Latest news with #ClaireHanna
The Journal
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Voting age in UK to be lowered to 16 by next general election
THE NEXT UK general election will see 16-year-olds able to vote for the first time, ministers have confirmed in wide-ranging plans to 'modernise democracy'. In Northern Ireland, these plans cover general elections in which voters select their MP and do not extend to Assembly Elections to vote for MLAs or to local council elections. SDLP leader Claire Hanna welcomed the move but said her party will 'continue to push for change to secure voting at all levels for 16 and 17-year-olds'. Labour's manifesto committed the party to lowering the voting age for parliamentary elections to 16, in line with Scottish and Welsh elections. But plans announced today go further in an effort to increase participation in elections. Ministers have proposed introducing automated voter registration, which is already used in Australia and Canada, and making UK-issued bank cards an accepted form of ID at polling stations. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said 'far too many people' had been put off voting by the voter ID rules introduced by the previous government, with the Electoral Commission finding around 750,000 people did not vote due to a lack of ID. The Government has already made the Veteran Card an accepted form of voter ID, and intends to allow digital forms of ID to be used when they become available. Deputy British Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: 'We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy, supporting our plan for change, and delivering on our manifesto commitment to give 16-year-olds the right to vote.' British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was 'important' to lower the voting age, as 16-year-olds were old enough to work and 'pay in' through tax, so should 'have the opportunity' to say how they wanted their money spent. But a poll of 500 16 and 17-year-olds conducted for ITV News by Merlin Strategy found only half said they thought they should be allowed to vote, and only 18% would definitely vote. Labour stood to gain the most, with 33% saying they would back the party, while 20% said they would choose Reform UK and 18% the Greens. Naomi Smith, chief executive of campaign group Best for Britain, said the change was 'a brave choice set to benefit generations to come', and urged political parties to 'do more to win the votes of the UK's young people'. But in the Commons, Conservative shadow communities minister Paul Holmes accused the UK Government of being 'hopelessly confused' about the age of majority. Advertisement He said: 'Why does this Government think a 16-year-old can vote but not be allowed to buy a lottery ticket, an alcoholic drink, marry, or go to war, or even stand in the elections they're voting in?' Today's plans will also see a tightening of the rules on campaign finance aimed at barring 'shell companies' from donating to political parties and requiring more checks on donations to unincorporated associations. The Electoral Commission will be given the power to levy £500,000 (€578,000) fines on those who break the new rules on donations. Rushanara Ali, the UK's minister for democracy, said: 'We are modernising our democracy so that it is fit for the 21st century.' She added: 'By reinforcing safeguards against foreign interference, we will strengthen our democratic institutions and protect them for future generations.' The proposal follows concern about the vulnerability of UK politics to donations from overseas, which came to prominence amid reports Elon Musk was considering a major donation to Reform UK. Unincorporated associations have long been another concern of transparency campaigners, who have warned they can obscure the real source of political donations. It also comes as the Electoral Commission reported spending at last year's UK general election hit a record high of £94.5 million (€109m), including £69.3 million (€80m) spent by political parties. Labour outspent its rivals, shelling out £30 million (€34.7m) during the campaign, more than twice the amount it spent in 2019, while the Conservatives spent £23.9 million (€27.7m) and the Liberal Democrats £5.6 million (€6.5m). Reform spent £5.5 million (€6.4m), the Greens £1.7 million (€2m) and the SNP £799,000 (€925,400). Electoral Commission chief executive Vijay Rangarajan welcomed the changes to rules on voter registration and political donations, saying they would 'improve the resilience and integrity of our electoral system'. But the commission also warned that allowing people to use bank cards as voter ID had 'risks for security and voter trust'. Today's plan will see the UK Government bring forward legislation to introduce its new rules, which also include tougher sentences for people who intimidate candidates amid a rise in reports of abuse aimed at those standing for election. Both the Greens and the Liberal Democrats welcomed the decision to lower the voting age to 16. But Lib Dem Cabinet Office spokeswoman Sarah Olney said the reforms to campaign finance rules left 'an Elon Musk-shaped hole in the Government's proposed changes'. She said: 'Ministers must go much further to close the door to foreign oligarchs interfering in British politics – anything less undermines our democracy.'
