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Ulster Unionist MP Lady Hermon has called on the Government to review criminal laws to counter knife crime and the carrying of knives in public. Speaking from her North Down constituency office, she said:

“Knife crime and the use of knives in violent attacks continue to be serious problems in Northern Ireland. Far too often, by the time the individual carrying the knife is apprehended, the damage is done and the unfortunate victim has suffered serious injury.”

“There is only so much we can expect from the police in these circumstances. Instead, it’s time the Northern Ireland Office undertook a review of criminal law in this area.”

The Ulster Unionist Home Affairs Spokesperson continued:

“Some consideration must be given to a system of licensing for those who require knives as tools of their trade, which restricts when and where possession is permitted. Anyone else would fall foul of strict liability. This would have a much greater deterrent effect upon those who currently take the chance and carry knives. They would no longer escape conviction by exploiting reasonable excuse type defences.”

“The issue is simple; if knives are carried, they are likely to be used. So, if we stop people carrying knives, we can stop the serious and fatal injuries that we know knives cause.”

Ulster Unionist MP, Lady Hermon, has used the Government’s Miscellaneous Provisions Bill to put the abolition of 50/50 on the political agenda once again. She said:

“Ending 50/50 police recruitment is a must. This Miscellaneous Provisions Bill presented an opportunity to mount a simultaneous challenge to 50/50 in the House of Commons matching that of John Laird in the House of Lords. Our Party has taken that opportunity.”

Speaking from Westminster, the North Down MP continued:

“It’s nothing short of shameful that a British Government, our Government, has legalised religious discrimination in Northern Ireland. A Government that talks up its record on human rights has the morally repugnant 50/50 recruitment procedure as a ugly stain on that record. I’ve been consistent in my opposition to 50/50, and I’ll be persistent until it is abolished.”

Ulster Unionist MP Lady Hermon will seek to exploit the wide-ranging nature of the Northern Ireland Miscellaneous Provisions Bill to pursue a number of issues, including the current discriminatory police recruitment procedure. Speaking from Westminster after the Second Reading debate, she said:

“I’m also very pleased to see that the final decision on the devolution of policing and justice will be left to a future Assembly. Since any such decision will require cross-community support, devolution of policing and justice cannot be pressed upon the Unionist community without its consent and agreement. This is a positive and most welcome development in relation to matters of such vital importance within Northern Ireland.”

Whilst welcoming a financial settlement for the Home Battalions of the RIR which enables its courageous members to leave with dignity, North Down MP, Lady Sylvia Hermon, nevertheless voiced serious disappointment about the announcement made today (Thursday) in the House of Commons. Speaking afterwards she said:

There should have been the equivalent of the Police Fund in today’s MoD announcement, because no one can justify the distinction between UDR/RIR soldiers and police officers when they were the victims of the same terrorist attacks. I’ve called upon the Government to address this inconsistency urgently and I expect a positive response.”

Ulster Unionist MP Lady Hermon has once again voted in favour of the controversial tough anti-terror measures contained in the Terrorism Bill. Speaking from Westminster she said:

“I have to say I’m also disappointed that I was the only Unionist MP who voted in favour of the tough laws. As far as I’m concerned the reason we need them is simply plain commonsense.”

Ulster Unionist MP Lady Hermon has backed a complete ban on smoking in England in a Commons vote. Speaking from Westminster she said:

“It’s infuriating when we hear of cancer victims having to fight to receive herceptin and other treatments denied because of cost. Vast resources spent on treating smokers will undoubtedly be saved by a ban, and can be used for others in need. Smoking in public places is due to be banned in Northern Ireland, the decision to ban has been taken in Scotland, I voted for the Welsh Assembly to decide what happens there and I am delighted to support a ban in England. With time, we will all benefit.”

Ulster Unionist MP Lady Hermon has backed the Government’s revised ID card proposals. Speaking from Westminster she said:

“It’s right to say that ID cards will eventually impact on many areas of our lives. They will impact on the abilities of terrorists to operate, impact on benefit fraudsters and impact on those engaged in identity theft. In my view, these are all very positive consequences. The technology is there, so let’s use it.”

Ulster Unionists will oppose in Parliament a Bill introduced by former Conservative Chairman Lord Baker to prevent non-English MPs voting on English matters. Ulster Unionist peer Lord Laird said:

“If Baker’s Bill makes it to the Commons, my opposition will be clear and definite. The ongoing use of the Barnett formula means that the change in planned spending for England directly impacts on Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. The regions hands may not be tied in terms of spending but nor are they completely free.”

Ulster Unionist MP Lady Hermon has expressed her anger with the Government for bringing forward a motion in Parliament to restore and extend Sinn Fein’s allowances. Speaking from Westminster before the debate, she said:

“So I oppose the Government motion with a straightforward message –don’t re-instate, don’t backdate and don’t extend.”

North Down’s MP Lady Hermon has appealed for public assistance in the search for Martin Kelly.

Following on from those discussions, I shall be accompanying Martin’s family to a further meeting (today) with the Assistant Chief Constable and other key personnel most closely involved with the investigation. This will enable the police to explain in considerable detail their strategy for future searches and inquiries to bring Martin - a much loved son - back to his family.”