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From: Lady Hermon MP, Ulster Unionist, North Down
Date: 13th December 2006 -

HERMON BACKS NON-JURY TRIALS

North Down MP, Lady Sylvia Hermon, has backed the continuation of non-jury trials for terrorist related offending in Northern Ireland during the second reading of the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill. Speaking after the Westminster debate, she said:

"These new provisions for non-jury trials are simply a modified version of Diplock Courts. In fact, there is greater scope for non-jury trials under this new legislation than there ever was under Diplock."

"It is undoubtedly the case that jurors need to be protected from paramilitary intimidation. Likewise the integrity of our criminal trials must be upheld. The Government through this legislation has recognised both."

"Peter Hain has, however, run into difficulties by simultaneously giving serious consideration to devolving policing and justice in the near future. An argument in favour of this is simply unsustainable at a time, when the criminal justice system is still vulnerable to jury tampering and witness intimidation."


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From: Lady Hermon MP, Ulster Unionist, North Down
Date: 13th December 2006

HERMON: CSA REFORMS MUST GO FURTHER

North Down MP, Lady Sylvia Hermon, has given a cautious welcome to a Government announcement reforming the Child Support Agency (CSA). Speaking from Westminster, she said:

"Proposed reforms of the Child Support Agency are long overdue and must certainly be extended to Northern Ireland, where the system is failing miserably. Only two months ago, the Government revealed, in response to one of my Parliamentary questions, that the CSA is owed an astonishing £58.6 million by parents for the maintenance of their children."

Whilst it is absolutely imperative that absent parents pay towards their children's upkeep, by the same token the absent parent -often the father -is too frequently let down by the Family Courts when it comes to contact arrangements with a child. Absent parents cannot be expected to pay on the one hand, but continue to be denied reasonable access to their children on the other."


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From: Lady Hermon MP, Ulster Unionist, North Down

Date: 12th December 2006

MP WELCOMES BANGOR GRAMMAR DELEGATION TO WESTMINSTER

Local MP, Lady Hermon, has described her “delight” at last Thursday’s visit to the Houses of Parliament by a group from Bangor Grammar School.

The group - made up of 36 politics and drama pupils and four members of staff - spent the morning in the Palace of Westminster, where the North Down MP had arranged for them to meet Boris Johnson, Kate Hoey and Lembit Opik from the main political parties. They were also facilitated in observing debates from the public gallery in both the House of Commons and House of Lords.

Speaking after the school’s visit, Lady Hermon said: “Since North Down is one of those Parliamentary constituencies far from Westminster, it’s a matter of great regret to me that few school groups ever make it to London to learn at first-hand about the workings of the ‘Mother of Parliaments’.

So, I was absolutely delighted last Thursday to be able to welcome a delegation of enthusiastic Bangor Grammar School pupils to the House of Commons, and also arrange for them to have a tour of Number 10 Downing Street later in the afternoon.

I’m very grateful indeed to my Parliamentary colleagues, Boris Johnson, Kate Hoey and Lembit Opik not only for making time to meet the Bangor Grammar group, but also for living up to their reputations as lively speakers. Politicians often say election campaigns are easier than being ‘grilled’ by students, but on this occasion my fellow MPs survived the experience with obvious good humour.

Without Mr Joe Wilson and his staff colleagues, who organised and accompanied the boys to London, none of this would have been possible, and so I commend them all warmly for their professionalism and dedication in organising such a successful trip to London.”

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From: Lady Hermon MP, Ulster Unionist, North Down
Date: 6th December 2006

HERMON TAKES PRIDE IN NORTH DOWN RESTORATIVE JUSTICE SUCCESS

North Down MP, Lady Sylvia Hermon, has expressed her pleasure at the success of IMPACT, a local restorative justice group. She said:

"At a time when restorative justice schemes are under significant scrutiny, it's great to be able to trumpet one that passes with flying colours, not least because IMPACT is working and succeeding in the Bangor area.

Fellow MPs from the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee came to Kilcooley specifically to hear about IMPACT's achievements in reducing petty crime. Indeed, they heard local police officers praise the work of IMPACT, and more that one MP commented on the appropriateness of IMPACT's title.

