A wave of violent unrest has broken out in Belfast following a brutal stabbing incident, with reports of masked groups setting fire to homes and vehicles. The UK government has strongly condemned the violence, calling it “racist thuggery” as tensions rise over anti-immigration sentiments. Authorities are working to restore order while investigations continue into both the initial attack and the subsequent escalation of street violence.


Belfast Violence: Anti-Immigration Riots Escalate, Police Deploy Water Cannons 

A wave of violence in Belfast has sparked political controversy after social media posts by Elon Musk were accused of inflaming tensions during the unrest. Critics argue that his comments and reposts amplified misinformation and heightened divisions at a sensitive time. Authorities and political leaders are now calling for responsible online discourse as investigations continue into the incidents and the wider impact of digital influence on public disorder.


Belfast Violence: Musk Criticised Over Belfast Unrest Posts; Accused of Inflaming Tensions

Belfast has witnessed scenes of unrest after a knife attack triggered anti-immigrant protests that escalated into riots. Demonstrators clashed with police as tensions spread across parts of the city, with reports of property damage, fires and public disorder. Authorities have increased security measures while urging calm. 


Belfast Erupts In Riots After Brutal Knife Attack Sparks Tensions

Violence erupted in Belfast as a 30-year-old attacker repeatedly stabbed a victim in a shocking knife assault. The incident has raised fresh concerns over street violence and public safety, with authorities launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.


Belfast Violence: 30-Year -Old Attacker Repeatedly Attacked the Victim with Knife

For the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship passengers, it was supposed to be three and half years of voyage across the world from this May. But for the past four and half months, they were stuck in Belfast, Northern Ireland. On Monday night (Sep 30), they finally set off on&nbsp;their journey, after living and befriending the locals in the Irish town.

The cruise ship owned by Villa Vie Residences had got stuck before it could start what was billed as the world's first continual cruise, due to a variety of troubles: from repairs to financial constraints to paperwork. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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There she goes … 👋 
Cruise ship stuck in Belfast for 4 months left Belfast just before midnight &amp; is now off the coast of Bangor. ⛴️ <a href="https://t.co/Qow5Vflvsi">pic.twitter.com/Qow5Vflvsi</a>
— Mark Simpson (@BBCMarkSimpson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCMarkSimpson/status/1840894055296778250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Finally, when the announcement was made that the residential ship would indeed depart, some of the 125 passengers shouted 'hip hip hooray' and cheered.

They boarded the ocean liner after 23:30 local time on Monday night.

But technically, their global&nbsp;voyage didn't start immediately.&nbsp;From Belfast, the ship went to a cruise terminal nearby, and then anchored offshore overnight.

Its global circumnavigation will start on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/icon-of-the-seas-worlds-largest-cruise-ship-begins-its-maiden-voyage-684499">Also read: Icon of the Seas: World’s largest cruise ship begins maiden voyage</a>

While they were stuck in cold, rainy Belfast all these months, many of the passengers were thankful for the warm welcome they received from the town.

One passenger was quoted by the BBC as saying he was absolutely ecstatic to embark on the cruise.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
⚓️After four long months of making Belfast their new home… 
 
🛳️Those aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey ship are finally ready to set sail! 
 
🏙️Not before saying goodbye to the city though… in style! 
 
👋The crew have set off on their ‘Bye Bye Belfast Beer Bike’ <a href="https://t.co/XLyXHt9zWm">pic.twitter.com/XLyXHt9zWm</a>
— Cool FM News (@newsoncool) <a href="https://twitter.com/newsoncool/status/1840362410202263561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Some passengers cried with joy when Mike Petersen, head of the US-based Villa Vie Residences, announced that the ship would leave.

"The exhilaration of getting on that ship, when it takes off, it will be the feeling of a lifetime," AFP news agency quoted Chicago-based actor Martino, 61, as saying.

"I've been in Belfast for four months and two days, but hey, who's counting,!" said another passenger Holly Hennessy, holding her cat, 'Captain'.

 
WATCH: WION aboard 'The Empress' | India's first international cruise to Sri Lanka

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&nbsp;

<h2>What went wrong with the cruise in Belfast?&nbsp;</h2>

The cruise liner was supposed to take off on the world voyage on May 30 from Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.

But it faced problems from the start, as repair and retrofitting&nbsp;work took longer than expected, as did the paperwork.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/norwegian-cruise-line-holdings-surges-as-profit-forecasts-sail-higher-746021">Also read: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings surges as profit forecasts sail higher</a> 
 
These past months, the ship went through engine repair in Belfast's Harland &amp; Wolff, the same shipyard where Titanic was built a century ago.

Then, the shipbuilder went broke, adding to the woes.

The passengers, who could rent cabins in the ship, were not allowed to sleep in it. They rented apartments or slept in hotels all these months. Some of them just travelled inside Northern Ireland, while others went further afield to Europe or other cruises.

The cruise liner, with 600-passenger capacity, will pass through seven continents in the coming years. It will have more than 425 stops in 147 destinations.&nbsp;

The 'perpetual&nbsp;cruise' will then repeat for the next 15 years. 
 
Well, fingers crossed.

(With inputs from agencies)

For the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship passengers, it was supposed to be three and half years of voyage across the world from this May. But for the past four and half months, they were stuck in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

