Health Minister Robin Swann has welcomed the continuing progress on Covid-19 vaccination, with the number of vaccines administered in Northern Ireland climbing past the 300,000 mark.

“This was always going to be a painful and difficult day for the survivors and the families of those murdered at Sean Graham’s bookmakers. Our thoughts are with them as they continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones on this 29th anniversary. 

Led by Liberal Democrat MP Jamie Stone, a group of 26 cross-party MPs has called on the Payments System Regulator and the UK Government to take action on the interchange fee – allowing for ATMs up and down the country to become once again free to use.

The decision from LINK to cut the fee paid by banks to ATM providers for every cash withdrawal has passed costs usually paid by banks onto consumers, resulting in the lack of free-to-use cash machines.

10 500 free-to-use cash machines have already disappeared across the UK in the past two years – with 1 in 4 ATMs now charging Scots to withdraw cash.    We have seen this locally across Dundee including in the West End.

The letter – signed by the Liberal Democrats, SNP, Labour, and Conservative parties – as well as the Parliamentary motion introduced by Mr Stone advocates for the Payments System Regulator to introduce a tiered or zonal approach to interchange fees, which would ensure funding is fairly distributed throughout the UK to protect access to cash in all communities. 

I strongly believe it is unacceptable that constituents have to pay to access their hard earned cash.    It particularly affects the vulnerable and elderly and I hope the regulator and the government take up Jamie Stone MP’s proposals.   That way, we ensure we can secure a good network of free-to-use cash machines.

Advice to the Prime Minister on how science and technology can help to address regional economic disparities across the UK and promote equality of opportunity.

The Official Life Expectancy Figures for Northern Ireland.