McGlone welcomes increased capacity on Castledawson to Derry bus service

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster Patsy McGlone has welcomed confirmation that Translink have increased capacity on the Castledawson to Derry bus service in response to a rise in passenger numbers in September. The confirmation came in a recent Assembly written answer from the Minister for Infrastructure. In September, Mr McGlone highlighted a number of cases … Continue reading McGlone welcomes increased capacity on Castledawson to Derry bus service

McGlone presses Minister on policing costs of Drumcree parade

SDLP Justice Spokesperson Patsy McGlone MLA has called for the full policing costs associated with the Orange Order’s attempt to parade down Garvaghy Road to be made public, including the cost of bringing in 200 additional police officers from Scotland. Mr McGlone raised the issue with Justice Minister Naomi Long during Assembly Question Time. He … Continue reading McGlone presses Minister on policing costs of Drumcree parade

McGlone criticises Translink’s failure to cope with the increase in demand for Derry buses

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster Patsy McGlone has strongly criticised Translink’s failure to cope with the increase in demand for bus travel to Derry in September. The Mid Ulster MLA has asked the Minister for Infrastructure what assessment of passenger capacity had been made on the Castledawson to Derry route, and what additional provision had … Continue reading McGlone criticises Translink’s failure to cope with the increase in demand for Derry buses

McGlone: Long-overdue NI Water audit must deliver answers and accountability

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has said the long-overdue audit of governance at NI Water must deliver answers over serious concerns about accountability, the management of public money and the treatment of whistleblowers. He also warned against a "toothless tiger" investigation and said the Executive cannot use the audit to escape its own failures … Continue reading McGlone: Long-overdue NI Water audit must deliver answers and accountability

McGlone: Reform’s attack on Irish shows what a Farage future means for the North

SDLP Irish Language Spokesperson Patsy McGlone MLA has condemned proposals from Reform UK that would effectively criminalise the use of Irish on election materials, saying they expose the party's ignorance of Northern Ireland and offer a stark warning about the direction of politics at Westminster under Nigel Farage. Reform UK has tabled an amendment to … Continue reading McGlone: Reform’s attack on Irish shows what a Farage future means for the North

McGlone calls for focus on hate crime legislation

SDLP Opposition Justice Spokesperson Patsy McGlone MLA has said the Executive and Minister need to focus on hate crime legislation. He was speaking after a racist display at a bonfire in Moygashel. Mr McGlone has advocated strongly to strengthen the hate crime element in the upcoming Sentencing Bill. Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone said, "If … Continue reading McGlone calls for focus on hate crime legislation

McGlone welcomes support for new police powers to tackle scramblers and e-scooters

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has welcomed Assembly support for new police powers to tackle scramblers and e-scooters engaging in anti-social behaviour. The amendment to the Justice Bill was proposed by the SDLP, with support from the DUP and Alliance Party. The amendment would allow police to seize vehicles causing alarm, distress or annoyance … Continue reading McGlone welcomes support for new police powers to tackle scramblers and e-scooters

McGlone raises need for tougher hate crime legislation

SDLP Opposition Justice Spokesperson Patsy McGlone MLA has raised the need for tougher hate crime legislation at Stormont. He was speaking during evidence from the Human Rights Commission on the Criminal Justice (Sentencing) Bill at the Justice Committee on Thursday. Mr McGlone raised the issue in the context of racist disorder witnessed across the North … Continue reading McGlone raises need for tougher hate crime legislation