For the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship passengers, it was supposed to be three and half years of voyage across the world from this May. But for the past four and half months, they were stuck in Belfast, Northern Ireland. On Monday night (Sep 30), they finally set off on their journey, after living and befriending the locals in the Irish town. The cruise ship owned by Villa Vie Residences had got stuck before it could start what was billed as the world's first continual cruise, due to a variety of troubles: from repairs to financial constraints to paperwork. There she goes … 👋 Cruise ship stuck in Belfast for 4 months left Belfast just before midnight & is now off the coast of Bangor. ⛴️ pic.twitter.com/Qow5Vflvsi — Mark Simpson (@BBCMarkSimpson) September 30, 2024 × Finally, when the announcement was made that the residential ship would indeed depart, some of the 125 passengers shouted 'hip hip hooray' and cheered. They boarded the ocean liner after 23:30 local time on Monday night. But technically, their global voyage didn't start immediately. From Belfast, the ship went to a cruise terminal nearby, and then anchored offshore overnight. Its global circumnavigation will start on Tuesday. Also read: Icon of the Seas: World’s largest cruise ship begins maiden voyage While they were stuck in cold, rainy Belfast all these months, many of the passengers were thankful for the warm welcome they received from the town. One passenger was quoted by the BBC as saying he was absolutely ecstatic to embark on the cruise. ⚓️After four long months of making Belfast their new home… 🛳️Those aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey ship are finally ready to set sail! 🏙️Not before saying goodbye to the city though… in style! 👋The crew have set off on their ‘Bye Bye Belfast Beer Bike’ pic.twitter.com/XLyXHt9zWm — Cool FM News (@newsoncool) September 29, 2024 × Some passengers cried with joy when Mike Petersen, head of the US-based Villa Vie Residences, announced that the ship would leave. "The exhilaration of getting on that ship, when it takes off, it will be the feeling of a lifetime," AFP news agency quoted Chicago-based actor Martino, 61, as saying. "I've been in Belfast for four months and two days, but hey, who's counting,!" said another passenger Holly Hennessy, holding her cat, 'Captain'. WATCH: WION aboard 'The Empress' | India's first international cruise to Sri Lanka × What went wrong with the cruise in Belfast? The cruise liner was supposed to take off on the world voyage on May 30 from Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. But it faced problems from the start, as repair and retrofitting work took longer than expected, as did the paperwork. Also read: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings surges as profit forecasts sail higher These past months, the ship went through engine repair in Belfast's Harland & Wolff, the same shipyard where Titanic was built a century ago. Then, the shipbuilder went broke, adding to the woes. The passengers, who could rent cabins in the ship, were not allowed to sleep in it. They rented apartments or slept in hotels all these months. Some of them just travelled inside Northern Ireland, while others went further afield to Europe or other cruises. The cruise liner, with 600-passenger capacity, will pass through seven continents in the coming years. It will have more than 425 stops in 147 destinations. The 'perpetual cruise' will then repeat for the next 15 years. Well, fingers crossed. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship leaves Belfast four months after getting stuck with passengers

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly round-up of news and views from the corridors of power all over the world.&nbsp;

This week, the capitals of Sudan, Yemen, India, Northern Ireland, United States, Ghana and Japan witnessed among the most significant of all events of reckoning.

<h2>Khartoum, Sudan</h2>

<img alt="Khartoum | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb6eef7a-af00-47fc-ae61-4ac58c4f2124" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_187.jpg" />

Smoke billows above residential buildings in Khartoum on April 16, 2023, as fighting in Sudan raged for a second day in battles between rival generals | AFP

Sudanese capital's uneasy calm was wrecked by gunfire and shelling this week as a deadly power struggle broke out between the erstwhile power-sharers, Sudan's army and a paramilitary group. The Rapid Support Force (RSF) is the paramilitary group infamous for many human rights violations in the country located at the crossroads of Sub-Saharan Africa and West Asia.&nbsp;

So far at least 56 civilians are reported to be dead in the deadly fight between the Sudanese army and the RSF.&nbsp;

Here is a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-whats-happening-in-sudan-what-caused-the-clashes-583043">WION&nbsp;explainer</a> to&nbsp;what all is happening in Sudan, and the exact genesis of the ongoing battle between the two warring armed factions of contested authorities.&nbsp;

<h2>Sana'a, Yemen</h2>

<img alt="Yemen prisoners' exchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5129fea7-62c8-42c1-b5b1-e41ef467e0a9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_229.jpg" />

Prisoners formerly held by Yemen's Houthi rebels board an aircraft of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) before it takes off from Sana'a International Airport on April 16, 2023 | AFP

The Yemeni capital saw boosted hopes of the end to its civil war, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/times-of-truce-major-prisoner-swap-underway-in-yemen-icrc-582486">a three-day exchange of nearly 900 prisoners</a> between Yemen's Houthi rebels and government forces concluded on Sunday.&nbsp;

It is still not known how many prisoners the both sides have.&nbsp;

But both the rebels and government forces are still honouring a ceasefire that expired in October 2022 after a seven-month period. The current exchange of prisoners is being seen as a measure that West Asia watchers expect to formalise into an end to the war.&nbsp;

<h2>New Delhi, India</h2>

<img alt="Narendra Modi Cabinet Committee on Security" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2df8790a-a3c1-49aa-994b-fec8a1f7c70f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_177.jpg" />

File photo of India's Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi chairing a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security | @PMOIndia/Twitter

In New Delhi, India's big space dreams were unveiled in the form of the Indian Space Policy 2023, a formal expansion of space sector reforms India launched in 2020. While the 2020 reforms allowed private sector firms to perform end-to-end space activities, this week's policy release is aimed at providing greater clarity on the specific activities that private firms can carry out, Sidharth MP, WION correspondent covering Space and Defence sectors told The Capitals.

"The Space Policy is said to be a stepping stone to a Space Activities Bill and a Space Activities Law in India, which will codify the roles and responsibilities of the government and private sector in greater detail," Sidharth pointed out.&nbsp;

India aims to constitute at least a tenth of $360 billion global space economy by the end of the decade.&nbsp;

<h2>Belfast, Northern Ireland</h2>

<img alt="Joe Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="10d2400f-9ff6-4861-93c4-08149a317f08" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_148.jpg" />

US President Joe Biden delivered a speech on business development at Ulster University in Belfast on April 12, 2023 | AFP

US President Joe Biden went down the lane of his Irish ancestory in Northern Ireland's capital Belfast this week. He <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-lands-in-northern-ireland-to-mark-25-years-of-good-friday-agreement-581514">commemorated 25 years of Good Friday peace agreement</a>, a 1998 agreement between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland which ultimately&nbsp;diluted the previously concentrated calls for Northern Ireland's separation from Britain.&nbsp;

The four-day visit to Ireland was marked by pomp as Biden was seen acting on behalf of his British allies to strengthen Northern Ireland's union with Britain. "Northern Ireland will not go back [to violence]," Biden said at the Ulster University campus in Belfast while referring to pre-1998 calls for separation.