BBC News
6 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Tommy Gallagher: SDLP politician dies at the age of 82
Tributes have been paid to the former SDLP assembly member Tommy Gallagher who has died at the age of 82.A prominent figure in the early years of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr Gallagher, played a significant role as part of the SDLP's negotiating team in the lead-up to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.A teacher for almost 30 years at St Mary's High School, Brollagh, near Enniskillen, he entered politics in the early 1970s, becoming a founding member of the was first elected as a councillor in 1989 and went on to represent Fermanagh and South Tyrone in the Northern Ireland Assembly between 1998 until his retirement in 2011. 'A constant force for good' The SDLP leader and MP for South Belfast, Claire Hanna, described him as "a towering figure" in Fermanagh and "a constant force for good" in his native Belleek."He leaves behind a lasting legacy not only in politics, but as a teacher, a GAA player and coach and someone who always worked for the betterment of his local community," Hanna said."His loss will be felt far across the political spectrum, such is the esteem he was held in by colleagues from all parties." She said the SDLP stalwart would be warmly remembered for the difference he made to the lives of the young people he taught and those he coached and played alongside over many years."Tommy got involved in the SDLP and politics at a very difficult time and he was rightly proud of the role he played as part of the SDLP team leading up to the Good Friday Agreement. "He did his part to deliver peace on this island and build a better future for our young people."
Irish Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Migrant boat' bonfire set alight in Tyrone as PSNI probe 'hate incident'
The placing of a controversial effigy of a migrant boat on a bonfire in Co Tyrone is being investigated as a "hate incident" by the PSNI. The towering pyre, which has stirred anger in previous years, was again the centre of fresh outrage after it was decorated with a model of a small boat with several figures inside along with anti-immigration placards. One sign on the structure read "stop the boats" while another declared "veterans before refugees." The PSNI said that they "have received a number of reports regarding the bonfire in Moygashel and the material that has been placed upon it". "Police are investigating this hate incident," a PSNI spokesperson said in a statement. "Police are here to help those who are or who feel vulnerable, to keep people safe. "We do this by working with local communities, partners, elected representatives and other stakeholders to deliver local solutions to local problems, building confidence in policing and supporting a safe environment for people to live, work, visit and invest in Northern Ireland, but we can only do so within the legislative framework that exists." Police have asked anyone with information on the signage to contact them. There has been widespread criticism of the display, with politicians and religious authorities condemning the structure. Claire Hanna, leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), described the effigy as "disgusting". She said: "It would be ludicrous to call it art in any sense. "In terms of life imitating art, not three weeks ago, we had actual human beings being burned out by probably some of the same elements involved in this bonfire in Ballymena, it's a deeply dehumanising provocation." Meanwhile John McDowell, the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, condemned the effigy as "racist, threatening and offensive". Quoting words from scripture, he added: "'The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt (Leviticus 19:34).' "These are the words from the Law of God to his people. He is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we compare them with the effigy of a boat of migrants which sits, to our humiliation and lasting shame, on top of a bonfire in Moygashel, it exposes that effigy for what it is – racist, threatening and offensive. "It certainly has nothing whatsoever to do with Christianity or with Protestant culture and is in fact inhuman and deeply sub-Christian. "I hope that the many people from other countries, who live in that area, and who contribute so much to the economy and to the diversity of Dungannon, can be reassured that it does not in any way represent the feeling of the vast majority of their neighbours."
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Fury over as 'migrant boat' bonfire branded 'disgusting' is set alight
A controversial bonfire topped with an effigy of a migrant boat has been lit last night. Police are investigating a hate incident in relation to the towering pyre, which has also been festooned with anti-immigration placards including one sign reading "stop the boats". An Irish tricolour flag was also placed on top of the bonfire, which was set alight late on Thursday. The structure in Moygashel, County Tyrone was described as "inhuman and deeply sub-Christian" by John McDowell, the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. And now Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have confirmed it is probing the effigy as they want to "help those who are or who feel vulnerable, [and] keep people safe." Claire Hanna, leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), described the effigy as "disgusting". She said: "It would be ludicrous to call it art in any sense. "In terms of life imitating art, not three weeks ago, we had actual human beings being burned out by probably some of the same elements involved in this bonfire in Ballymena, it's a deeply dehumanising provocation." The boat effigy containing more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets was unveiled on top of the bonfire. Below the boat were several placards, one saying "stop the boats" and another "veterans before refugees". The Moygashel bonfire has become well known in recent years for contentious displays. Last year, a mock police car was burnt on the top of the bonfire and in 2023 a boat designed to represent the post-Brexit Irish Sea economic border was torched. The saga comes amid plans for a "nationwide blitz" to target migrants working illegally. Efforts are being made to deter people from seeking to reach the UK from France. Ministers hope to tackle the "pull factors" attracting migrants to the UK alongside the deal struck by Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron to send some people who reach England in small boats straight back to France. