Multi-agency preparations are underway to respond to any impacts as a result of Storm Éowyn, following a Met Office amber warning for strong winds. The warning is valid from 6am-9pm on Friday, 24 January. Gusts could reach speeds of 80-90mph and are likely to cause disruption.
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is launching a consultation to seek views on changing the frequency of MOT testing from one year to two years (Biennial) for some private cars, motorcycles and light goods vehicles.
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the new student officer recruitment campaign launched today by the PSNI.
Responding to the news that Rachel Reeves is expected to give the go-ahead to a series of airport expansions across the UK, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, Sian Berry, said:
“We must ask who these decisions would be made for and why. Whose advice is the Government listening to, when record-high wealth inequality is causing harm to the economy and society in many different ways, while frequent flying is the preserve of the super-rich?
“The aviation lobby is loud and well-funded, but the Government should instead be listening to scientists and its own Climate Change Committee, which has already urged a halt to overall airport expansion. The previous Labour government’s poor record on airport expansion doesn’t have to continue.
“If Ed Miliband is serious in his role as Net-Zero Minister, he will work to prevent the Chancellor and Transport Secretaries making a huge mistake, and advise the Chancellor to not make any dangerous new decisions until they have heard and listened to the new advice from the Climate Change Committee which is due in February.”
Eight organisations will receive a share of £1.2million as part of a Regional Change Fund initiative aimed at tackling violence against women and girls.