<h2>Washington&nbsp;D.C., United States of America</h2>

<img alt="White House" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a0d9af-933f-40e4-8518-fbed6e52d751" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_131.jpg" />

File photo of the White House in Washington D.C. superimposed with the images of Jack Teixeira, 21, arrested in classified document leak row this week | Reuters

The world's most powerful corridor of power was marred by the most explosive document leak of the decade. This time, it wasn't a Snowden or Assange but a 21-year-old newly minted member of the US Air Force, who unleashed a diplomatic storm of embarrassment over White House. Why embarrassment? Well, for one, the leak of highly classified US military documents revealed how Washington spies on countries it calls its allies and partners. Two, it exposed gaps in Ukrainian air defences amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Here is a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-jack-teixeiras-game-of-pentagon-declassifieds-means-for-internet-surveillance-582483">WION explainer</a>, detailing upon Jack Teixeira, the young man arrested this week, who has been charged with unauthorised removal of classified national defence information.&nbsp;

<h2>Accra, Ghana</h2>

<img alt="Representative image for children's Malaria vaccination | Reuters" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9fbb17e7-ae65-4c70-827a-6f627c4e7cc0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_95.jpg" />

Representative image for children's Malaria vaccination | Reuters

This week, the Ghanaian capital <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ghana-approves-oxfords-new-malaria-vaccine-582251">approved</a> the use of Oxford University-Serum Institute of India's&nbsp;anti-malaria vaccine Mosquirix developed by the British drugmaker GSK. Children under the age of three will be inoculated with the anti-malaria vaccine while the exact timeline of the rollout has not been revealed.&nbsp;

Annually, about 600,000 people die due to Malaria, most of them in Africa. Children under the age of three, for whom the anti-malaria vaccine with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/oxford-university-serum-institute-of-india-tie-up-delivers-high-efficacy-malaria-vaccine-582185">77 per cent efficacy</a> has been approved, remain most vulnerable to the disease.

<h2>Tokyo, Japan&nbsp;</h2>

<img alt="Haruki Murakami" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9608964e-93a9-4172-a748-c68b7e993f3f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_11.png" />

People line up to purchase the fresh copies of Japanese writer Haruki Murakami's new book&nbsp;'The City and Its Uncertain Walls'&nbsp;at a book store in Shinjuku district of Tokyo early on April 13, 2023 | AFP

Legendary Japanese writer Haruki Murakami's first novel in six years, 'The City and Its Uncertain Walls' hit the shelves in Tokyo this week. A Murakami novel is often considered 'an Olympic event' in Japan. While Japanese language readers can score through the 661-page novel, Murakami admirers worldwide will have to wait for some time more for the English translation of the novel.&nbsp;

My colleague Tashneem Chaudhury dissects her 'eternal love story' with Japanese author's works in this piece. '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-i-fell-for-the-murakami-magic-582618">How I fell for the Haruki Murakami magic: My eternal love story</a>'.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly round-up of news and views from the corridors of power all over the world. This week, the capitals of Sudan, Yemen, India, Northern Ireland, United States, Ghana and Japan witnessed among the most significant of all events of reckoning.

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly round-up of news and views from the corridors of power all over the world. This week, the capitals of Sudan, Yemen, India, Northern Ireland, United States, Ghana and Japan witnessed among the most significant of all events of reckoning. Khartoum, Sudan Smoke billows above residential buildings in Khartoum on April 16, 2023, as fighting in Sudan raged for a second day in battles between rival generals | AFP Sudanese capital's uneasy calm was wrecked by gunfire and shelling this week as a deadly power struggle broke out between the erstwhile power-sharers, Sudan's army and a paramilitary group. The Rapid Support Force (RSF) is the paramilitary group infamous for many human rights violations in the country located at the crossroads of Sub-Saharan Africa and West Asia. So far at least 56 civilians are reported to be dead in the deadly fight between the Sudanese army and the RSF. Here is a WION explainer to what all is happening in Sudan, and the exact genesis of the ongoing battle between the two warring armed factions of contested authorities. Sana'a, Yemen Prisoners formerly held by Yemen's Houthi rebels board an aircraft of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) before it takes off from Sana'a International Airport on April 16, 2023 | AFP The Yemeni capital saw boosted hopes of the end to its civil war, as a three-day exchange of nearly 900 prisoners between Yemen's Houthi rebels and government forces concluded on Sunday. It is still not known how many prisoners the both sides have. But both the rebels and government forces are still honouring a ceasefire that expired in October 2022 after a seven-month period. The current exchange of prisoners is being seen as a measure that West Asia watchers expect to formalise into an end to the war. New Delhi, India File photo of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security | @PMOIndia/Twitter In New Delhi, India's big space dreams were unveiled in the form of the Indian Space Policy 2023, a formal expansion of space sector reforms India launched in 2020. While the 2020 reforms allowed private sector firms to perform end-to-end space activities, this week's policy release is aimed at providing greater clarity on the specific activities that private firms can carry out, Sidharth MP, WION correspondent covering Space and Defence sectors told The Capitals. "The Space Policy is said to be a stepping stone to a Space Activities Bill and a Space Activities Law in India, which will codify the roles and responsibilities of the government and private sector in greater detail," Sidharth pointed out. India aims to constitute at least a tenth of $360 billion global space economy by the end of the decade. Belfast, Northern Ireland US President Joe Biden delivered a speech on business development at Ulster University in Belfast on April 12, 2023 | AFP US President Joe Biden went down the lane of his Irish ancestory in Northern Ireland's capital Belfast this week. He commemorated 25 years of Good Friday peace agreement, a 1998 agreement between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland which ultimately diluted the previously concentrated calls for Northern Ireland's separation from Britain. The four-day visit to Ireland was marked by pomp as Biden was seen acting on behalf of his British allies to strengthen Northern Ireland's union with Britain. "Northern Ireland will not go back [to violence]," Biden said at the Ulster University campus in Belfast while referring to pre-1998 calls for separation. Washington D.C., United States of America File photo of the White House in Washington D.C. superimposed with the images of Jack Teixeira, 21, arrested in classified document leak row this week | Reuters The world's most powerful corridor of power was marred by the most explosive document leak of the decade. This time, it wasn't a Snowden or Assange but a 21-year-old newly minted member of the US Air Force, who unleashed a diplomatic storm of embarrassment over White House. Why embarrassment? Well, for one, the leak of highly classified US military documents revealed how Washington spies on countries it calls its allies and partners. Two, it exposed gaps in Ukrainian air defences amid its ongoing war in Ukraine. Here is a WION explainer, detailing upon Jack Teixeira, the young man arrested this week, who has been charged with unauthorised removal of classified national defence information. Accra, Ghana Representative image for children's Malaria vaccination | Reuters This week, the Ghanaian capital approved the use of Oxford University-Serum Institute of India's anti-malaria vaccine Mosquirix developed by the British drugmaker GSK. Children under the age of three will be inoculated with the anti-malaria vaccine while the exact timeline of the rollout has not been revealed. Annually, about 600,000 people die due to Malaria, most of them in Africa. Children under the age of three, for whom the anti-malaria vaccine with 77 per cent efficacy has been approved, remain most vulnerable to the disease. Tokyo, Japan People line up to purchase the fresh copies of Japanese writer Haruki Murakami's new book 'The City and Its Uncertain Walls' at a book store in Shinjuku district of Tokyo early on April 13, 2023 | AFP Legendary Japanese writer Haruki Murakami's first novel in six years, 'The City and Its Uncertain Walls' hit the shelves in Tokyo this week. A Murakami novel is often considered 'an Olympic event' in Japan. While Japanese language readers can score through the 661-page novel, Murakami admirers worldwide will have to wait for some time more for the English translation of the novel. My colleague Tashneem Chaudhury dissects her 'eternal love story' with Japanese author's works in this piece. 'How I fell for the Haruki Murakami magic: My eternal love story'. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Capitals: Sudan's Khartoum a battleground for power, New Delhi's big space dreams, and more

