Mr Trump said: “Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed.”

Prince William travelled to Crow Tree Farm near Richmond, where he engaged with multi-generational farming families on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today (Tuesday, May 5).

Here are some of the best photographs from the visit.

The Prince of Wales talks with farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to Crow Tree Farm, a family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales talks with Adam Hunter (second right), owner of Crow Tree Farm, and farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales talks with Adam Hunter (second right), owner of Crow Tree Farm, and farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales talks with Adam Hunter (second right), owner of Crow Tree Farm, and farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales talks with Adam Hunter (second right), owner of Crow Tree Farm, and farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales talks with Adam Hunter (second right), owner of Crow Tree Farm, and farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales talks with farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to Crow Tree Farm, a family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales talks with Adam Hunter (second right), owner of Crow Tree Farm, and farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales speaks to Adam Hunter (right), owner of Crow Tree Farm, during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales talks with Adam Hunter (second right), owner of Crow Tree Farm, and farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales speaks to Adam Hunter (right), owner of Crow Tree Farm, and other farmers from the Swaledale aread during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales talks with Adam Hunter (second right), owner of Crow Tree Farm, and farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales passes round a selection of cake during a visit to Crow Tree Farm, a family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales with Adam Hunter (left), owner of Crow Tree Farm, during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales with Adam Hunter (left), owner of Crow Tree Farm, during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales talks with Adam Hunter (second right), owner of Crow Tree Farm, and farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales talks with farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to Crow Tree Farm, a family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales passes a selection of cake to Adam Hunter (right), owner of Crow Tree Farm, during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales speaks to Adam Hunter (second right), owner of Crow Tree Farm, and other farmers from the Swaledale area, during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales talks with farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to Crow Tree Farm, a family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales with Adam Hunter (left), owner of Crow Tree Farm, during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales passes round a selection of cake during a visit to Crow Tree Farm, a family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales speaks to Adam Hunter (right), owner of Crow Tree Farm, during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales with Adam Hunter (left), owner of Crow Tree Farm, during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales with Adam Hunter (left), owner of Crow Tree Farm, during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales during a visit to Crow Tree Farm, a family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales during a visit to Crow Tree Farm, a family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales talks with Adam Hunter (second right), owner of Crow Tree Farm, and farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to the family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The Prince of Wales talks with young farmers from across Swaledale during a visit to Crows Tree Farm, a family farm in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to hear about multi-generational farms and the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming today. Picture date: Tuesday May 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: owen humphreys)

The visit highlighted the pressures of family-run farms, including adapting traditions to sustainability demands and economic uncertainties.

Farmers from across the dale shared their experiences, giving the Prince insight into rural life and the future of agriculture.

This engagement underscores ongoing royal support for UK farming communities.

An 80-year-old crossing guard who neighbors say devoted years to protecting children was killed Monday after she was struck by an SUV while helping two students cross a busy New Jersey intersection, authorities said.

Witnesses told ABC7 that Jean Schultz pushed the children out of the path of the oncoming car moments before they were struck.

It happened at the intersection of McBride and Lackawanna Avenues in Woodland Park just after 3:30 p.m., according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.

Schultz, who lived in Woodland Park, was rushed to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

The two children, who are siblings, according to officials, were hospitalized with minor injuries. Authorities said they were not hit by the vehicle but suffered minor injuries when they fell to the ground.

Police said the driver remained at the scene. No charges have been announced as the investigation continues.

The tragedy sent shockwaves through the community, where residents described Schultz as a beloved staple who took pride in keeping children safe.

“You know, we try to save the people, the kids, but it’s very bad what happened,” fellow crossing guard Franko Racanati told CBS News Tuesday.

“She loved the job. She loved it, and it cost her her life. But she was just a good person. I can’t say enough about her,” neighbor David Holster told ABC7.

“She was a staple, a staple. It’s so unfortunate. Eighty years old, and to have to go like that,” resident Giuseppe Martucci added.

“She literally put herself in harm’s way to protect the kids,” Marino Florio, another resident, said.

In a statement shared to Facebook, Woodland Park Mayor Tracy Kallert called Schultz’s death a “heartbreaking loss.”

