MPs hear story of Co Down boy who heard his father’s dying screams as he was shot by IRA outside child’s bedroom window

Ian Paisley: Unionists need to drop wrist-slashing pessimism over Brexit

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Subscribe              Dec 11, 2020           Good morning Life in Northern Ireland is returning to something closer to normality this morning as as a wide range of businesses reopen following the latest two week lockdown. Shops, close contact services and the hospitality sector were closed under lockdown measures aimed at stemming the spread of coronavirus. The reasons for the recent restrictions were made clear when it was disclosed the the total number of Covid-19 related deaths recorded in Northern Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic is now more than 1,500 according to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.  In politics, Ian Paisley has cautioned against unionists falling into despair and "slashing our wrists" amid claims that Brexit has damaged Northern Ireland's place in the UK. The DUP MP was speaking after figures from his own party and the UUP rounded on one another over what is frequently referred to as the coming "Irish Sea border". Health Minister Robin Swann has announced a major step towards a change in the laws around organ donation that would see people asked to 'opt out' rather than 'opt in' if they wish to donate their organs. Mr Swann has this morning launched a public consultation to seek the views of the public on the best way to introduce an opt out system. Have a good day Michael Cousins Deputy digital editor Digital subscriptions to the News Letter are available from only £1 a month for the first 3 months. That will give you unlimited access to our content along with our subscriber only interactive puzzles. 70% fewer ads and with the digital+ option you can also access the newspaper app edition. You can see all the options here.            NI Covid-19 death-toll more than 1,500 reports NISRA           The total number of Covid-19 related deaths recorded in Northern Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic is now more than 1,500 according to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).                 Family of Belfast boy on heart transplant waiting list welcome major step towards organ donation law change announced by NI health minister Robin Swann   Health Minister Robin Swann has announced a major step towards a change in the laws around organ donation that would see people asked to 'opt out' rather than 'opt in' if they wish to donate their organs.           MPs hear story of Co Down boy who heard his father's dying screams as he was shot by IRA outside child's bedroom window   The House of Commons has tonight heard the story of how a 12-year-old Co Down boy heard his father's dying screams as he was murdered outside the child's bedroom window, leaving him an orphan.           Ian Paisley: Unionists need to drop wrist-slashing pessimism over Brexit   Ian Paisley has cautioned against unionists falling into despair and "slashing our wrists" amid claims that Brexit has damaged Northern Ireland's place in the UK.           One in twenty adults normally feel lonely in Northern Ireland   New research has found one in every 20 adults in Northern Ireland 'often or always' feel lonely.           Boy, 11, releases album after music giant spots lockdown song for NI grandmother   An 11-year-old schoolboy who sang to his grandmother - who is from Northern Ireland - over the internet during lockdown has released his debut album after being spotted by a prestigious record label.               THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: From the News Letter of December 1925   Ulster PM: 'New era for north and south'       THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Bonar Law quizzed in house of commons over release of political prisoners   From the News Letter, December 11, 1918                             Ulster's Champions Cup opener against Toulouse already a 'must-win' says Ian Madigan           Ireland out-half Ian Madigan believes Ulster must start with a win on Friday night against Toulouse under the new Heineken Champions Cup format or their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals for a third consecutive season could end after 80 minutes.                   Flashback: Bradford City stun Arsenal in League Cup on this day in 2012   Arsenal suffered humiliation in the League Cup on this day in 2012 as they lost on penalties to League Two side Bradford after a 1-1 draw at Valley Parade.       Know your sport? Test your knowledge with our fun quiz   Test your knowledge with our fun quiz.       Brian McCormack boosted by FHO Racing support for 2021 road races and BSB season   Waterford's Brian McCormack will return to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship next year with backing from FHO Racing owner Faye Ho under the Roadhouse Macau banner.                   View more news

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