US President Joe Biden has arrived in Belfast to begin a historic four-day visit to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. President Biden and UK PM Rishi Sunak will hold a bilateral meeting today to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Belfast: US Pres Joe Biden in Northern Ireland to mark Peace Deal anniversary | World News | WION

US President Joe Biden is all set to arrive in Belfast later today. Biden's visit will mark the 25th anniversary of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement but the visit comes at a very sensitive time.

Biden's Belfast visit comes amid violent protests against the accord

Civil society organisations gave a clarion call to people in Belfast on Saturday to protest against a sharp rise in the number of people dying on the streets of Northern Ireland’s capital.

The social activists claimed that the spiralling cost of living, along with a public health emergency like Covid, is making more vulnerable people homeless, reports The Guardian.

In recent months, an estimated 14 people have died, out of which nine were found dead on the streets, the rest in homeless accommodation.

Among the most recent fatalities include a 19-year-old woman, yet to be named, and Jade Gorman, 23, who had lived on the streets but was found dead in an apartment. Officials suspect drug overdose related deaths. In two weeks of June, six homeless men reportedly died of overdoses.

According to the government report&nbsp;published in March, drug-related deaths in Northern Ireland have spiked from 92 a decade ago to 218 in 2020, the highest on record.

Just over half of the fatalities were men aged 25-44. Death rates were highest among people aged 25-34.

Belfast mayor Tina Black, council party group leaders and statutory agencies met on Friday to discuss the crisis.

“I’ve done homeless work for 10 years and never seen this amount of distress and tragedy,” The Guardian quoted Paul McCusker, a city councillor and founder of The People’s Kitchen, the charity organising the march, as saying.

“In one hour last Sunday, we were dealing with three overdoses and one cutting; four people slumped over bins. That’s just one hour in Belfast city centre on a Sunday evening.”

A member of the Social Democratic and Labour party (SDLP), McCusker, said that there are not enough accommodation, addiction services and mental health treatment to take care of the rising number of young homeless people.

&nbsp;“Most people we work with take a cocktail of drugs, which puts them at greater risk,” he said. The cost of living was having a “massive” impact on homelessness, <a name="_Hlk109484136">McCusker </a>added.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Civil society organisations gave a clarion call to people in Belfast on Saturday to protest against a sharp rise in the number of people dying on the streets of Northern Ireland’s capital.

Civil society organisations gave a clarion call to people in Belfast on Saturday to protest against a sharp rise in the number of people dying on the streets of Northern Ireland’s capital. The social activists claimed that the spiralling cost of living, along with a public health emergency like Covid, is making more vulnerable people homeless, reports The Guardian. In recent months, an estimated 14 people have died, out of which nine were found dead on the streets, the rest in homeless accommodation. Among the most recent fatalities include a 19-year-old woman, yet to be named, and Jade Gorman, 23, who had lived on the streets but was found dead in an apartment. Officials suspect drug overdose related deaths. In two weeks of June, six homeless men reportedly died of overdoses. According to the government report published in March, drug-related deaths in Northern Ireland have spiked from 92 a decade ago to 218 in 2020, the highest on record. Just over half of the fatalities were men aged 25-44. Death rates were highest among people aged 25-34. Belfast mayor Tina Black, council party group leaders and statutory agencies met on Friday to discuss the crisis. “I’ve done homeless work for 10 years and never seen this amount of distress and tragedy,” The Guardian quoted Paul McCusker, a city councillor and founder of The People’s Kitchen, the charity organising the march, as saying. “In one hour last Sunday, we were dealing with three overdoses and one cutting; four people slumped over bins. That’s just one hour in Belfast city centre on a Sunday evening.” A member of the Social Democratic and Labour party (SDLP), McCusker, said that there are not enough accommodation, addiction services and mental health treatment to take care of the rising number of young homeless people. “Most people we work with take a cocktail of drugs, which puts them at greater risk,” he said. The cost of living was having a “massive” impact on homelessness, McCusker added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amid rise in homeless people deaths, activists call for protest in Ireland’s Belfast

Starring Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Ciarán Hinds, Colin Morgan, and Jude Hill.

Written &amp; &nbsp;Directed by Kenneth Branagh

Rating: *** ½

Growing up in Belfast at the peak of&nbsp;the Catholic-Protestant conflict&nbsp;in 1969 was not all a bed of thorns for writer-director Kenneth Branagh. To be honest, I saw Branagh looking at his childhood in Belfast with rose-tinted glasses. And the more he relies on Haris Zambarloukos’ reflective black-and-white photography to give his nostalgic urges a wide berth, the more euphoric the broken world of warfare and strife appears to be.

Not that there is&nbsp;anything wrong with a happy interpretation of an inherently bleak past. We all tend to shut out the ugly dark passages in our memory bank. This doesn’t necessarily make the memory bank any less bankable.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-the-batman-review-have-time-can-watch-459458" hreflang="en">'The Batman' review: Have time? Can watch</a>

In spite of that dizzying glow of warm recollection that bathes Belfast in a blaze of colours and emotions, it seems to be an&nbsp;unimpeachably scrupulous representation of the past, down to the street where our little 9-year old hero Buddy (newcomer &nbsp;Jude Hill, doing that Shirley Temple acting template, whether by design or willi-nilly, I can’t say) lives with his harried mother(Caitríona Balfe, dazzling in her working-class sexiness) and grandparents(played by &nbsp;Ciarán Hinds and an almost comically revamped Judi Dench).

