Part of Private Members' Business – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 12:45 pm on 8 August 2024.
Alan Chambers
UUP
12:45,
8 August 2024
I had not intended to speak in the debate, as all that needs to be said has been said eloquently and sincerely by the previous contributors. I hope that those who feel threatened or frightened by the disgraceful events of recent days can take some comfort from the support that has been expressed in the Chamber and, indeed, in the broader community.
Some months ago, I was a reluctant but very grateful guest in the wards of the Ulster Hospital. Injections, drips and regular medication were the main features of my two-week stay. At least 25% of the medical and nursing staff who administered that treatment, 24/7, were from overseas. I am sad that, but can understand fully why, some of those medical practitioners have expressed their intention to take their skills elsewhere. I appeal to all overseas staff in our health and social care system: do not leave. The community of which you and your family are valued members needs you. You are not an outsider but, totally and completely, one of us.
The Opposition are the political parties in the House of Commons other than the largest or Government party. They are called the Opposition because they sit on the benches opposite the Government in the House of Commons Chamber. The largest of the Opposition parties is known as Her Majesty's Opposition. The role of the Official Opposition is to question and scrutinise the work of Government. The Opposition often votes against the Government. In a sense the Official Opposition is the "Government in waiting".