“Jean Schultz was a dedicated crossing guard who took great pride in keeping our children safe each day,” Kallert said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and our crossing guard team as we mourn together.”

The mayor later described Schultz as “more than a crossing guard.”

“She was a bright and reassuring presence for generations of children and families,” Kallert said. “Jean was a kind and gentle soul who lit up every time she saw the kids coming, greeting them with a smile and ensuring their safety each and every day.”

“Her compassion, warmth, and genuine love for the children of Woodland Park left a lasting impact that will never be forgotten,” the mayor added.

The plans concerned the former La Scala building at 49 Chorley Road in Westhoughton, which is being converted into a set of self-enclosed offices.

Though it was deemed that developers would not need planning permission for this work, Westhoughton Town Council contacted Bolton last week over what they deemed unwarranted damage to the building’s windows.

“Cllr Gillian Wroe said: “When I read the documents today it says ‘on the 23rd of April it was approved by John Dyson.’”

“So it’s already been approved?”

Cllr David Wilkinson responded: “If you look on weekly lists of planning approvals you will see that it says ‘not development’.

“So it doesn’t fall within the planning remit as its basically just…”

Plans show the layout of the offices (Image: Bolton Council)

But Cllr Wroe was still confused by the way it had been handled.

“But it was sent to us, so we put it on the agenda last week.”

Cllr Wilkinson agreed with Cllr Wroe’s frustrations.

“I think it is a bit naughty to send us something then approve it before we even have any discussion about it,” he said.

“And I think we need to identify that, although it’s a technicality that the planning department came in and said ‘not development’, we haven’t even made any comment on it.

“We have looked at it, and it is repairs to the windows, but it’s a bit irritating when you get asked and they tick it off the list before you say anything.”

Cllr Wroe moved on to discussing the windows, which were a topic at the previous council meeting.

This is because the original plans to turn the building into a shop were rejected as they risked damaging the building’s historic façade.

Aerial view of the property at 49 Chorley Road (Image: Bolton Council)

The plans were then changed and resubmitted – the new plans only involving changes to the building’s interior.

But this work involved making alterations to the building’s windows, which Westhoughton residents felt was incompatible with the original goal of protecting the façade.

After the last meeting, Westhoughton’s town clerk wrote to Bolton Council to let them know the façade was being damaged, potentially contrary to the planning permission.

No response has yet been received from Bolton Council.

The PSNI has released a statement after a number of incidents involving ‘masked youths’ in the Bishop Street, The Fountain and Nailors Row areas of Derry over the past few weeks, amid ongoing Derry unrest

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The Police Service of Northern Ireland [PSNI] has issued a statement following a series of anti-social incidents involving masked young people across recent weeks in Derry.

Several people, thought to be youths, have been linked to disturbances on the evenings of 20 and 21 April, as well as 4 and 5 May. The most recent trouble has taken place around Bishop Street, The Fountain and Nailors Row neighbourhoods.

Officers were alerted at approximately 5.30pm on Tuesday, 5 May, to reports of a group of masked youths gathering in the area. Fireworks were discharged and petrol bombs, glass bottles and masonry hurled at police vehicles.

Derry City and Strabane Inspector Ferriby commented: “Bishop Street was closed temporarily to deal with the disorder, causing disruption and fear yet again to the local communities.”

A 13 year old boy has been detained on suspicion of riotous behaviour and subsequently released on bail pending further investigation, according to police. Inspector Ferriby added: “An investigation is underway to identify all those involved, and we will take action against anyone identified as committing offences,”

Anyone holding information, including dash-cam, CCTV or other footage, is urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1383 of 05/05/26.

Alternatively, information can be provided online via the non-emergency reporting form or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Zach Lincoln, originally from the USA, was left baffled after discovering one thing British people do when making sandwiches. “I just found out about this today and, I’m going to level with you, I don’t think I’m ok with this,” he said

When you’re after something swift, delicious, and satisfying, a sandwich is hard to beat. The possibilities are virtually limitless, with fillings ranging from cheese, salad, ham, chicken, tuna, and fish fingers, to more sophisticated options such as avocado or fresh crab, plus the numerous varieties of bread available.