Absentee father (Jamie Dornan) keeps making weekend appearances to&nbsp;argue with his mother on whether they should all move to England. Or else the family is at the movies singing along in Chitty Chiity Bang Bang or ogling at Raquel Welch in One million Years BC.

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Interestingly the films that the family watches in movie theatres are in colour while&nbsp;the family is throughout the shot in black-and-white, imbuing the ambience with a sepia complexion suggesting a close link between memory and colour(or the lack of it).

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ja3PPOnJQ2k" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

'Belfast' is a beguiling blend of realism and style. It is smokily shot to convey a &nbsp;sense of ongoing seductiveness as Ireland burns with religious strife. The emotional scenes are sniffles in sly motions of cryptic emotions. Every actor catches on to Kenneth Branagh’s charming memory waltz, hopping and skipping as he does from a &nbsp;drama of despair to a comedy of manners like Jane Austen on a Gabriel Garcia Marquez wrote-trip.

The mood of the presentation, though deceptively upbeat, secretes a deep sense of loss and when little &nbsp;Buddy finally leaves his &nbsp;troubled neighbourhood in Ireland with his family, we get a heartbreaking closeup of grandma Judi Dench &nbsp;whispering, ‘Go, go, and don’t look back.’

If only life’s choices were that simple.

Starring Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Ciarán Hinds, Colin Morgan, and Jude Hill. Written & Directed by Kenneth Branagh Rating: *** ½ Growing up in Belfast at the peak of the Catholic-Protestant conflict in 1969 was not all a bed of thorns for writer-director Kenneth Branagh.

Starring Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Ciarán Hinds, Colin Morgan, and Jude Hill. Written & Directed by Kenneth Branagh Rating: *** ½ Growing up in Belfast at the peak of the Catholic-Protestant conflict in 1969 was not all a bed of thorns for writer-director Kenneth Branagh. To be honest, I saw Branagh looking at his childhood in Belfast with rose-tinted glasses. And the more he relies on Haris Zambarloukos’ reflective black-and-white photography to give his nostalgic urges a wide berth, the more euphoric the broken world of warfare and strife appears to be. Not that there is anything wrong with a happy interpretation of an inherently bleak past. We all tend to shut out the ugly dark passages in our memory bank. This doesn’t necessarily make the memory bank any less bankable. 'The Batman' review: Have time? Can watch In spite of that dizzying glow of warm recollection that bathes Belfast in a blaze of colours and emotions, it seems to be an unimpeachably scrupulous representation of the past, down to the street where our little 9-year old hero Buddy (newcomer Jude Hill, doing that Shirley Temple acting template, whether by design or willi-nilly, I can’t say) lives with his harried mother(Caitríona Balfe, dazzling in her working-class sexiness) and grandparents(played by Ciarán Hinds and an almost comically revamped Judi Dench). Absentee father (Jamie Dornan) keeps making weekend appearances to argue with his mother on whether they should all move to England. Or else the family is at the movies singing along in Chitty Chiity Bang Bang or ogling at Raquel Welch in One million Years BC. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Belfast (@belfastmovie) × Interestingly the films that the family watches in movie theatres are in colour while the family is throughout the shot in black-and-white, imbuing the ambience with a sepia complexion suggesting a close link between memory and colour(or the lack of it). 'Belfast' is a beguiling blend of realism and style. It is smokily shot to convey a sense of ongoing seductiveness as Ireland burns with religious strife. The emotional scenes are sniffles in sly motions of cryptic emotions. Every actor catches on to Kenneth Branagh’s charming memory waltz, hopping and skipping as he does from a drama of despair to a comedy of manners like Jane Austen on a Gabriel Garcia Marquez wrote-trip. The mood of the presentation, though deceptively upbeat, secretes a deep sense of loss and when little Buddy finally leaves his troubled neighbourhood in Ireland with his family, we get a heartbreaking closeup of grandma Judi Dench whispering, ‘Go, go, and don’t look back.’ If only life’s choices were that simple.

Belfast review: Kenneth Branagh's movie is a little self-indulgent but heartwarming

It's that time of the year! Hosts Leslie Jordan and Tracee Ellis Ross announced the nominations for Oscars 2022. Jane Campion's 'The Power Of Dog', Kenneth Branagh's 'Belfast', Sci-fi saga 'Dune' lead the nominations this year. Will Smith's 'King Richard' and Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story' too earned nods in top categories.&nbsp; 
 
2021 saw most of the world grappling with the second wave of COVID-19. As the world remained under lockdown for a greater part of the year, and cinema halls remained shut, some of the finest films released on OTT platforms including 'Don't Look Up', 'The Power Of Dog' and 'Being The Ricardos' to name a few.&nbsp; 
 
The Academy Awards will be held on March 27. &nbsp;This year's theme at the awards&nbsp;is 'Movie lovers unite' 
 
Here's the full list of nominations

Best Picture 
Belfast 
CODA 
Don't Look Up 
Drive My Car 
Dune 
King Richard 
Licorice Pizza 
Nightmare Alley 
The Power Of The Dog 
West Side Story&nbsp;

Best Director 
Kenneth Branagh, 'Belfast' 
Ryusuke Hamaguchi, 'Drive My Car' 
Paul Thomas Anderson, 'Licorice Pizza' 
Jane Campion, 'The Power of the Dog' 
Steven Spielberg, 'West Side Story'

Best Actor 
Javier Bardem, 'Being The Ricardos' 
Benedict Cumberbatch, 'The Power Of The Dog' 
Andrew Garfield, 'Tick Tick Boom' 
Will Smith, 'King Richard' 
Denzel Washington, 'The Tragedy Of Macbeth'

Best Actress 
Jessica Chastain, 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' 
Olivia Colman, 'The Lost Daughter' 
Penelope Cruz, 'Parallel Mothers' 
Nicole Kidman, 'Being The Ricardos' 
Kristen Stewart, 'Spencer'

Best Supporting Actor 
Ciaran Hinds, 'Belfast' 
Troy Kotsur, 'CODA' 
Jesse Plemons, 'The Power of the Dog' 
J.K. Simmons, 'Being the Ricardos' 
Kodi Smit-McPhee, 'The Power of the Dog'

