Latest news with #GoodMorningUlster
Belfast Telegraph
11-07-2025
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Go ahead and enjoy yourselves': Top Orangeman says concern over bonfire is ‘political'
It comes after further loose asbestos was discovered at five different locations on the site in the Village area of Belfast on Thursday afternoon. It is understood Belfast City Council's bonfire panel was informed that the NI Environment Agency (NIEA) had identified further hazardous material during a partial inspection of the site and sources within City Hall described the development as 'extremely worrying' and a 'major public health risk'. But Rev Mervyn Gibson, the Orange Order's Grand Secretary, said concerns are 'clearly political'. He told listeners of BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme this morning to "go and enjoy themselves" at the bonfire. "I think it's clear for everybody that the decision that was made was a political decision. This asbestos has been there from 2017," he said. "I believe the council voted a couple of weeks ago for the bonfire to go ahead. A few days before it then Sinn Féin and Alliance and the SDLP decide to vote against it." The NIEA has now confirmed approximately 20kg of suspect material was identified at five separate locations around the site and immediately removed. "The agency was first alerted to the issues around the bonfire on May 16 2025,' said a spokesperson. "Responsibility for removing the asbestos primarily lies with the landowner. Given the circumstances, an enforcement investigation was initiated, and a direction was issued requiring the landowner to remove the asbestos waste. "When it became clear that the circumstances did not allow for the safe and controlled removal of the asbestos prior to July 11 2025, NIEA worked with the landowner and Belfast City Council to agree mitigating measures to reduce the risk to public health.' The organisation said those mitigating measures included plastic sheeting over an asbestos pile weighed down with 'significant quantities of quarry dust, with a layer of fire retardant sheets on top covered by further layer of quarry dust. Signage has been erected along with double fencing around the affected area. 'In addition to this, further security measures and daily walk-overs of the site have been conducted to inspect, monitor and assess risk,' added the spokesperson. "The risk assessment that NIEA has provided to partners has consistently indicated that there was a strong possibility that fragments of asbestos could be elsewhere on the site. "NIEA understand the landowner is due to arrange the removal of all of the asbestos from the site next week, commencing on July 16 2025, but it is important to note that removing the asbestos will be a highly specialised, complex and delicate operation that will require the site to be fully vacated. Indeed, the work of such complexity that the full removal will take a number of weeks. "In recent days the Minister has been constrained as to what he can say, as he has sought to avoid compromising the ongoing legal action. However, the Minister unequivocally urges the public to exercise caution and common sense in the coming days. "Staff from the Environmental Crime Unit within NIEA remain in ongoing contact with Belfast City Council and the landowner and the enforcement investigation continues.' It comes after police confirmed they would not be assisting in the removal of material from the site. It is understood that plans were afoot for contractors to move in overnight to remove the pyre following a majority vote at Belfast City Council (BCC). However this was deemed 'unviable' due to tensions on the ground. Sinn Féin, Alliance, SDLP and Green Party representatives backed the plan, while the DUP did not. City Hall sources told this newspaper on Thursday that the current assessment is that bonfire will go ahead on Friday night. It's understood that bonfire builders have voluntarily removed tiers of pallets from the top of the pyre as an "olive branch" to critics. Police had previously declared a major incident over the removal of the bonfire, but said the the decision not to assist had been taken following 'comprehensive engagement' with all stakeholders. 'Following comprehensive engagement with all relevant stakeholders, an evidence based assessment, and taking into consideration all of the risks associated with the removal, we have determined that police should not assist the proposed actions of Belfast City Council,' said a spokesperson. 'After receiving a formal request for assistance from Belfast City Council the Police Service of Northern Ireland chaired a multi-agency Tactical Coordination Group meeting on Wednesday evening. 'Amongst those present were the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland Electricity, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Belfast City Council. 'During this multi-agency meeting all partners considered the environmental risks associated with the asbestos on the site, the risks related to the electricity sub-station as well as the risks to public safety on a site occupied by members of the public, including children. 'The consensus of the meeting was that the risk of the bonfire proceeding as planned was lower and more manageable than the intervention of contractors and the proposed methodology of dismantling the bonfire. 'The Police Service will continue to work with partners and communities to manage the remaining risks surrounding this bonfire.' Belfast City Council has acknowledged the police response. "Party group leaders have also been made aware of the PSNI's position,' added a spokesperson. "The council remains concerned about the presence of asbestos on the site and has continued to raise these concerns with NIEA. "We have asked NIEA for information on their next steps, and we are seeking assurances in relation to the protection of public health. "The council will also continue to work with NIEA, as the lead agency, and the landowner in relation to this site.' Bonfire built beside south Belfast substation In a statement on social media, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: 'I am working with the range of local agencies and with our local DUP reps on the ground in relation to expressed concerns on the south Belfast bonfire near Broadway. 'Those using this issue as a political football should step back and allow the space for discussions and work to continue.' The towering structure sparked concerns that it could put the power supply to the City Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital at risk due to its proximity to an electricity substation. In addition, hazardous asbestos material on the site near the Westlink is a potential risk to human health. Within hours of the Council's vote, police declared a major incident over the bonfire and crowds gathered at the site, with entrances to the site being blocked. A joint statement issued on behalf of paramilitaries in south Belfast also warned of the possibility of 'serious and sustained disorder'. "PSNI have been advised of the risk of widespread disorder, with loyalists in other areas across NI staging interface riots to stretch the PSNI,' they said. "The police have been told there is a very real prospect of serious and sustained disorder should there be any effort to remove the bonfire.' Meanwhile, a legal challenge taken by loyalist activist Jamie Bryson over the Council's suspension of the call-in mechanism following the bonfire vote was adjourned by the High Court until September. The case was one of two before the judge, with the other challenging the siting of the south Belfast pyre. In Mr Bryson's case, Mr Justice O'Hara also queried why DUP councillors had not taken the action.