However, an American man who has lived in the UK has revealed a significant distinction between how Britons prepare their lunchtime staple and how it’s done across the Atlantic. Zach Lincoln, who hails from the United States, lived in the UK until recently, and frequently offers his observations on cultural differences via social media, reports the Mirror.

He’s lately shared a video on Instagram disclosing he was completely stunned to discover one particular aspect of how British people assemble their sandwiches. The footage showed Zach appearing bewildered, with the caption: “I just found this is normal here”.

“British people do not realise how weird this is,” he said. “I just found out about this today and, I’m going to level with you, I don’t think I’m ok with this.

“I have come to appreciate many customs here in the UK, but this, I just don’t know what to do with. It came to my attention after making my daughter a turkey sandwich. Well, it was a chicken sandwich actually.

“And I posted about it [and] someone asked which type of butter that I use. I was like ‘what do you mean butter?’

“It was just mayonnaise, turkey, you know, maybe some cheese if they’re feeling saucy, and it became a discussion, and I found out you guys all put butter on your sandwiches. Or many of you, I shouldn’t say all.”

Looking aghast, he went on: “I have not been the same since finding that information out. Like, I understand it, intellectually, but like, I’ve never done it, and I don’t know that I’m capable of doing it.

“Like, there’s part of me that wants to try it just to say I did but like, I don’t, first of all, I don’t eat meat, so I don’t know what situation I would try it, like maybe a peanut butter and jelly?”

Viewers responding in the comments section were largely in agreement. One remarked: “No butter is a CRIME.” Another chimed in: “If you tell us you also eat dry toast I am calling the police.” While a third contributed: “Bro we literally invented the sandwich.”

A further commenter noted: “Sometimes, with *just* the right bread or roll, it’s ONLY butter.” However, in response, another pushed back: “I mean, we Americans definitely understand the value of butter on plain bread, but at that point, you can’t call it a sandwich.”

One viewer offered a practical explanation for the British tradition, commenting: “The butter adds a layer of fat so that if you add salad of some kind (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber) the moisture will not be able to travel beyond that layer and make the bread soggy. It is science.”

One person commented: “Dude get yourself some cheese and onion crisps, a tiger loaf, and real butter. Cut some nice thick slices, slap a load of butter on, then put loads of crisps on and squash it flat and then eat. Thank me later.”

While another quipped: “A sandwich without butter is a sadwich.”

Arsenal reached the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years after beating Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the second leg of the semi-final courtesy of Bukayo Saka’s goal

Wayne Rooney has hit out at Arsenal for going over the top with their celebrations after they beat Atletico Madrid to book their place in the Champions League final. The Gunners secured their spot in the showpiece event in Budapest by edging out Diego Simeone’s side 1-0.

Bukayo Saka’s sharp finish from a rebound was enough to seal a 2-1 aggregate victory in the semi-finals. After Mikel Arteta’s men dug deep to protect their narrow advantage, the Emirates Stadium erupted into a wave of jubilation and raw emotion.

Arsenal’s players, coaching staff and backroom team flooded onto the pitch in scenes of pure elation, as the ground went into raptures. Yet while the moment was enough to give any football fan goosebumps, the former England skipper was far from bowled over by the festivities.

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Speaking on Amazon Prime, Manchester United legend Rooney began by praising Saka, saying: “I thought he was very good tonight. I thought Arsenal tonight were very efficient in their performance.

“They got the goal and defensively, I thought they were brilliant, the two central defenders were excellent. They deserved it, they’ve played well all season.

“In the Premier League and the Champions League, they deserve to be in this position.”

As the cameras kept cutting to the jubilant Arsenal fans and players, Rooney then took a swipe, saying: “They haven’t won it yet. I think the celebrations are a little bit too heavy. Celebrate when you win…but no, they deserve it.”

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Rooney, who won the Champions League and reached three finals throughout his career, may well have been tongue-in-cheek with his remark. But even had his comment been broadcast over the tannoy, it would have done little to dampen the jubilant atmosphere in north London.

Tuesday night marked the first occasion Arsenal have made it to the Champions League final since the 2006 showpiece. In 2009, Rooney was also part of the United side who beat the Gunners 3-1 in north London to reach the Champions League final.

Ji-Sung Park scored and Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace as United ran out 4-1 winners on aggregate at the Emirates Stadium over Arsene Wenger’s side. Rooney looked back on that occasion and admitted the atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium now, compared to then, is completely different.

