Brian Anderson

love serving with EBM, trying to follow Jesus, hubby, dad, fosterer, cyclist, walker, golfer, big into Liverpool FC

[Brian Anderson @REVBBA]

Some sound commentary from a voice worth taking account of

[Gareth Wright @garethrwright]

Last week was an incredibly difficult week for East Belfast.

On Tuesday and Wednesday night, I was on the Newtownards Road alongside local residents, community leaders, church leaders and a local councillor.

During that time, we assisted residents from McMaster Street and Lendrick Street in moving safely to a nearby church following a gas leak affecting both streets. Families remained at the church until the early hours of Wednesday morning.

There can be no justification for forcing people from their homes. There can be no justification for attacks on police. There can be no justification for arson, intimidation or the destruction of property.

These actions do not represent the values of our community, nor do they offer solutions to the genuine challenges many people are facing.

However, it is also important to understand that many people within working-class communities have, for a considerable period of time, been expressing concerns and frustrations around illegal immigration, community integration and the lack of meaningful engagement from decision-makers. Too often, people feel their views have been dismissed rather than listened to.

Acknowledging these concerns does not excuse criminality. Equally, condemning violence should not prevent honest and respectful conversations about the issues many local residents continue to raise and will continue to raise.

What our community needs now is calm, reflection and clear leadership from those who know this community best and have its best interests at heart.

We cannot build a positive future by damaging our own streets, burning our own buses or attacking buildings that provide vital services to local people. We cannot improve our communities through disorder. Nor can we expect young people to make better choices in their lives if those in positions of influence fail to lead by example.

The responsibility lies with all of us, political representatives, community leaders, parents and local residents, to lower tensions, encourage constructive conversations and ensure the events of recent days are not repeated.

East Belfast is better than what we have witnessed.

Our community is, and always has been, resilient. Our people are hardworking, decent, caring and genuine. The overwhelming majority want safe streets, strong communities and a better future for the next generation.

That future will not be shaped by those who seek to divide, intimidate or destroy. It will be shaped by those who are willing to lead, listen, challenge and work together.

[Brian Anderson @REVBBA]

@EBM

[Cliff Edge Coalition NI @CliffEdgeNI]

The Chancellor has just announced the scrapping of the two-child limit in full from April

[Cliff Edge Coalition NI @CliffEdgeNI]

The Chancellor has just announced the scrapping of the two-child limit in full from April

[Cliff Edge Coalition NI @CliffEdgeNI]

Ahead of the Autumn 2025 Budget next week the Cliff Edge Coalition calls on @RachelReevesMP to fully scrap the two-child limit to protect children, families and communities from poverty

[Brian Anderson @REVBBA]

Good to have balance that it’s not all negative news from today

[Ｐｅｔｅｒ Ｌｙｎａｓ @peterlynas]

Some thoughts on the Supreme Court ruling on religion in schools in Northern Ireland. It is challenging but there are encouragements.

[Cliff Edge Coalition NI @CliffEdgeNI]

Ahead of the Budget we urge our NI MPs to continue to put pressure on the Government to fully scrap the two-child limit.

This would be an important investment in our children, families, communities and in the local economy ⬇️

[Brian Anderson @REVBBA]

Warm coats at Skainos center for free

[Brian Anderson @REVBBA]

#riseAgainstPoverty -challenge for human rights that poverty brings

[Brian Anderson @REVBBA]

Listen to Rachel and Louise explain how poverty can stress and strain - and how the suggested Anti poverty strategy does not cut it https://t.co/CkJB8FS8G4

[Brian Anderson @REVBBA]

Policy needs data and here it is are - it may not be what national and regional( except for Scotland ) wants to read but it require, in part money commitment to solve

[Joseph Rowntree Foundation @jrf_uk]

4.3 million children are in poverty

UK govt won’t see progress on child poverty by 2029 even with high economic growth 📢

Our analysis shows under our central scenario only Scotland will see child poverty rates fall by 2029 in large part due to social security policies 1/5

[Joseph Rowntree Foundation @jrf_uk]

Half of low-income families with no recourse to public funds are falling into destitution 📢

We need urgent policy change so that anyone experiencing hardship in the UK has a place to turn for support.

Read our latest briefing:
https://t.co/mszvWIPElr.

[Brian Anderson @REVBBA]

Be part of this important conference to shape response to poverty in NI

https://t.co/9I13kVx4l1

[Fiona Cole @FionaCole15]

https://t.co/FTPJxIyCNa

Join us for a crucial conference dedicated to shaping the future of anti-poverty efforts in Northern Ireland - 2nd Sep, Dunadry Hotel 9-4pm.

[Brian Anderson @REVBBA]

This makes me cross - why does the savings on welfare still have come the most vulnerable- you have made enough U-turns we will not blame labour for increasing taxes and those who can afford it / Welfare U-turn makes spending decisions harder, minister say https://t.co/wy6gKKAT6G

[Brian Anderson @REVBBA]

This is now about saving the PM saving face than doing the right thing for the most vulnerable https://t.co/NLCLogxhqD

[Brian Anderson @REVBBA]

I thought it was the correct way to get our @niexecutive to listen that the draft AP strategy needs to be changed to address the plight so many are living with.

[Northern Ireland Anti Poverty Network @NIAntiPov]

Over 50 organisations have signed this open letter to the NI Executive to drop the harmful draft Anti-Poverty 'Strategy' and revert back to the expert recommendations they have had for years. Now you can add your name too! Sign and share. https://t.co/Hpx3od7tNj via @actnowni

[Sarah Creighton 🍂 @Saraita101]

Wrote for The Guardian about Ballymena and Northern Ireland's long history of violence against women ⬇️

https://t.co/SrNsW4MS5i

[Brian Anderson @REVBBA]

Sad for many Catholic friends today - Pope Francis saw the individual not the institution- need more like him in all areas of life - thank you and rest in peace @MartinJMagill @gymforthesoul @petercarlin @stmatthewsbelfast

[Brian Anderson @REVBBA]

@C_Fitz_ @bbcradioulster Look forward to listening in

[Brian Anderson @REVBBA]

@NICVA @scrabopower @celinemcs @ainemagee11 @CarersNI @healthdpt @mikenesbittni Of course this needed but with accuracy and urgency