Belfast Telegraph
30-06-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Slurry incident before Ballymena Pride parade helped ‘galvanise support'
Police are treating the incident, which happened overnight on Friday into Saturday, as a hate crime. A 20-year-old man was arrested on Sunday as part of the police investigation into the incident. He was released on bail the following morning. A 19-year-old man was also arrested and charged in connection with the incident and is due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday. The parade went ahead on Saturday afternoon, with colourful scenes on the streets as hundreds of people took part. Banners and rainbow flags were carried as the procession made its way through the town. A small counter-protest was also staged, with some displaying religious messages on placards. Scott Cuthbertson, chief executive of The Rainbow Project, told BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster that the incident had 'helped galvanise support' for the event. 'Firstly obviously I was a little bit concerned, I went to the site and I saw all the local businesses trying to clean up the mess, and I realised it was a very sad and disgusting event, but actually it wasn't going to put a dampener on things,' he said. 'As I've said earlier I think it helped galvanise support for that Pride event. "To see all the people on the streets of Ballymena celebrating, having a good time, enjoying themselves but also talking about the issues of diversity and inclusion in the town was really important.' Mr Cuthbertson added that it was important the parade went ahead, marking Ballymena's first Pride event. 'There are LGBTQIA+ people in every single part of Northern Ireland so to have a Ballymena pride is important just to show the young people that are growing up there that these issues are important, that everybody gets to be visible, and open about who they are where they live,' he said. Mr Cuthbertson said that organisers of the event had taken time to engage with the local community ahead of the event. He added: 'I'm certainly looking forward to attending next year if they decide to run another one, and there are bigger issues at play here. 'This is about a celebration of cultures and identities, wherever you live in Northern Ireland, and whoever you are.' News Catch Up - June 30th 2025 He added that many who hadn't originally planned to take part in the parade changed their minds after the incident. 'And that was supported by the local community who came out in the thousands,' he said. "It was a really amazing atmosphere walking through the streets with everybody waving their flags, everyone in rainbow colours and there was just a lot of vibrancy and excitement through the town. 'I spoke to young people and older people alike. We had one gentleman talk about how he grew up in Ballymena but he didn't get to grow up gay because it was never a place that he felt he could come out, and all these years later to be able to celebrate who he was in his won town was really quite something.'
Belfast Telegraph
18-06-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Belfast hairdresser married to US-born husband faces deportation after being detained by immigration officers: ‘He's got no rights whatsoever'
Edward Lee Stinton, known as Lee, was initially subjected to a traffic stop by police in Key West — part of the Florida Keys — while cycling on his way to work at a hair salon. However, officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) soon detained him for not having his immigration documents at hand despite possessing the proper papers, according to his father. Belfast-born Lee (46) was transported almost four hours to a Miami detention centre housing a host of other ICE detainees where he has been left in limbo awaiting the outcome of his residency. The former British Hairdresser of The Year left his home for Florida over six years ago after marrying his US-born husband. His father, Edward, told Good Morning Ulster that Lee was on a working visa at the time and was on track to receive a Green Card. 'Last Thursday, we heard something went wrong,' Edward explained. 'He was going to work as normal on Thursday on his e-bike and he went through or, didn't go through — we're not sure of that yet — a stop sign. Edward continued by saying that Lee did not have his immigration papers on him and was subsequently transferred to Krome Detention Centre, where he has been held for almost a week. 'He's a vegan — he hasn't had food from last Thursday, he sleeps on a cold hard floor, no washing no change of clothes — his mum's out of her mind. 'They won't tell [his attorney] how long he'll be there. If they find they're going to deport him — it's a holding centre, not a processing centre — they will send him to Texas to process him and then deport him. 'The silliest part about it [according to] his solicitor is that he could be deported, sent back home to here, there's a certain form you can fill in from here and you can go straight back to the US straight away.' The 46-year-old is a 'valued member' of the Key West community, according to a petition set up by locals to campaign for Lee's release. The petition said he has been 'earning the trust and respect of colleagues, customers, and supervisors and has been a tax-paying member of the community since 2019'. It adds that Lee's detention has 'caused significant hardship to his family, friends, and our community. As residents of Key West, we rely on each other for support, and the absence of Lee has left a noticeable gap in our daily lives. Lee poses no danger to our community and has no criminal history.' Lee is one of tens of thousands detained by immigration authorities following Donald Trump's vow to deport millions of undocumented migrants from the US. Around 51,000 migrants believed to be undocumented have been brought into ICE detention centres as of early June, with even some of the most high-profile US inhabitants being arrested. Among those detained have been New York City's mayoral candidate Brad Lander and one of the world's biggest TikTok stars, Khaby Lame. Elaine Stinton, Lee's mum, who 'can barely get through the day', voiced her concerns as she awaits a decision from US immigration officials. She said: 'He's got no rights whatsoever. He has no food, he can't wash himself, he can't get changed. You wouldn't treat an animal like that.'