Best Supporting Actress 
Jessie Buckley, “The Lost Daughter” 
Ariana DeBose, “West Side Story” 
Jude Dench, “Belfast” 
Kirsten Dunst, “The Power of the Dog” 
Aunjanue Ellis, “King Richard”

Best Cinematography 
'Dune' 
'Nightmare Alley' 
'The Power of the Dog' 
'The Tragedy of Macbeth' 
'West Side Story'

Best International Feature film&nbsp; 
“Drive My Car” 
“Flee” 
“The Hand of God” 
“Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” 
“The Worst Person in the World”

Best Sound 
Belfast&nbsp; 
Dune 
No Time To Die 
The Power Of The Dog 
West Side Story

Best Costume Design 
Cruella 
Cyrano 
Nightmare Alley 
Dune 
West Side Story

Best Adapted Screenplay 
CODA 
Drive My Car 
Dune 
The Lost Daughter 
The Power of The Dog

Best Original Screenplay&nbsp; 
Belfast 
Don't Look Up 
King Richard 
Licorice Pizza 
The Worst Person In The World

Best Animated Short 
Affairs of the Art 
Bestia 
Boxballet 
Robin Robin 
The Windshield Wiper

Best Live Action Short Film&nbsp; 
Ala Kachuu – Take and Run 
The Dress 
The Long Goodbye 
On My Mind 
Please Hold

Best Editing 
Don’t Look Up' 
'Dune' 
'King Richard' 
'The Power of the Dog' 
'tick, tick…Boom!'

Best Make-up and Hairstyling 
Coming to America 
Cruella 
Dune 
'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' 
'House of Gucci'

Best Animated Feature 
Encanto 
Flee 
Luca 
The Mitchells vs. the Machines 
Raya and the Last Dragon

Best Animated Short 
“Affairs of the Art” 
“Bestia” 
“Boxballet” 
“Robin Robin” 
“The Windshield Wiper”

Best Documentary Feature 
“Ascension” 
“Attica” 
“Flee” 
“Summer of Soul” 
“Writing With Fire”

Best Documentary Short 
Audible 
Lead Me Home 
The Queen of Basketball 
Three Songs for Benazir 
When We Were Bullies

Best Live Action Short 
Ala Kachuu – Take and Run 
The Dress 
The Long Goodbye 
On My Mind 
Please Hold

Best Original Score 
Don’t Look Up 
Dune 
Encanto 
Parallel Mothers 
The Power of the Dog

Best Original Song 
'Be Alive,” 'King Richard' 
“Dos Oruguitas,” 'Encanto' 
“Down to Joy,” 'Belfast' 
“No Time to Die,” 'No Time to Die' 
“Somehow You Do,” 'Four Good Days'

Best Documentary Short 
Audible” 
“Lead Me Home” 
“The Queen of Basketball” 
“Three Songs for Benazir” 
“When We Were Bullies”

Best Live Action Short 
“Ala Kachuu – Take and Run” 
“The Dress” 
“The Long Goodbye” 
“On My Mind” 
“Please Hold”

Best Visual Effects 
Spider-Man No Way Home 
Shang Chi 
Dune 
Free Guy 
No Time To Die

Best Production design 
“Dune” 
“Nightmare Alley” 
“The Power of the Dog” 
“The Tragedy of Macbeth” 
“West Side Story” 
&nbsp;

It's that time of the year! Hosts Leslie Jordan and Tracee Ellis Ross announced the nominations for Oscars 2022. Jane Campion's 'The Power Of Dog', Kenneth Branagh's 'Belfast', Sci-fi saga 'Dune' lead the nominations this year.

It's that time of the year! Hosts Leslie Jordan and Tracee Ellis Ross announced the nominations for Oscars 2022. Jane Campion's 'The Power Of Dog', Kenneth Branagh's 'Belfast', Sci-fi saga 'Dune' lead the nominations this year. Will Smith's 'King Richard' and Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story' too earned nods in top categories. 2021 saw most of the world grappling with the second wave of COVID-19. As the world remained under lockdown for a greater part of the year, and cinema halls remained shut, some of the finest films released on OTT platforms including 'Don't Look Up', 'The Power Of Dog' and 'Being The Ricardos' to name a few. The Academy Awards will be held on March 27. This year's theme at the awards is 'Movie lovers unite' Here's the full list of nominations Best Picture Belfast CODA Don't Look Up Drive My Car Dune King Richard Licorice Pizza Nightmare Alley The Power Of The Dog West Side Story Best Director Kenneth Branagh, 'Belfast' Ryusuke Hamaguchi, 'Drive My Car' Paul Thomas Anderson, 'Licorice Pizza' Jane Campion, 'The Power of the Dog' Steven Spielberg, 'West Side Story' Best Actor Javier Bardem, 'Being The Ricardos' Benedict Cumberbatch, 'The Power Of The Dog' Andrew Garfield, 'Tick Tick Boom' Will Smith, 'King Richard' Denzel Washington, 'The Tragedy Of Macbeth' Best Actress Jessica Chastain, 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' Olivia Colman, 'The Lost Daughter' Penelope Cruz, 'Parallel Mothers' Nicole Kidman, 'Being The Ricardos' Kristen Stewart, 'Spencer' Best Supporting Actor Ciaran Hinds, 'Belfast' Troy Kotsur, 'CODA' Jesse Plemons, 'The Power of the Dog' J.K. Simmons, 'Being the Ricardos' Kodi Smit-McPhee, 'The Power of the Dog' Best Supporting Actress Jessie Buckley, “The Lost Daughter” Ariana DeBose, “West Side Story” Jude Dench, “Belfast” Kirsten Dunst, “The Power of the Dog” Aunjanue Ellis, “King Richard” Best Cinematography 'Dune' 'Nightmare Alley' 'The Power of the Dog' 'The Tragedy of Macbeth' 'West Side Story' Best International Feature film “Drive My Car” “Flee” “The Hand of God” “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” “The Worst Person in the World” Best Sound Belfast Dune No Time To Die The Power Of The Dog West Side Story Best Costume Design Cruella Cyrano Nightmare Alley Dune West Side Story Best Adapted Screenplay CODA Drive My Car Dune The Lost Daughter The Power of The Dog Best Original Screenplay Belfast Don't Look Up King Richard Licorice Pizza The Worst Person In The World Best Animated Short Affairs of the Art Bestia Boxballet Robin Robin The Windshield Wiper Best Live Action Short Film Ala Kachuu – Take and Run The Dress The Long Goodbye On My Mind Please Hold Best Editing Don’t Look Up' 'Dune' 'King Richard' 'The Power of the Dog' 'tick, tick…Boom!' Best Make-up and Hairstyling Coming to America Cruella Dune 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' 'House of Gucci' Best Animated Feature Encanto Flee Luca The Mitchells vs. the Machines Raya and the Last Dragon Best Animated Short “Affairs of the Art” “Bestia” “Boxballet” “Robin Robin” “The Windshield Wiper” Best Documentary Feature “Ascension” “Attica” “Flee” “Summer of Soul” “Writing With Fire” Best Documentary Short Audible Lead Me Home The Queen of Basketball Three Songs for Benazir When We Were Bullies Best Live Action Short Ala Kachuu – Take and Run The Dress The Long Goodbye On My Mind Please Hold Best Original Score Don’t Look Up Dune Encanto Parallel Mothers The Power of the Dog Best Original Song 'Be Alive,” 'King Richard' “Dos Oruguitas,” 'Encanto' “Down to Joy,” 'Belfast' “No Time to Die,” 'No Time to Die' “Somehow You Do,” 'Four Good Days' Best Documentary Short Audible” “Lead Me Home” “The Queen of Basketball” “Three Songs for Benazir” “When We Were Bullies” Best Live Action Short “Ala Kachuu – Take and Run” “The Dress” “The Long Goodbye” “On My Mind” “Please Hold” Best Visual Effects Spider-Man No Way Home Shang Chi Dune Free Guy No Time To Die Best Production design “Dune” “Nightmare Alley” “The Power of the Dog” “The Tragedy of Macbeth” “West Side Story”