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Later on, after he was asked if he still felt the celebrations were too much, punditry colleague Daniel Sturridge jokingly butted in and said “I bet you’re fun at Christmas,” to which, Rooney laughed: “I don’t like Christmas.”

Last season, Arsenal were knocked out by PSG at the semi-final stage, with the French giants going on to claim the title by demolishing Inter Milan 5-0. Arteta’s men could yet face Luis Enrique’s side again in the final.

They hold a slender 5-4 advantage over Bayern Munich, with Vincent Kompany’s team hosting the reigning European champions in the second leg on Wednesday evening.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

The victim, police have confirmed, was punched in the face on the stairs leading to the toilet at Yates, in Low Ousegate, on Saturday (April 11) at approximately 7pm.

The man sustained an injury to his eyebrow that required medical treatment.

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A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “We’re asking anyone who recognises the man in the images to get in touch, as we believe he may have information that could assist our investigation.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed the assault or the events leading up to it to come forward.

“Anyone with information is asked to email Ezequiel.GomezBalaguer@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers via their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

“Please quote reference 12260064769 when providing information.”

The reform package includes changes to the nomination process for First and deputy First Ministers, allowing the next largest party to step in if the largest eligible party refuses to nominate.

Democracy in Northern Ireland “should not be up for sale to the highest bidder”, Naomi Long has said as her party unveiled a wide-ranging package of reforms aimed at overhauling how the Stormont Assembly operates.

The Alliance leader was speaking as they launched their Democratic Renewal paper, which sets out proposals designed to prevent future collapses of Stormont, increase accountability among Ministers and tighten rules around political donations.

Among the key changes proposed are measures to stop a single party from bringing down the institutions, reforms to ensure all votes carry equal weight, and steps to prevent items from being blocked from reaching the Executive agenda. The paper also calls for greater transparency in political funding and stricter oversight of donations.

Mrs Long said the proposals were aimed at restoring public confidence in a system many voters feel has failed to deliver.

“A generation ago, the people of Northern Ireland were promised government which could deliver for everyone in our society. But the years since have seen other parties reduce that ambition to a system burdened with delay and dysfunction rather than delivery and change,” she said.

“The Executive has been in a state of collapse for nearly half its lifetime, a succession of parties and Ministers abusing their power, and a continuing lack of transparency around political donations and shadowy international influences.

“In short, many people are understandably disillusioned with politics, a frustration shared by Alliance. We need democratic renewal and these proposals are Alliance’s plan to do just that. Democracy should be about delivery for ordinary people, not billionaires with agendas or parties obsessed with causing dysfunction.

“The argument for reform has been won – the Assembly has backed an Alliance call for it and the discussions are taking place right across Northern Ireland. Reform needs to happen, so let’s grab the opportunity and make it the best type possible.”

The reform package includes changes to the nomination process for First and deputy First Ministers, allowing the next largest party to step in if the largest eligible party refuses to nominate. It also proposes replacing the current parallel consent system with a weighted majority for key votes, and limiting the use of mechanisms such as the Petition of Concern to issues relating to identity, legacy and the constitutional framework established under the Good Friday Agreement.

Further measures include placing the so-called “three meeting rule” on a statutory footing to prevent agenda blockages, publishing Executive meeting agendas, and scrapping the system of Assembly designations. The party also proposes renaming the joint office of First Minister and deputy First Minister to “Joint First Ministers” to reflect their equal status.

On standards in public life, Alliance is calling for stronger sanctions for breaches of the Ministerial Code, including empowering the Standards Commissioner to recommend penalties subject to independent review.

The paper also sets out proposals to curb the influence of money in politics, including a cap on donations from single sources, lowering the reporting threshold to £500, and publishing all donations dating back to 2014. It further recommends enhanced powers and funding for the Electoral Commission, alongside the creation of a lobbying register at Stormont.

Beyond Northern Ireland, the party is also advocating for wider constitutional reform at Westminster, including the introduction of proportional representation for general elections, an elected House of Lords, and a UK-wide constitutional convention to develop a codified constitution.

The proposals come amid ongoing debate about how to stabilise devolved government and prevent further periods of political deadlock at Stormont.

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