Belfast Telegraph
18-06-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Don't do anything in a rush': Belfast's £10m winner offers advice to €250m EuroMillions ticket holder yet to come forward
A Belfast man who won the lottery nearly 30 years ago has urged the winner of Tuesday's massive EuroMillions jackpot to 'put it in the bank and get their head around it'. Former bus driver Peter Lavery scooped £10.2m in 1996. This week's EuroMillions draw saw someone in the Republic of Ireland, who bought their ticket in a shop in Co Wexford, win €250m (£213m). We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. The numbers were 13, 22, 23, 44, 49, while the lucky numbers were three and five. The record-breaking win surpasses the €175m record for the largest cheque ever presented to an Irish player in February 2019. Previously earning £200 a week driving his bus route, Mr Lavery quit his job two days after he won £10m. He went on a 10-person holiday to a five-star resort in St Lucia and also recalled taking 22 people to New York for St Patrick's Day. Mr Lavery also set up a charity in memory of his parents and gave around £2m to other charities. Speaking on BBC's Good Morning Ulster today, Mr Lavery, a director of Titanic Distillers, admitted that when compared to €250m, his £10.2m didn't sound like a lot. 'It does not, but let me tell you something, what I won was a massive amount of money,' he said. 'It was over 29 years ago, it's unbelievable. I just want to say good luck to the person who has won it. 'They are probably shocked. At the time, I was one of the biggest wins in Northern Ireland, £10m in 1996 is a lot of money. You just can't be an ordinary worker today and have a quarter of a billion in your back pocket. 'It's a big scoop. Whoever has it, fair play to them. I hope they really enjoy it – that is more important than anything else.' Chaotic scenes as Kneecap's Liam Og O hAnnaidh arrives at court He added: 'I think the right thing to do is to put it in the bank and get their head around it. Buy a few odds and ends. If they really want a new car, go buy it, go on holiday, do things like that. 'But don't do anything in a rush. They have all the time in their lives, and hopefully they are young enough to enjoy it. 'Everyone has that dream of winning the lottery. You never think it is going to be you. Everybody plays the lottery to change their lives. 'You don't do half the things you say you are going to do. I have seen the globe, I have done everything else. 'I was young at the time, I was 34, a good age to get it. I have had a good life of it. I just hope and pray that the person, or persons, who have won it will have the same luck as myself.' It has not yet been confirmed exactly where the winning ticket was sold, but the National Lottery has urged the winner 'to stay calm, get independent legal and financial advice and contact us as soon as they can'. Speaking on Wednesday morning, National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan confirmed the winning ticket was purchased in a retail store somewhere in Ireland and said more information on the location where it was bought will be released in the coming days. 'So, shortly after the draw last night, a small number of people internally got word that it was an Irish winner, so it was all hands-on deck last night,' she told RTÉ's Morning Ireland. 'But we're delighted with it. We're delighted for the winner. I mean, it's just such great news for our players and they've now become the highest ever winner of an Irish National Lottery game. So, that is some title to hold.' She said the National Lottery's prize claims team opens from 9am this morning and as of yet, the lucky winner is yet to make contact. 'At the moment we're just urging everyone to check their tickets very carefully this morning. If they are holding the winning ticket, the most important thing they can do is to sign the back of it and keep it somewhere safe. And the next step then is to contact our prize team,' she said. 'I don't know who has won it, but somebody out there is holding the winning ticket. In terms of location, what I can tell you is that the winning ticket was bought in a retail store somewhere in Ireland.'