Oscar nominations 2022: The complete list

Jamie Dornan will next be seen in Gal Gadot starrer ‘Heart of Stone’.&nbsp;

The ‘Belfast’ actor will be seen in the international spy thriller from Netflix and Skydance.&nbsp;

The film will be directed by Tom Harper from a script by Greg Rucka and Allison Schroeder. Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger are producing, along with Mockingbird’s Bonnie Curtis and Julie Lynn and Pilot Wave’s Gadot and Jaron Varsano. Harper, Rucka and Patty Whitcher are exec producing.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/meet-peanut-seller-bhuvan-badyakar-whose-song-kacha-badam-is-making-the-world-dance-449896" hreflang="en">Meet peanut seller Bhuvan Badyakar, whose song 'Kacha Badam' is making the world dance</a>

Plot details are being kept under wraps.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-can-jennifer-lopez-save-the-rom-com-449843" hreflang="en">Can Jennifer Lopez save the rom-com?</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bts-butter-is-number-1-again-tops-billboards-hot-trending-songs-chart-449829" hreflang="en">BTS 'Butter' is number 1 again, tops Billboard's Hot Trending Songs Chart</a>

Jamie Dornan will also be seen in ‘The Tourist’, a new series premiering on HBO Max in March.&nbsp;

Jamie Dornan will next be seen in Gal Gadot starrer ‘Heart of Stone’. The ‘Belfast’ actor will be seen in the international spy thriller from Netflix and Skydance.

Jamie Dornan will next be seen in Gal Gadot starrer ‘Heart of Stone’. The ‘Belfast’ actor will be seen in the international spy thriller from Netflix and Skydance. The film will be directed by Tom Harper from a script by Greg Rucka and Allison Schroeder. Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger are producing, along with Mockingbird’s Bonnie Curtis and Julie Lynn and Pilot Wave’s Gadot and Jaron Varsano. Harper, Rucka and Patty Whitcher are exec producing. Also see: Meet peanut seller Bhuvan Badyakar, whose song 'Kacha Badam' is making the world dance Plot details are being kept under wraps. Can Jennifer Lopez save the rom-com? BTS 'Butter' is number 1 again, tops Billboard's Hot Trending Songs Chart Jamie Dornan will also be seen in ‘The Tourist’, a new series premiering on HBO Max in March.

Jamie Dornan cast opposite Gal Gadot in 'Heart of Stone'

'Belfast,'&nbsp;Kenneth Branagh's black-and-white homage to the hometown he fled as a child, raised its profile as an early Oscar frontrunner by winning the <a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-toronto-film-festival-justine-bateman-talks-about-her-drama-violet-412515">Toronto film festival</a>'s coveted top prize Saturday.

Voted for by audiences, the People's Choice Award at North America's biggest film festival has become an increasingly accurate Oscars bellwether, predicting eventual best picture winners such as last year's 'Nomadland.'

"Our first showing of 'Belfast' at TIFF was one of the most memorable experiences of my entire career," Branagh told the Toronto International Film Festival ceremony via video message.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-toronto-film-festival-jessica-chastain-shares-her-death-sentence-as-an-actress-412507" hreflang="en">Toronto Film Festival: Jessica Chastain shares her 'death sentence' as an actress</a>

"I am thrilled, I am humbled and I'm deeply grateful," added the veteran British actor-director, 60, whose film career has ranged from Shakespeare to superhero film "Thor" across more than four decades.

Branagh's latest, deeply personal dramedy 'Belfast'&nbsp;-- which hits theatres in November -- captures the late-1960s outbreak of Northern Ireland's violent "Troubles" from the perspective of Buddy, a nine-year-old boy.

At that same age, Branagh and his family moved to England to escape escalating violence that for the next three decades would rip apart communities along religious and nationalist fault lines.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/nicki-minaj-to-jennifer-aniston-celebrities-who-got-covid-19-vaccine-and-those-who-said-no-to-it-413731" hreflang="en">Nicki Minaj to Jennifer Aniston: Celebrities who got COVID-19 vaccine, and those who said no to it</a>

The film -- which combines humour with heartbreak -- stars Jamie Dornan, Judi Dench, Caitriona Balfe and Ciaran Hinds.

Branagh has been nominated for five Oscars but never won. Next year's Academy Awards take place on March 27.

The last nine winners of the Toronto People's Choice Awards were all nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, with three of those winning the Oscar, including 2019's surprise victor "Green Book."

'12 Years a Slave'&nbsp;(2013), 'The King's Speech'&nbsp;(2010) and 'Slumdog Millionaire' (2008) all began their journeys to Oscar glory with the Toronto prize.

'Belfast'&nbsp;fended off runners-up including Canadian drama 'Scarborough'&nbsp;and 'The Power of the Dog,'&nbsp;a dark Western starring Benedict Cumberbatch from director Jane Campion.

