Ian has been a tireless campaigner on this for years. And you only have to look at the public record to see why - Bloody Sunday, Hillsborough, Stakeknife, the Manchester Arena Bombing. It is essential that security services are compelled to tell the truth.
I’ve co-sponsored the amendments tabled by @ianbyrnemp.bsky.social to make sure that the British Security Services are not exempt from a duty of candour before investigations and inquiries. This is important. Victims & survivors deserve a comprehensive Hillsborough Law.
news.sky.com/story/hillsb...
Image of Colum in Derry looking across the river. White text on a navy background reads: "People on this island see the narrow, insular and divisive vision of the future being promoted by people like Farage and we want no part in it. The choice we have is to build a new Ireland and a new relationship with Britain based on shared values and co-operation in our common interests."
A choice between a new Ireland, at the heart of Europe, and a new relationship with Britain based on our common interests or a future tethered to Farage and Reform’s narrow, divisive dogma?
I’m confident that we can make a powerful case for change. @newireland.bsky.social
The A5 is one of the most important infrastructure projects on this island by any measure. It has the potential to save lives, prevent needless tragedies and connect communities in the North West to Dublin. So disappointed for people who have lost loved ones on that road today.
I wish there was some fancy economic term for when a person deliberately lowers the price of every single stock on the planet before then raising them all with a wave of their hand, in a manner you might say would grant immediate, near-infinite wealth to anyone informed of such plans beforehand.
The cuts to disability support are cruel, immoral and unethical. It’ll make already vulnerable people poorer, less independent and more isolated. After fighting to get rid of the Tories for 14 years, what was the point if Labour are going to do this?
Image of Colum Eastwood with Derry in the background. Text reads: DELIVERED: £20M INVESTMENT IN DERRY As Derry's MP I have secured a £20m regeneration fund to be used to boost the town centre, deliver new green spaces and improve our neighbourhoods. Colum EASTWOOD MP
Delighted to receive confirmation that the £20m we secured for Derry is now a commitment that will be delivered through the Plan for Neighbourhoods.
This investment in regeneration will give the town a big boost, help us create green space and improve neighbourhoods.
I met Ukrainian Parliamentarians, including the Opposition, last week at the OSCE in Vienna. Their message was clear - they do not support Donald Trump’s call for an election while they’re defending their country from Russian aggression.
The only dictator in this conflict is Putin.
The gap between support for Irish unity and Northern Ireland staying in the UK has narrowed to 7% in the past year new poll finds.
m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politic...
With the Ukrainian delegation to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna.
At an OSCE committee meeting this afternoon.
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly plenary session.
I’m at the OSCE in Vienna discussing European security cooperation and took the opportunity to catch up with the Ukrainian delegation, including members of the Opposition, to underscore our support for Ukraine in the face of Putin’s aggression and the deliberate campaign of misinformation.
Never forget
You can’t plan for the future unless you plan for Irish Unity. That’s the big role the next Irish Government has.
Enjoyed speaking to @dsmooney.bsky.social last week @newireland.bsky.social.
Catch up on the full podcast here open.spotify.com/episode/0oKK...
Delighted to join @dsmooney.bsky.social on his podcast this week to talk about the work of @newireland.bsky.social, how we can all work together to build a new future for everyone who shares our island and what’s coming up for us this year.
You can listen here open.spotify.com/episode/0oKK...
Image shows a man holding a circular white pill above a drink while two women talk. Text reads: DRINK SPIKING LAW UPDATE JUSTICE MINISTER CONFIRMS SUPPORT FOR ACCELERATING NEW DRINK SPIKING OFFENCE Colum Eastwood MP has secured the support of the Justice Minister for extending a new Westminster offence on drink spiking.
Drink spiking is a sinister crime and I’ve been working to get the British Government to expedite a new standalone criminal offence to tackle it and extend it to the North.
Delighted that the Justice Minister agrees and hope we can cut years off the time it would take the Assembly to do this.
The future we’re working to build is based on better public services, a more open economy, more opportunities for the next generation to make a life for themselves here.
