I recognise and respect the right to peaceful and lawful protest. While people are understandably concerned and angry, there can be no justification for criminality, disorder or the destruction of property. Violence and destruction are not the answer. It is wrong, diverts much-needed resources, creates fear and uncertainty, and leaves local communities to deal with the consequences. Those responsible should stop immediately.

RT @PoliceServiceNI: Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson has this evening called for calm across Northern Ireland. t.co/fjsgt4…

RT @RobinSwann_MP: Last night’s attack in North Belfast was barbaric, and people are understandably concerned and angry. I fully acknowledg…

Wholeheartedly agree with Mark. I have been consistently clear that, if we are serious about turning the curve on the housing crisis, we need to create the conditions to build at least 5,000 social homes per year. At the most recent Communities Question Time, I raised directly with the Minister that while funding pressures are repeatedly referenced, the Executive’s Housing Supply Strategy risks losing credibility if the funding required to deliver its ambition is not provided. The need is there, as consistently highlighted by the housing figures. What is now required is the political will and long-term investment to match the scale of the challenge.

🚨 New report out today! Disabled people in Northern Ireland are almost 2x as likely to live in poverty as non-disabled people, in some of the first research of it's kind in NI. Hear @mcmullen_sheena and Christine Ellison set out their findings and what can be done 👇

“Fuel poverty remains at crisis level in Northern Ireland, with far too many households struggling to afford to keep warm. Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is a lasting solution to reduce household energy bills and improve health and wellbeing. We welcome this consultation as an important step towards a new energy efficiency scheme for low-income and vulnerable households and urge everyone to have their say in shaping a scheme that is so evidently needed.” – Pat Austin, Director of NEA NI and Chair of the @fuelpovertyni.

🎥 WATCH: Robbie Butler MLA responding to the Draft Anti-poverty Strategy. Poverty isn’t just a statistic; we need to understand the real impact of poverty on families and communities.

Stewart welcomes Belfast Harbour expansion plans but warns barriers must be removed Ulster Unionist infrastructure spokesperson John Stewart MLA has welcomed Belfast Harbour's £1.3 billion Horizons masterplan as a major vote of confidence in the Northern Ireland economy, but warned that long-standing barriers around planning and land classification continue to hold the port back from realising its full potential. Commenting on the announcement, John Stewart MLA said: "Belfast Harbour's £1.3 billion Horizons masterplan is a major vote of confidence in the Northern Ireland economy. With the potential to support 5,500 construction jobs and generate an estimated £12 billion for the wider economy, it is exactly the kind of long-term, strategic investment our region needs from a port that already handles 70% of our seaborne trade. "However, real barriers remain. The planning system continues to be a significant drag on infrastructure delivery, and the ONS classification of our Trust Ports as public corporations restricts their ability to borrow prudently to fund the very projects this masterplan depends on. Scotland resolved this issue a decade ago. Northern Ireland cannot afford to keep falling behind. “I have challenged the Department many times in recent months on the continued delays to the Ports Bill, and I am pleased that it is finally now making its way to the Executive in early June and is expected to reach the Assembly just before summer recess. That timeline must be held to, so Belfast Harbour and the wider trust port network can get on with growing our economy."

Hi all, Elmgrove Primary are preparing for our Summer Fair and need raffle/tombola prizes. If you’re a local business or individual and can donate, we’d really appreciate it — all funds go directly to supporting the kids. Get in touch if you can help (no alcohol donations please)

Yesterday's meeting of the All-Party Group on #FuelPoverty brought together representatives from @UREGNI, @PowerNI, @sseairtricity and the NI Oil Federation for an important discussion on rising energy prices, customer support and the challenges facing vulnerable consumers.

Do you deliver advice to households, either over the phone or face-to-face? If so, our course explores a breadth of topics related to the energy sector, including energy-saving methods. For more info, contact: nichola.macdougall@nea.org.uk

At today’s APG on Fuel Poverty, chaired by Andy Allen, we heard evidence from the Utility Regulator, Power NI, SSE Airtricity and the NI Oil Federation on pricing safeguards, transparency, rural inequalities and protections for vulnerable households. ⚡🏠 For many families, fuel poverty is a daily pressure and people are right to be worried and frustrated. But politicians twisting facts or fuelling misinformation for clicks and shares only adds to fear and confusion for those already struggling. People deserve honesty, facts and solutions. 🤝🔥

Police are currently examining a suspicious object in the Orangefield Park area of east Belfast. A number of cordons have been put in place inside the park and officers would ask members of the public to avoid the area.

Summer Scheme Update! Glad to see that after communicating with the Health and Ministers yesterday, they have found a solution. Ongoing work must now take place to future proof the provision and ensure that everyone receives equitable access and that schools are adequately supported. eani.org.uk/news/summer-sche…

Free mental health support is available - with no waiting lists. ✔ No referral needed ✔ No need to pre-register ✔ Support available online and across Northern Ireland You can talk to someone this week. 👉 Find a group today: aware-ni.org/lets-talk

Yesterday saw an engagement meeting with @AndyAllen88 MLA as well as work on both days focused on a consultation response and working through recent polling research on public attitudes to identity.

RT @uuponline: 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐢𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann has hit out at the lack of di…

NI relies on maritime transport for ~90% of our trade and passenger movement 🚢 That’s why we opposed the extension of the ETS to domestic maritime routes. It’s effectively a carbon tax that won’t decarbonise shipping and the costs will simply be passed on to consumers and businesses 💷 Deeply regret that SF, SDLP and Alliance voted together to support it. Northern Ireland deserves policies that support real decarbonisation not measures that just increase costs. ❌🌍