NEWS

NewPower, the repowering division launched by Ballymena-based zero-emission bus manufacturer Wrightbus in 2024, has announced a groundbreaking EV-to-EV Repower agreement with leading operator Metroline. The deal marks the first time NewPower will upgrade an existing electric fleet with state-of-the-art EV technology, positioning the company at the forefront of Europe’s transition to greener public transport. Under the contract, 28 Metrodecker electric buses—previously hindere

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has voiced disappointment after the UK Government blocked a proposed amendment that would have required new homes to include swift bricks – small, low-cost nesting spaces designed to help protect and restore the UK’s declining swift population. The amendment, known as the ‘swift brick amendment’ , was debated in Westminster on Monday night and would have applied to new homes in England and Wales that are more than five metres in height. However,

“Honoured as Member of Parliament for South Antrim to place a Memorial at the Opening of the House of Commons Garden of Remembrance.” – Robin Swann MP Following intervention by South Antrim MP Robin Swann , the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has confirmed that the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal and related merchandise are not subject to EU regulations. Guidance will now be updated to reflect this clarification. Mr Swann welcomed the decision as “a win for commo

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer outlined his Digital ID plans during a visit to Barclays Bank in London Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans for a new national digital ID system designed to simplify how people prove their identity, access essential services, and interact with businesses and government. Speaking during a visit to a Barclays Bank branch on Thursday, Mr Starmer said the initiative would “cut paperwork, save time, and help people access services q

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an Urgent Safety Alert warning parents and caregivers to stop using baby self-feeding products immediately and dispose of them safely, citing a serious risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia. Businesses have also been ordered to remove all such products from sale as they cannot meet safety requirements under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Baby self-feeding products are designed to allow infants to b

Children dressed up for Halloween can enjoy a free meal at all 205 Asda Cafés nationwide on 31 October – with no adult spend required. This Halloween, families across the UK can look forward to a treat that won’t scare their wallets. On Friday 31 October, Asda is inviting children in fancy dress to eat for free in any of its 205 cafés nationwide, as part of its popular Kids Eat for £1 initiative. The offer coincides with half-term week, providing much-needed relief for parent

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has welcomed the UK Government’s £271 million annual defence investment in Northern Ireland, while urging closer coordination between the Northern Ireland Executive and Westminster to ensure maximum economic and strategic benefit. The Ulster Unionist MP described the announcement as “a positive step for Northern Ireland’s economy” and a recognition of the region’s “innovative aerospace and manufacturing industries.” Mr Swann said: “This investmen

Marks & Spencer Chief Executive Officer Stuart Machin has praised Northern Ireland’s thriving food and drink industry, highlighting the region’s exceptional contribution to the retailer’s success across the UK. Speaking at the Northern Ireland Food & Drink Annual Dinner in Belfast last night — marking the first time an M&S CEO has addressed the event — Mr Machin celebrated local producers, long-standing partnerships, and announced major new investment plans for stores across

British holidaymakers and business travellers heading to Europe are being urged to prepare for new digital border checks from today, as...

Tesco has announced the expansion of its Fruit & Veg for Schools programme, ensuring thousands more pupils across the UK – including in...

The new British passport bearing His Majesty King Charles III’s Coat of Arms The first British passports to bear His Majesty King Charles...

Pictured: Jim Allister KC MP, the leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) In a robust rebuke to recent European Union demands, Jim...

Some of the fake toys seized at the UK Border in 2025 Counterfeit toys are flooding into the UK, putting children’s safety at risk,...

The Met Office has officially named Storm Amy as the first storm of the 2025/26 season, with Northern Ireland braced for unsettled and...

Hundreds of thousands of young people across the UK are being urged to check if they have a matured Child Trust Fund (CTF), with an...

Northern Ireland political leaders have issued strong warnings over Labour’s proposed Digital ID scheme, with both the Traditional...

Robin Swann MP with BVA new President Rob Williams at House of Commons event in February 2025. South Antrim MP Robin Swann has been...

The customs declaration for a simple birthday package sent sent from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV)...

Chris Quinn, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People The UK Covid-19 Inquiry has today (Monday, 29 September 2025)...

UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer The UK government has unveiled plans for a new digital ID system designed to make it easier for...