That’s the prize of a New Ireland for me.
In the Foyle studio ahead of Sunday Politics. Image shows a microphone on a desk in the foreground and a camera with a red recording light on in the background.
The glamorous side of the studio you don’t usually get to see.
Looking forward to joining Sunday Politics shortly to talk about changing political attitudes to Irish Unity and the opportunity for change.
Image is a letter to the Justice Minister from Colum Eastwood. Text reads: Dear Naomi As you know, over the last five years there has been a five fold increase in reported incidents of drink spiking in Northern Ireland. This is an insidious crime that contributes, in a significant way, to patterns of violence against women and girls. I know that you are keen to act in this area. I have asked a number of questions of the Home Office in recent months about their plans to introduce a standalone criminal offence of drink spiking. I am pleased that it was included in the King's Speech programme and that officials have been tasked with taking it forward. I was also glad to receive confirmation from the Home Office earlier this month that they have been working at official level with staff in the Department of Justice on their proposals. Given the pressure on the legislative timetable that you have previously spoken about, and in the interest of expediency so that we can send a strong message to women and girls across Northern Ireland, as well as to perpetrators of these crimes, I believe this matter could be effectively addressed through a Legislative Consent Motion providing the appropriate consent to the Home Office to extend territorial scope of the new criminal offence. I know that you have indicated that this was your preferred approach under previous proposals. I am keen to work collaboratively to ensure that we take all available action to address violence against women and girls. Alongside the criminal sanction proposed by the Home Secretary, this should include additional guidance and support to licensed premises, festivals etc. to create an environment that is hostile to anyone who would spike a drink. I would be interested to hear what additional approaches your department is undertaking in this area, including supporting the use of anti-spiking kits and products.
Drink spiking is on the increase and we all know it contributes to violence against women and girls.
I’ve been pressing the British Government to make good on their pledge for a standalone criminal offence and I’ve asked the Justice Minister to back plans to get the law changed quickly.
The cuts to Radio Foyle have always been wrong but now Ofcom has found the #BBC breached its own operating license.
Our cross party, cross community campaign to fight the cuts and defend talented local journalists, researchers and producers keeps going.
Taking action against spiking is one of the ways we can seriously address violence against women.
I’ve asked questions of the Home Office about making this a standalone offence. Welcome commitments so far but we need it to happen soon and it needs to apply in the North.
This is a really tough issue. I’ve written in @theirishnews.bsky.social today about my personal position on assisted dying ahead of a vote on Friday.
For me, it’s about giving people in the worst circumstances the freedom to choose what’s right for them.
www.irishnews.com/news/norther...
We were delighted to host a conversation with @columeastwood.ie , @leovaradkartd.bsky.social and young people in Derry a few weeks ago to hear their ideas about the future of our island.
We’re about convening the ideas for change that will unite people and communities across Ireland. #newireland
The future of our island needs the biggest and best ideas from everyone interested in change.
Glad that the New Ireland Commission has published this paper convening ideas from all the parties ahead of the election next week. Plenty of common ground to work together on.
Strongly welcome the decision of the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
It is far beyond time they answered for the genocide they’ve inflicted. www.icc-cpi.int/news/situati...
The Glenshane Pass at around 9am this morning. Image shows snow covered hills with traffic tailbacks.
The Glenshane Pass at around 9am this morning. Image shows snow covered hills with traffic tailbacks. The sun is breaking through clouds in the distance.
The Glenshane Pass at around 9am this morning. Image shows cars moving slowly through traffic between snow covered hills.
Looks class from the air but not so great if you’re stuck in traffic. Please take some extra care and time if you’re travelling today!
📸 Aerial Vision NI
Supporting the White Ribbon Campaign in parliament. Image shows Colum Eastwood MP holding a white ribbon.
Glad to support the #WhiteRibbon campaign today. Addressing the surge in violence against women and girls is one of the big challenges our society faces - everyone should be able to live free from the fear or threat of attack in our communities. #ItStartsWithMen #VAWG
