Learn languages naturally with fresh, real content!

Popular Topics
Explore By Region
Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister blocked public funding for arms exports to Israel, prompting the DUP to challenge her decision over constitutional and economic concerns.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has launched a "call-in" of a decision by Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald, challenging her directive that Invest NI not support arms manufacturing for Israel.
Archibald, citing a review, said Invest NI would not back such production and is developing an ethical investment framework to prevent public funds from aiding arms linked to alleged genocide, including halting participation in UK trade talks with Israel during its occupation of Palestinian territories.
The DUP, led by Gavin Robinson, criticized the move as unilateral, arguing it bypassed Executive approval and undermines Northern Ireland’s defence and aerospace sectors, which employ 9,000 people and generate £2.2 billion annually.
Robinson emphasized that arms export controls are a reserved UK matter and that Archibald failed to consult UK counterparts.
The TUV supported the DUP’s action, with its MLA signing the petition.
La Ministra de Economía de Irlanda del Norte bloqueó la financiación pública para las exportaciones de armas a Israel, lo que llevó al DUP a impugnar su decisión por preocupaciones constitucionales y económicas.