Cohen Taylor

Social Policy @UlsterUni | Chair @NIYF | All views my own. 🏳️‍🌈🇪🇺

[Paula Bradshaw MLA @PaulaJaneB]

Today at the Infrastructure Committee, I discussed my Private Member's Bill, the Display of Flags & Emblems Bill.

This Bill is not about banning flags. It is about creating a clear, consistent and fair legal framework for the display of flags and emblems on public property.

[Eóin Tennyson MLA @EoinTennyson]

Team Alliance out in force today! 💪💛

Our activists spoke with hundreds of residents across Banbridge, listening to local priorities and sharing our vision for a more positive, hopeful and inclusive politics.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to chat with us!

[Sarah McBride @SarahEMcBride]

This is reprehensible, hateful, and, simply, unacceptable. Our world is lucky to have Pete and Chasten, their family, and their collective love for one another in it.

[Pivotal @pivotalpolicy]

Yesterday our PLDP Alumni visited Clare House to meet a group of Civil Service Permanent Secretaries, who discussed their own experiences and careers, working with and without an Executive, decision-making and more.

Our thanks to the PermSecs for their time and openness.

[Eóin Tennyson MLA @EoinTennyson]

Before Brexit, under the Dublin Agreement, the UK could transfer asylum seekers to the EU member state responsible for their claim - often the country of first entry.

The very grifters complaining about migration campaigned to leave the system that enabled those returns.

Where is the scrutiny and challenge of this utter claptrap in the media?

[Kate Nicholl @KateNicholl]

The petition of concern was designed to protect minorities, not weaponise politics. When it’s abused to block progress, democracy suffers. @allianceparty refuses to play those games. We’re focused on evidence, values & what actually works for NI ⤵️

[Stormont Watch @Stormont_watch]

The DUP, UUP and TUV have used a Petition of Concern to force amendments raising Northern Ireland’s age of criminal responsibility from 10 into a cross-community vote, where they now require majority support among both unionist and nationalist MLAs to pass.

The mechanism was created to protect communities on identity-sensitive issues. Raising the age at which children can be held criminally responsible is not one of them.

The amendments were tabled by Alliance, but because Alliance MLAs designate as “Other”, their votes do not count towards the unionist and nationalist majorities needed for success.

[ruth allum @mgtruth]

@mclaren_linzi @joanne_sansome There has been too much misrepresentation of this amendment and no will from unionism to amend any flaws.
Tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime doesn’t work with children.

[Gareth McGibbon @GarethMcGibbon]

Citing qualifications in Human Rights Law before misusing a minority veto to block a majority vote for children’s rights. The irony is off the scale.

[Eóin Tennyson MLA @EoinTennyson]

Another farce at Stormont: UUP MLAs falling in behind the DUP to back an anti-democratic Petition of Concern.

This is grubby, stroke politics at its worst, and a further blow to public confidence in the Assembly’s ability to deliver.

[Pivotal @pivotalpolicy]

NEW Pivotal report published this morning - 'Improving the institutions: suggested reforms to the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive'

Read the report here https://t.co/ulKuR0RspR

[Roberta Metsola @EP_President]

A larger Europe is a stronger and safer Europe.

As @Europarl_EN has long called for, Member States have given the green light to start EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.

The opening of the first chapters on democracy, justice and the rule of law underlines both countries' reform efforts and their commitment to European values. All while pushing back against Russia's aggression, threats and intimidation.

Enlargement is our strongest geopolitical tool, and Ukraine and Moldova belong in Europe 🇪🇺🇺🇦🇲🇩

[Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen]

Today, the European Union took a major step forward.

All Member States agreed to open the first accession negotiations cluster with Ukraine and Moldova.

At the first Intergovernmental Conference on Monday, we will open the cluster on fundamentals; the backbone of the accession process.

It covers the core values and principles on which the EU is built, from the rule of law to strong democratic institutions.

This is a recognition of the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges.

And a signal that the EU’s offer of peace, stability and opportunity is unmatchable.

Enlargement is a strategic choice.

By bringing our nations closer together, we strengthen peace, security and prosperity across our continent.

In a world marked by growing uncertainty, a larger European Union is in our common interest.

Enlargement remains one of the EU’s greatest success stories and our best investment in our shared future.

[Stephen Evans @Stephenmevans1]

✅ England & Wales abolished blasphemy laws in 2008
✅ Scotland abolished them in 2021
✅ Northern Ireland has now voted to abolish them too

Once the legislation passes, the UK will finally be free of blasphemy laws – something @NatSecSoc has campaigned for over many years.
https://t.co/7axaZCf8RQ

[Sorcha Eastwood MP @SorchaEastwood]

Unbelievable to hear the DUP very clearly state again that money should be put into defence instead of supporting disabled people and vulnerable people. Look about you! People are not living well. People are literally up in arms because of a lack of public services. At a time of social and political unrest, the UKG have already removed 70% of a funding pot in NI to support young people who are marginalised some of whom may have been involved in unrest, I really despair sometimes. It's as if some people are intent on failure.

[Sarah Creighton 🍂 @Saraita101]

The health service in northern ireland wouldn't function without migrant staff. Despicable behavior.

[Naomi Long MLA @naomi_long]

Being Lord Mayor of Belfast is a genuine privilege: it offers the opportunity to connect and celebrate with every community in our city.

Intimidating or threatening any Lord Mayor is an attack, not on any political party, but on the office and the City.

Completely unacceptable.

[Belfast Telegraph @BelTel]

An anti-immigration protest had been planned for Belfast City Hall this evening, but it failed to materialise as only three individuals turned up. Instead, tourists took the opportunity for a snap with Sergeant Dave from hit BBC show Peelers https://t.co/qsCeUdUI92
📸 @Kscott_94

[Petar Markovic @PetrusMarcus]

Thank you, @Ireland2026eu! 💪🏻🇲🇪🇮🇪🇪🇺🍀

[Kate Nicholl @KateNicholl]

Violence is never the answer. This morning @PaulaJaneB & I met some residents & business owners in Sandy Row who are understandably distressed. We need de-escalation & accountability - not more destruction.