Monthly Archives: June 2018

Ballysillan parade changes welcomed

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Kilcoole parade: ‘an example of  how to handle a potentially difficult situation’, Gemma Weir

Ballysillan parade changes welcomed

The Workers Party has welcomed the measures taken by Cavehill Temperance LOL 1956 ahead of its ‘Floating of the Banner’ parade on July 6th.

The Lodge shortened the original parade route and leafleted the Kilcoole / Mountcoole / Duncoole area to explain its decision, and the purpose of the parade to local residents.

“I think this is a sensible decision and one that I hope will allay any local apprehensions. The officers of the Cavehill Lodge have demonstrated maturity and civic responsibility” the party’s local representative Gemma Weir said.

Parades Commission                                                                                               “I met with the Parades Commission last week to discuss the proposed route and make them aware of concerns that had been brought to my attention”, she said

“The shortening of the parade and the willingness to engage with the local community are an excellent example of how to handle potentially difficult situations.

“The positive and sensitive actions of the Cavehill Temperance Lodge are in stark contrast to the the alarmist, provocative and extremely unhelpful stance taken by a number of local politicians and some sections of the media”, Gemma said.

“I now hope that we can all look forward to a peaceful and enjoyable  summer – especially in North Belfast”, Gemma concluded

 

U.S. immigration policy ‘a form of child abuse’

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US immigration policy is child abuse

“The US Government is guilty of child abuse and an appalling demonstration of cruelty and inhumanity”, Gemma Weir of the Workers Party has said.

“In a six-week period more than 2,000 children have been forcibly removed from the arms of their parents and legal guardians and placed in wire mesh cages.

Read full statement:  US immigration policy and human rights

 

Refugee Week 2018

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Party member Lily Kerr (centre) at the launch of Refugee Week 2018

NICRAS – the Northern Ireland Community of Refugees & Asylum Seekers – launched its 2018 Refugee Week in the City Hall on Monday.

NICRAS supports the integration process of refugees and asylum seekers into local communities throughout Northern Ireland and raises awareness of the issues, problems and difficulties faced by refugees and asylum seekers in Northern Ireland.

There are thought to be around 200 applications for asylum each year and around the same number of refugees seeking to settle in Northern Ireland.

Asylum seekers come from countries  around the world that are experiencing war,
conflict and human rights abuses. In Northern Ireland, asylum applicants are most
commonly from China, Somalia, Sudan, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

The Workers Party was represented at the NICRAS Refugee Week launch by Lily Kerr.

Link to NICRAS website: http://www.nicras.btck.co.uk/

 

‘Women Can’t Wait’

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Choice: Free, safe, legal and accessible

“The focus on the reform and decriminalistion of abortion services in Northern Ireland has been sharpened by the result of the recent referendum in the Republic”.  Workers Party representative Gemma Weir has claimed

“That momentum should now be translated into nothing short of locally available, safe, legal and accessible abortion services in Northern Ireland”, she said

The Workers Party is opposed to  direct rule and has consistently called for the restoration of the Assembly and the Executive.

“However, the refusal of Sinn Fein and the DUP to form an administration means that the only viable option available is for Westminster to legislate for abortion services for Northern Ireland. 

The reality is that women can’t wait.”, Gemma said

“The DUP and Sinn Fein continue to inflict a great disservice on local politics and the people of Northern Ireland.

“The human rights, health, well-being and choices of local women don’t even feature in their diversionary and on-going discussions.

“While local politicians choose to ignore it , Westminster must now acknowledge and respond to the suffering and plight of women in Northern Ireland who seek to have an abortion.

“The legislation must be comprehensive, unambiguous and immediate. It must legislate for free, safe, legal and accessible abortion services with pre and post information and support services” Gemma concluded