Not enough MLAs to recall Stormont from holidays over ‘hardship emergency’

An attempt to recall MLAs back from their Christmas holidays to debate the idea of a “hardship emergency” has not garnered enough support as yet to make it a reality.
By Adam Kula
Published 24th Dec 2021, 07:00 BST
Andy Allen and Doug Beattie are both signatories to the ‘emergency’ motionAndy Allen and Doug Beattie are both signatories to the ‘emergency’ motion
Andy Allen and Doug Beattie are both signatories to the ‘emergency’ motion

The recall petition had been put together by People Before Profit’s Gerry Carroll and UUP MLA Andy Allen.

Mr Allen last night voiced disappointment that they were well short of the 30 MLAs needed, estimating that – at last count – they only had about 10, mainly from the UUP.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Stormont does not conduct business between December 18 and January 9 – and full sittings in the chamber (known as plenaries) do not get under way until January 17.

Mr Carroll said he wanted to “declare a hardship emergency and respond with emergency measures”.

He added: “The very worrying increase in Covid infections will compound rising energy costs, the cut to Universal Credit, and a slew of cost of living increases.

“The RPI measure of inflation is up to 7.1%, the highest in 30 years.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We can’t leave vulnerable people and workers to suffer these costs alone.

“The pressure for the Stormont Executive to act is growing.

“We encourage people to get in touch with their local MLAs to back the motion.

“Now’s the time to send a clear message demanding protections for the vulnerable and workers.”

He dismissed the idea that the recall petition is merely a “stunt”, saying: “If the Executive had prioritised financial measures such as an Energy Support Payment Scheme, there would have been no need for MLAs to sign this motion or for the hardship crisis protest at Stormont last week.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Allen said at this stage he feels the chances of a recall are “remote”.

“It should have happened this week,” he said.

“It is disappointing it hasn’t come forward.

“We’re now at the point where households and families are being pushed to the brink.”

For some families this Christmas, it has gone beyond a choice between heating and eating, and they have had to avail of foodbanks to keep them supplied with groceries.

“I would call on the minister [of communities, Deirdre Hargey] to urgently detail what support she intends to bring forward, who will be supported and when it will be available to those who need it,” he said.

More from this reporter:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Click here: Vast NI spending hike during Covid crisis ‘just shows up the folly of united Irelanders’

Click here: Revealed – Massive Covid spending splurge in Northern Ireland is equivalent to having a second health department

——— ———

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdowns having had a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Visit

https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptionsnow to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Ben Lowry, Editor