The Ulster Unionist Party holds Northern Ireland’s unionist legacy, governing 1921–1972 and remains a key political actor amid Northern Ireland’s power-sharing politics.
Gary Anderson, one of two brothers jailed for life for Karol Kelly’s 2018 Londonderry murder, has absconded after being released on compassionate temporary release to attend his father’s funeral. Police are appealing for information as he remains at large; the court had overturned the initial CTR refusal.
Police have launched a murder investigation after three members of a single family were found dead at a house on the Cullybackey Road. Post-mortems will determine cause of death, and police say the public is not at risk. A vigil is planned for tonight as investigators work at the scene.
The new Labour government is taking office as Northern Ireland faces a looming Stormont budget shortfall and ongoing talks with local parties. Benn says the onus is on the executive to seal a budget, while Sinn Féin and other parties call for early engagement and reform. Public services are operating under contingency measures as the budget stalemate continues.
North Devon District Hospital's maternity services have been suspended due to staffing shortages. Expectant mothers face long journeys to Exeter or Taunton for birth while councils, NHS bodies and locals weigh contingency plans. Authorities say the move is to ensure safe care.