Forward Look
The 7th Northern Ireland Assembly will formally meet for the first time today to allow MLAs to sign in and elect a speaker. Proceedings will begin at noon.
The DUP have confirmed that today they will not support the election of a new Assembly speaker.
The SDLP is to form a “constructive opposition” and have until 23:59 tonight to nominate a replacement Infrastructure Minister. The party has stated that it will not do so. Therefore, through the d’Hondt process, Sinn Féin will be invited to nominate a replacement.
The State Opening of Parliament occurred on Tuesday which outlined the Government’s intention to introduce The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill and an Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill. A full breakdown of proposed Bills can be viewed here: LINK
It is expected that the Government will unilaterally act to legislate to override aspects of the Northern Ireland Protocol next week. It comes after Foreign Secretary Liz Truss MP formally rejected the EU’s proposals.
The Irish Times has reported that the US Administration is on the verge of appointing a Special Envoy to Northern Ireland to help overcome the current political stalemate.
The Northern Ireland Civil Service is to recruit for its first Chief Scientific and Technology Officer from today.
Alliance Councillor Michael Long has replaced Kate Nicholl as the Lord Mayor of Belfast after her election to the Assembly. Cllr Long’s tenure will last for three weeks ending on 30 May.
The Department of Health has extended the consultation deadline on Minimum Unit Pricing. The new deadline is 27 May. The consultation can be viewed here: LINK
Belfast City Council is seeking views on its proposals to redevelop Cathedral Gardens. The deadline is 23 May. The consultation can be viewed here: LINK
Health Minister Robin Swann has extended the public consultation on Reform of Adult Social Care to 1 July. The consultation can be viewed here: LINK
The Department of Health is to hold virtual consultation events on the future of Urgent and Emergency care. Virtual events are to begin next week.
Southern Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn is to resign his post on 31 May to join EY as a consultant.
Former Secretary of State Julian Smith MP will speak at the Women in Business Chair’s Lunch on 15 June at the Culloden Estate and Spa.
Other Stories this week
Former DUP MLA and MP Emma Little Pengelly was appointed as DUP MLA for Lagan Valley replacing Party Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP.
Northern Ireland Minister Conor Burns MP has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s Representative to the US on the Northern Ireland Protocol.
In a letter to the Public Accounts Committee, new Belfast City Council Chief Executive, John Walsh has demanded further planning powers from Stormont.
M&S announced that it has seen a reduction in the shelf life of its products in Northern Ireland due to the requirements of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Official figures from the Office of National Statistics have suggested that the UK may plunge into a recession.
Upcoming key political and business events
24 May, Belfast Telegraph Top 100 Northern Ireland Companies 2021
26 May, Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast
17 June, North West Business Awards, City Hotel Derry
21 June, House of Commons rises for Summer Recess
24 June, NI Chamber’s Annual Lunch
30 June, Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards, Titanic Belfast
29 – 30 September, Centre for Cross Border Studies’ Annual Conference
21 October, Belfast Chamber Business Awards, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast
4 – 5 November, Sinn Féin Ard Fheis
Consultations
Statutory Regulation of the Pharmacy Technician Workforce. Department of Health. Deadline 16 May 2022.
Minimum Unit Pricing of Alcohol. Department of Health. Deadline 27 May 2022.
Review of Urgent and Emergency Care Services. Department of Health. Deadline 15 June 2022.
Reform of Adult Social Care. Department of Health. Deadline 1 July 2022.