In the past week, graphic videos and images of the violence engulfing Israel and Palestine have circulated around the world, capturing international attention as the threat of increased military action looms. The violence has already led to over 200 deaths, the vast majority of whom are Palestinians, and include children. This oppressive regime has complete control over Palestinians -- from access to land, water, aid, and even movement. The Israeli government's brutal occupation and policies have resulted in this ongoing crisis. President Biden must take action to immediately de-escalate the situation, broker a ceasefire, and call on the Israeli government to put an immediate stop to the forced evictions and displacement of Palestinian families.

Belfast is one of the best places in the UK and Ireland to watch a starling murmuration. But starlings are a red-listed species, meaning they are of high conservation concern having declined by two-thirds across the UK since the mid 1970s. All government departments have a statutory duty to further biodiversity. The light pollution at Albert Bridge must be removed to ensure the starling murmurations can return.

Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK and Ireland that does not have an official childcare strategy in place. Childcare in Northern Ireland is increasingly unaffordable, and is on a par with London, where salaries are much higher. We need urgent interventions while we wait for a long-term reform, including removal of the cap on the tax-free allowance, and extension of the government contribution to families’ childcare accounts from 20% to 30%. Parents must be included in all government discussions about redesigning the childcare system, and a sustainable childcare system must be a political priority.

Northern Ireland's waiting lists are the worst in the UK - with almost one in four of the population waiting for admission or a first outpatient appointment. And no matter who we are or where we come from, getting medical attention when we need it most is vital to us all. The waiting list crisis has been years in the making, and it won’t be solved overnight. But a Department of Health plan has been published, and solutions from organisations like the Nuffield Trust and the Royal College of Surgeons are being put forward. Now we need political will to make it happen.

Northern Ireland's waiting lists are the worst in the UK - with almost one in four of the population waiting for admission or a first outpatient appointment. And no matter who we are or where we come from, getting medical attention when we need it most is vital to us all. The waiting list crisis has been years in the making, and it won’t be solved overnight. But a Department of Health plan has been published, and solutions from organisations like the Nuffield Trust and the Royal College of Surgeons are being put forward. Now we need political will to make it happen.

The committee inviting Lynda Rose to speak was prominent in the campaign for Section 28 which outlawed teaching about gay relationships in the 1980s. This narrative against inclusive sex education discriminates against the LGBT community who are already statistically more likely to experience discrimination and poor mental health.

Northern Ireland is home to many rare and endangered species of bee. It supports the largest population in the UK of Northern Colletes, a priority conservation species. Yet, conservation charity Buglife NI says that 21 species are at risk of extinction unless action is taken.

Covid-19 shows us all who the real key workers are in our society. As they continue to work to treat the sick, support the vulnerable and keep the country going, they must be provided with the equipment tha will keep them safe and stop the virus spreading.

The Coronavirus is beyond politics. Now is the time for all who live on this island, to stand together to face this common threat. An emergency plan must be put in place to protect us all, and prioritising those most at risk such as care home residents, asylum seekers, older people, and the homeless.

In the very near future, thousands of private renters across Northern Ireland will face huge reductions in their income and be unable to pay their rent. Being evicted during the Covid-19 crisis will mean being unable to stay safe and healthy, and not spread the virus. The government has announced "mortgage holidays" for landlords and home-owners and Cities in the US including New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco have already taken action to stop evictions. Now it's time to give renters in Northern Ireland the protections they need to keep their homes during the coronavirus crisis.

Simple answer is, this is our drinking water! This is our environment!  We are practically living in open sewers!  Our wastewater infrastructure need massive investment to bring them up to scratch!  Stop the bonuses of CEO and managements would be a start! Cap salaries and stop so called expense, the government will soon notice there is more money available towards upgrading the water works than they think. . Too many screaming off the crop with public money

Northern Ireland’s AONBs are being sacrificed to industrial wind farms. If we don’t act, the landscapes we love—our peatlands, wildlife, and heritage—will be lost forever to short-term interests and irreversible damage. If you care about nature, climate justice, and democracy, this affects you. Together we can demand real protection for AONBs, a fairer energy future, and stop developers from deciding the fate of our most precious places.