Unfortunately, success has not guaranteed funding and adequate funding has become a really serious problem. It isn't simply a case of stifling the expansion of this restorative justice scheme, but inadequate funding is now threatening IMPACT's very existence. Despite this, I will continue to work to support IMPACT and other restorative justice successes and would urge the local business community to get actively involved in backing this success story."


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From: Lady Hermon MP, Ulster Unionist, North Down

Date: 6th December 2006

HERMON TAKES PRIDE IN NORTH DOWN RESTORATIVE JUSTICE SUCCESS

North Down MP, Lady Sylvia Hermon, has expressed her pleasure at the success of IMPACT, a local restorative justice group. She said:

“At a time when restorative justice schemes are under significant scrutiny, it’s great to be able to trumpet one that passes with flying colours, not least because IMPACT is working and succeeding in the Bangor area.

Fellow MPs from the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee came to Kilcooley specifically to hear about IMPACT’s achievements in reducing petty crime. Indeed, they heard local police officers praise the work of IMPACT, and more that one MP commented on the appropriateness of IMPACT’s title.

Unfortunately, success has not guaranteed funding and adequate funding has become a really serious problem. It isn’t simply a case of stifling the expansion of this restorative justice scheme, but inadequate funding is now threatening IMPACT’s very existence. Despite this, I will continue to work to support IMPACT and other restorative justice successes and would urge the local business community to get actively involved in backing this success story.”



From: Lady Hermon MP, Ulster Unionist, North Down

Date: 29th November 2006

HERMON BIDS TO SAVE JOBS FOR BUDGET DIY STAFF

Following the appointment on Friday of PricewaterhouseCoopers as the administrative receiver to rescue Budget DIY, North Down’s MP, Lady Hermon, has vowed to do all she can to save the jobs of those employees in the Bangor branch at Bloomfield Shopping Centre.

“I feel very concerned for the jobs at risk at Bangor Budget DIY, and am furious that the General Manager in Belfast failed to respond to my enquiries on behalf of its employees earlier this month. Since staff members have served Budget DIY loyally for many years, it’s a tremendous shock to find themselves treated so shabbily by their employer. The news that their company has now gone into administration couldn’t have come at a worse time of the year, only weeks away from Christmas.”

Following a series of phonecalls with the receiver, Lady Hermon, said: “It is important to stress that Budget DIY has not gone into liquidation nor into bankruptcy, but into administrative receivership with the hope of selling it as a continuing business. Obviously, in circumstances such as these, speed is essential and I know, following my conversations with John Compton of PricewaterhouseCoopers that he and his colleagues are working extremely hard to ensure that a buyer is found as quickly as possible. Over the next days and weeks, I will continue to liaise closely with the receiver to ensure jobs are secured for the conscientious and loyal staff of Bangor Budget DIY.”

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MP FINDS MINISTER IN ‘LISTENING MODE’ ON GROOMSPORT PRIMARY

Local Member of Parliament, Lady Hermon, has described Monday afternoon’s meeting with Maria Eagle, the local Education Minister, and representatives from Groomport Primary as “constructive”.

The Ulster Unionist MP had demanded a meeting with the Minister to discuss the future of the School, which had been earmarked for closure by the Commissioners running the SEELB. Speaking afterwards, Lady Hermon said: “I certainly welcomed the opportunity to lead a delegation from Groomsport Primary to meet Maria Eagle this afternoon and we were delighted to find her - in her words - ‘in listening mode’ and open-minded about the School’s future. She was more than generous in the time allocated for the briefing and at no stage looked at her watch or hurried us away.

On the contrary, the Minister seemed well briefed and took a keen interest in the arguments put forward in favour of maintaining an integrated primary school in Groomsport.

Whilst no indication was given by the Minister about whether the axe would fall, we were at pains to stress that the continued uncertainty about the School’s future should not be allowed to drag on, and definitely not until March 26th next year – the latest of the shifting deadlines for the restoration of devolved Government in Northern Ireland.

In accepting this point, Ms Eagle undertook to make a decision sooner rather than later. So, it’s a case of sitting tight in hopeful expectation that the right decision will be made in favour of retaining and investing in Groomsport Primary School.”

