Every imported question, contribution and motion, with its classification. Unflagged, uncertain and not-yet-analysed records are all included so the analysis can be checked independently.
I beg to move I am honoured to propose the motion on behalf of Alan Black, the sole survivor of the Kingsmills massacre, and the family of John McConville. Innocent victims are a priority for the DUP. We consider it a privilege and a solemn obligation and duty to support these families in their quest for truth and…
I thank the Member for giving way. Does he agree that more commitment is required from the Department for the Economy by setting targets and attributing financial commitments to the rejuvenation of our high streets? The Member references Bow Street in Lisburn. I will reference, as did another Member, Market Street in…
Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Speaking as the Alliance Party spokesperson on the economy, I feel that this is the stuff where business meets community. It shows that there is potential, and it enthuses me that we can actually control change from the Assembly and make a huge difference right across this…
I thank the Member for giving way. Does the Member agree that, in developing a strategy to rejuvenate our town centres, it would be positive to see the Ministers of Finance and Economy engage directly with councils to identify local need and maximise the impact of planned schemes through targeted and strategic…
Thank you very much, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. We are pleased to welcome the motion, offer our amendment and support the other two amendments. Whilst it is a further non-binding motion from an Executive party, the main strand is to offer support to small businesses on our high streets, and the SDLP welcomes the…
Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I welcome the debate and thank the Members who contributed to it. Members raised important points on many issues, including empty buildings and the pedestrianisation — I had to say that slowly — of city and town centres. Different issues were raised about rates, some of which…
Thank you very much, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Today, we gather with a shared purpose and, hopefully, as the junior Minister said, cross-party support to breathe new life into our high streets and towns right across Northern Ireland. Those vibrant hubs are not just places of commerce but the beating hearts of…
Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I welcome the opportunity to speak to the motion on behalf of the Minister for the Economy, and I thank Members for bringing forward this important issue for discussion today. The fabric of community life and its economic vibrancy are significantly woven through…
Has the Member noted that the Alliance proposition at Belfast City Council, which it has tried and failed to pass many times, is likely to pass through City Hall only with the support of Sinn Féin? Will he encourage Sinn Féin to stand up for workers as it has in the past and not turn on them?
While recognising the significant challenges faced by businesses on our high streets, I begin by noting that I have the privilege of representing the constituency that has the current High Street of the Year. I commend the businesses of Ballymoney for winning that prestigious title and note that Winnie Mellot is…
The centres of our villages, towns and cities play an absolutely vital role in providing space for people, community and creativity. That is why we have tabled the motion today to urge the Economy Minister and our Executive as a whole to put in place a comprehensive strategy to rejuvenate our high streets and town…
I am pleased to speak in support of the motion and the amendments, as my colleague so eloquently did in his speech. We want to highlight how critical our high streets and town centres are to the economy and to the vibrancy and social cohesion of our community. A comprehensive strategy is, of course, essential, and I…
I start by thanking Members for tabling the motion and, indeed, the amendments, which deal with specific elements of town centres. The important role that our high streets play in our society cannot be overstated. They are the very heart and soul of our communities, and they act as a focal point for much of the…
I thank the Member for South Belfast for moving this important motion. My party has for many years recognised how vital our town and city centres are to our communities across Northern Ireland. As the motion focuses on changing habits from the COVID pandemic, I again pay tribute to the work of the former Economy…
I thank the proposer for providing the opportunity to speak on the issue today. I absolutely agree that thriving high streets and town centres are vital to the economic vibrancy and social fabric of our communities. They are also the spaces where we live, work, shop, socialise and access public services, so they need…
Thank you, Principal Deputy Speaker. I rise to address the substantive motion that has been moved by Alliance but to focus specifically on addressing long-term derelict buildings and how they impact on schemes to rejuvenate high streets and town centres. I share other Members' disappointment that the high street task…
I thank the Member for giving way. He and I agree on most things apart from Sunday trading. Does the Member not agree that employment law is in place to protect workers' rights? On allowing choice on Sundays for some workers, I have heard some mothers talking about it in terms of childcare, saying that they would like…
Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Under our current system, our city and town centres are carved up by private property, and property rights dominate all the claims to our shared spaces. However, if we are serious about recognising the importance of our city and town centres and our high streets as the social…