misunderstanding of history and art. The mural is a symbol of sacrifice, discipline and strength.”
“I speak in light of recent media reports and social media comments relating to a new US Rangers mural in Carrickfergus, which was delivered through the Communities in Transition (CIT) programme. I make this absolutely clear: the mural in Carrickfergus is not a mistake, anything to be ashamed of or something to be whispered about. It is something to stand beside with pride, and the many people of Carrickfergus and beyond are doing just that. <BR /> <BR />The image on the wall does not glorify violence; it honours valour. It tells the story of the men who trained in our town in 1942: the United States Rangers' 1st Battalion, which was forged in Sunnylands Camp under Major William Darby. Those men were the tip of the spear in the fight against fascism.”
“Minister, will you provide further detail on the overall budgetary position that you face?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Does she agree that it is long past time that Northern Ireland's sportsmen and sportswomen should be able to compete internationally under their national flag by right?”
“I thank the Minister for his attitude and for the way in which he has come to the Chamber. I want to nail down whether he has any time frame for the project. As we have said, parents are passionate about the issue. Do you have any time frames for the work? Can we get some definite answers for the people of Northern Ireland about a sensory room at the Royal?”