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From: Lady Hermon MP, Ulster Unionist, North Down
Date: 22nd November 2006

MP EXPRESSES DISGUST AT POET ROBBERY

Local Member of Parliament, Lady Hermon, has described how she reacted with disgust and disbelief when hearing the news that disabled Christian poet, Dorothy Anderson, had been robbed at her Stricklands Bay home on Saturday night.

"This was a very cruel act. I was absolutely disgusted that Dorothy should have been treated in such a callous and insensitive manner by the two thugs who raided her home on Saturday night. Quite frankly, I find it inconceivable that anybody could be so merciless towards someone so vulnerable", the North Down MP said.

Lady Hermon continued by describing Dorothy's reaction as "a very real testament to how she lives out her Christian faith and a tremendous example for others to follow. Her forgiveness of those who had perpetrated such cruelty against her was quite remarkable and showed a real generosity of spirit."


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From: Lady Hermon MP, Ulster Unionist, North Down
Date: 11th October 2006


HERMON WELCOMES PROGRESS ON OLYMPIC POOL FOR NORTH DOWN

Local Member of Parliament, Lady Hermon, has today enthusiastically welcomed news that North Down has been shortlisted as a possible location for new Olympic swimming facilities.

"This is great news for the constituency. Despite the fierce competition from across Northern Ireland, I was absolutely delighted that North Down was one of only two areas shortlisted by the Government as a location for a new Olympic-sized swimming pool.

This is a tremendous result and I should like to pay warm tribute to the hard work of North Down Borough Council in achieving this outcome. I certainly remain confident that North Down will win through in the end.

If the bid were to be successful, the development of an Olympic standard pool would have a lasting benefit for the local community, long after those participating in the 2012 Olympic Games have packed up and gone home. Much has been made of the 2012 legacy and, together with the Council, I shall be playing a full part to ensure North Down shares the Olympic inheritance."

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From: Lady Hermon MP, Ulster Unionist, North Down
Date: 11th October 2006


HERMON: DEEPLY SHOCKED AT DONAGHADEE FIRE TRAGEDY

North Down's MP, Lady Hermon, has expressed her deep shock and sadness at the death of a woman in Donaghadee in what the police are describing 'suspicious' circumstances.

"I was profoundly shocked and deeply saddened by news of Tilly Campbell's death. Details of what actually happened are still scarce, but we already know this elderly vulnerable lady met a violent death in horrendous circumstances and that has to be condemned. My thoughts are obviously with Tilly's family, friends and neighbours at this most difficult of times.

I trust that, through the efforts of the police and courts, the perpetrator of this awful crime will face justice and prison for a very lengthy stretch."



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From: Lady Hermon MP, Ulster Unionist, North Down
Date: 6th July 2006

HERMON BACKS MACMILLAN CANCER RELIEF CAMPAIGN

Ulster Unionist MP, Lady Hermon, has supported Macmillan Cancer Relief's call for cancer sufferers to be given assistance with travel costs to and from hospital. Speaking during the recent sitting of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee when the local budget estimates for 2006/07 were being debated, the North Down MP said:

"We are delighted that there is a new cancer centre based in Belfast City Hospital; it is long overdue. A greater incidence of cancer is being diagnosed and earlier diagnosis gives people a greater opportunity of surviving."

Lady Hermon went on, however, to draw the Minister's attention to the serious parking difficulties at the Hospital and the associated parking costs. Referring to a recent Radio Ulster news item highlighting the campaign led by Macmillan Cancer Relief, she urged the NIO Finance Minister, David Hanson, to take into account "the enormous cost that builds up for people who have been diagnosed with cancer and have to travel (to the new Regional Cancer Centre at the City Hospital, especially) from the west of the Province."

Speaking after the debate, the North Down MP concluded:

"The costs of daily travel and parking mount up. They place a further burden and worry on cancer sufferers, when their focus and priority should be their health. Specialist health provision, when provided centrally, saves on the NHS budget and should free up money for a travel allowance. So, I give my full backing to the Macmillan Cancer Relief campaign for a more sympathetic package for cancer sufferers and their families."

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