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said there had already been a "major surge in immigration enforcement activity" but officials have indicated that will be further increased in illegal working "hotspots". Ms Cooper said: "This new pilot agreement with France is extremely important and allows us for the first time to return people who have paid to travel here illegally, and will sit alongside our wider joint enforcement action, including disrupting supply chains to seize boats and engines, shutting down social media accounts, and targeting finances. "Since last summer, we have returned over 30,000 people with no right to be in the UK and a major surge in immigration enforcement activity, with a 51% increase in the number of illegal working arrests." As crowds continue to gather in Moygashel, pictures show people looking up at the pyre. Dramatic images show the towering structure well alight, with fierce flames roaring from it. It was set alight late on Thursday night but scores of people remain in the town, which is around 40 miles west of Belfast. There are around 300 bonfires set to be lit across Thursday and Friday night ahead of the Orange Order's July 12 parades on Saturday. The traditional fires are lit ahead of the main date in the parading calendar of Protestant loyal orders, the Twelfth Of July. While most of the bonfires pass off without incident, several have become the focus of contention due to the placing of flags, effigies and election posters on the structures before they are ignited. John McDowell, the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, condemned the effigy as 'racist, threatening and offensive'. Quoting words from scripture, he added: 'If we compare them with the effigy of a boat of migrants which sits, to our humiliation and lasting shame, on top of a bonfire in Moygashel, it exposes that effigy for what it is – racist, threatening and offensive. 'It certainly has nothing whatsoever to do with Christianity or with Protestant culture and is in fact inhuman and deeply sub-Christian." Footage shared on X, which was known as Twitter, show crowds gather to witness the effigies get set on fire. A marching band - the one said to have paraded through the town minutes prior - is heard continuing to play music as scores of people look at the scultpture. The camera zooms in to show the large banners placed on the pyre, including one calling to "stop the boats" A bonfire here in Moygashel is about to be set have held a parade through the tonight police said they are treating an effigy at the top of the fire as a hate crime @BelTel Police have confirmed they received reports in relation to the pyre and were investigating the display as a "hate incident". "The PSNI has received a number of reports regarding the bonfire in Moygashel and the material that has been placed upon it,' said a spokesperson. "Police are investigating this hate incident. Police are here to help those who are or who feel vulnerable, to keep people safe. "We do this by working with local communities, partners, elected representatives and other stakeholders to deliver local solutions to local problems, building confidence in policing and supporting a safe environment for people to live, work, visit and invest in Northern Ireland, but we can only do so within the legislative framework that exists.' We are investigating material placed upon a bonfire in Moygashel as a hate incident. Full details: The controversial bonfire topped with an effigy of a migrant boat in Moygashel, County Tyrone has been lit tonight. Anti-immigration placards were placed on the pyre with one sign reading "stop the boats" while another reads 'veterans before refugees". Bands held a parade through the town prior to the bonfire being lit.
CTV News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
P.E.I.'s Abby Hustler makes hockey history with PWHL pick
Abby Hustler joins Claire Hanna after she was drafted by the Minnesota Frost. She is the first player in the league to be drafted from Prince Edward Island. Her nickname on the ice is 'Hustles,' and now 22-year-old Abby Hustler is skating into the spotlight. Drafted No. 14 overall by the Minnesota Frost in the 2025 Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) Draft, Hustler became the first player from P.E.I. to be drafted in league history. 'It's been crazy. I know immediately after, my phone kind of blew up and people I didn't even think were really supporting me ended up watching the whole draft,' Hustler said. She first laced up her skates at three years old, playing in local rinks in the province until she was a teenager, then moving to Ontario and New York state. But it wasn't until recently that Hustler could really imagine going pro. 'That wasn't really an option for us,' she said. The launch of the PWHL in 2023 changed that, providing a path for female athletes across North America. For girls from P.E.I., Hustler is a homegrown hero. She has been training girls aged nine to 15 for the last two summers, sharing her skills and showing them what's possible. Some want to skate in Hustler's tracks. 'I'd like to play for the Boston Fleet,' said Caoimhe Clarke, 11. 'I want to play in Toronto,' added 11-year-old Molly Trainor. 'We have something we can look forward to when we get older,' said Skyla Awlward, 13. There are long wait lists for the camp, and across Canada, women's and girls' hockey registrations set new records this year, with more than 115,000 people signing up to play, coach and officiate. As a power forward, Hustler is tough on the ice, but her former coach says it's a different story away from the rink. 'She's got this heartfulness to her that I think people miss if they just know her as a hockey player,' said Mare MacDougall Bari, assistant coach at St. Lawrence University, where Hustler played in college. 'But a lot of that washes away to, you know, a lobsterman's daughter who just wants to really get to know you as a person.' The puck drops at Hustler's PWHL training camp with the Frost in November. Until then, she's making sure the path she carved stays clear, so other girls can shoot their shot.