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Families in emergency accommodation after days of unrest
About 50 households in Northern Ireland have received assistance since disorder broke out in Ballymena this week, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has said. Some 14 families have also been provided with emergency accommodation during the disorder. The disorder started on Monday after a peaceful protest over an alleged sexual assault in the County Antrim town. Police said 63 of their officers have been injured over four nights of violence after coming under "sustained attack with heavy masonry and fireworks". Stormont's finance minister will bring a proposal to the executive for additional funding for the PSNI, Michelle O'Neill has said. The PSNI Chief Constable has repeatedly raised concerns about resources for the force, and did so again on Thursday following several nights of disorder. Justice Minister Naomi Long said she was "delighted" that it looks as though the executive would agree a bid of £5m she had submitted to assist the PSNI with the costs of the past week's unrest. "It's a good start but long-term investment is required." A family with children were moved from a house in Coleraine after they were targeted in a racially motivated arson attack, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The PSNI said they received a report at approximately 03:00 BST on Friday of a fire at the rear of a property in the Mount Street area of the town. They said an oil tank had been set alight, causing damage to the outside of the property and filling the property with smoke. "A man and woman and their four young children who were inside the house at the time were thankfully able to escape uninjured," a spokesperson said. NIHE chief executive Grainia Long said she expects the number of people seeking help to rise, adding that demand for emergency and temporary accommodation is extremely high. Speaking to the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme, Ms Long described the last week as "extraordinary", saying there is an "unprecedented number of families locally who feel it is unsafe to stay in their home". "Demand is extremely high, and it has been one of those weeks where everyone has had to move very quickly to respond." "We do expect the numbers to increase as households make decisions about what is safe for them." While demand for temporary housing is on the rise, Ms Long said the availability of appropriate housing is an issue. "We don't have any contingency or additional accommodation," she said. "We are working to make sure we have the right numbers of temporary accommodation." She added that NIHE staff "have been out on the ground, supporting communities, working within them and ensuring their safety", as well as "working with older people who are scared and asking questions about their safety". Ms Long told BBC News NI that she is "worried about households that we may lose contact with, those who may be vulnerable to exploitation, particularly those with children". There has been disorder in Northern Ireland for four nights in a row, with a lower level seen on Thursday than earlier in the week. Police said that in some instances families hid in attics and wardrobes during the disorder. In east Belfast, police said bricks were thrown through the windows of two houses on Avoniel Road in a racially motivated attack. A small fire was lit at the Manse Road roundabout in Newtownabbey, and reports of anti-immigration "hate graffiti" are being investigated in Newtownards. During the first three days of violence, 41 officers were injured and 15 people arrested. On Thursday evening, about 100 people attended an anti-racism protest in west Belfast. Carol Topping, who is from the Philippines, works in a hospital and had to leave early when she heard about the protest. She said she stayed at home out of fear during the unrest in Portadown. She said: "It's nice to live here. People are nice." But added that on Thursday night, "People were not... thinking straight". "I was thinking whenever they see people from other [countries] they'll just go mad and I don't want to experience that." Deimantas Žakevičius, from Lithuania, has lived in Northern Ireland for five years. After returning home from work, Deimantas started to hear alarms and looked out of the window to see police in riot gear on one side of the street and people, on the other side throwing rocks. "It was something out of a movie," Deimantas said. He said he was "worried" but started to feel "safe" when police began pushing the rioters back. Deimantas said his neighbours are friendly and Portadown is a nice place to live but he and others were "unsettled" by events on Thursday. There is no "crisis" of relations within the executive despite calls for the DUP minister Gordon Lyons to resign over his comments about recent trouble in Northern Ireland, the first minister has said. Michelle O'Neill had accused Mr Lyons of "inflaming tensions" following his social media post about the location of migrant families who fled their homes earlier this week. Lyons, Stormont's housing minister, said he had no intention of resigning and that he had been subject to a "political pile-on". Speaking at the British-Irish Council on Friday, O'Neill said she stood over her comments, but insisted Sinn Fein and the DUP could "still get on with governance". Sinn Féin, Alliance and the Green Party had all called on the minister to consider his position on Thursday. Meanwhile, senior health professionals in Northern Ireland have issued a joint statement saying the "appalling and violent scenes of recent days are nothing short of shameful". "We know there will be many of our international colleagues within the committed and dedicated health and social care and independent sector workforce who will be distressed by what has unfolded," the statement adds. "We know that, less than a year after similar scenes on our streets last summer, you are once again left feeling frightened and anxious. "But please know this: You are welcome, you are deeply valued, and you have our full support. We are the better for your presence here." Masonry thrown at police in Portadown in fourth night of NI disorder Man trapped inside leisure centre tells of fear as rioters attacked How a peaceful protest descended into hate-filled violence Bulgarian mother of two leaving Ballymena 'to save my children' Does the PSNI have the resources needed to deal with the riots?