After taking place mainly online last year, TIFF returned in-person for 2021, albeit with reduced audience capacities, fewer stars on the red carpets and a smaller selection of movies than pre-pandemic editions.

At Saturday's ceremony, TIFF also handed career achievement awards to actors Cumberbatch and Jessica Chastain, as well as Denis Villeneuve.

A handful of other films that played at Toronto and are seen as awards contenders were not eligible for Saturday's prize, including the Princess Diana biopic "Spencer" starring Kristen Stewart, and Villeneuve's sci-fi epic 'Dune.'

The Toronto festival's top documentary prize went to 'The Rescue,'&nbsp;a film recounting the rescue of a Thai boys' soccer team from a flooded cave in 2018, from Oscar-winning 'Free Solo'&nbsp;directors E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin.

'Belfast,' Kenneth Branagh's black-and-white homage to the hometown he fled as a child, raised its profile as an early Oscar frontrunner by winning the Toronto film festival's coveted top prize Saturday.

'Belfast,' Kenneth Branagh's black-and-white homage to the hometown he fled as a child, raised its profile as an early Oscar frontrunner by winning the Toronto film festival's coveted top prize Saturday. Voted for by audiences, the People's Choice Award at North America's biggest film festival has become an increasingly accurate Oscars bellwether, predicting eventual best picture winners such as last year's 'Nomadland.' "Our first showing of 'Belfast' at TIFF was one of the most memorable experiences of my entire career," Branagh told the Toronto International Film Festival ceremony via video message. Toronto Film Festival: Jessica Chastain shares her 'death sentence' as an actress "I am thrilled, I am humbled and I'm deeply grateful," added the veteran British actor-director, 60, whose film career has ranged from Shakespeare to superhero film "Thor" across more than four decades. Branagh's latest, deeply personal dramedy 'Belfast' -- which hits theatres in November -- captures the late-1960s outbreak of Northern Ireland's violent "Troubles" from the perspective of Buddy, a nine-year-old boy. At that same age, Branagh and his family moved to England to escape escalating violence that for the next three decades would rip apart communities along religious and nationalist fault lines. Nicki Minaj to Jennifer Aniston: Celebrities who got COVID-19 vaccine, and those who said no to it The film -- which combines humour with heartbreak -- stars Jamie Dornan, Judi Dench, Caitriona Balfe and Ciaran Hinds. Branagh has been nominated for five Oscars but never won. Next year's Academy Awards take place on March 27. The last nine winners of the Toronto People's Choice Awards were all nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, with three of those winning the Oscar, including 2019's surprise victor "Green Book." '12 Years a Slave' (2013), 'The King's Speech' (2010) and 'Slumdog Millionaire' (2008) all began their journeys to Oscar glory with the Toronto prize. 'Belfast' fended off runners-up including Canadian drama 'Scarborough' and 'The Power of the Dog,' a dark Western starring Benedict Cumberbatch from director Jane Campion. After taking place mainly online last year, TIFF returned in-person for 2021, albeit with reduced audience capacities, fewer stars on the red carpets and a smaller selection of movies than pre-pandemic editions. At Saturday's ceremony, TIFF also handed career achievement awards to actors Cumberbatch and Jessica Chastain, as well as Denis Villeneuve. A handful of other films that played at Toronto and are seen as awards contenders were not eligible for Saturday's prize, including the Princess Diana biopic "Spencer" starring Kristen Stewart, and Villeneuve's sci-fi epic 'Dune.' The Toronto festival's top documentary prize went to 'The Rescue,' a film recounting the rescue of a Thai boys' soccer team from a flooded cave in 2018, from Oscar-winning 'Free Solo' directors E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin.

Toronto Film Festival: Kenneth Branagh's 'Belfast' wins People's Choice Award

British soldiers unjustifiably shot or used disproportionate force in the deaths of nine of the 10 innocent people killed in a 1971 incident in Belfast that sparked an upsurge of violence during Northern Ireland's 'Troubles’, an inquiry has found.&nbsp;

A Catholic priest and a mother of eight, who served soldiers tea, were among the victims in an event Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney described on Tuesday as 'one of the most tragic days' of Northern Ireland's three decades of bloodshed.&nbsp;

Judge Siobhan Keegan delivered her findings to applause from families of the victims shortly after the British government announced it would introduce legislation to give greater protection to former soldiers, who served in Northern Ireland, plans Dublin and many in Belfast fiercely oppose.&nbsp;

"All of the deceased were entirely innocent of any wrongdoing on the day in question," Keegan, the coroner for the case, concluded.&nbsp;

The British government's minister for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis said he would carefully consider the findings, but it was clear that those who died were 'entirely innocent of wrongdoing’.&nbsp;

The victims' grief has been "compounded by the long and difficult process of waiting for answers for so many years," Lewis said in a statement. &nbsp;

The deaths over a three-day period of disorder in the Ballymurphy area of Belfast - a sprawling housing estate of Catholics, who opposed British rule, occurred in the days after the introduction of internment without trial for suspected militants triggered disorder on the streets.&nbsp;

Father Hugh Mullan, the 38-year-old priest who died, was helping an injured man and waving a white object before he was shot twice in the back, the inquiry found.&nbsp;

"Our brother was killed by the British Army and then they lied about it to cover up their injustice," Mullan's brother Patsy told a news conference. "After 50 years, the truth we always knew has finally been told."&nbsp;

There was not enough evidence to say whether the army were responsible for the death of one the victims, John James McKerr, who was indiscriminately shot going to and from work. However, Judge Keegan said it was 'shocking' that the state did not carry out a proper investigation into the killing.&nbsp;

Questions also remain unanswered about the identity of the soldiers, who shot many of the victims, the judge added.&nbsp;

No one has been charged or convicted in connection with any of the killings. The inquest was a fact-finding exercise and not a criminal trial. &nbsp;

"The police have never to this day investigated the deaths of our loved ones," said John Teggart, the son of one of those killed. "No one should be above the law."&nbsp;

Some 3,600 people were killed in the sectarian confrontation between Irish nationalist militants, pro-British 'loyalist' paramilitaries and British military that largely came to an end after a 1998 peace agreement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

British soldiers unjustifiably shot or used disproportionate force in the deaths of nine of the 10 innocent people killed in a 1971 incident in Belfast that sparked an upsurge of violence during Northern Ireland's 'Troubles’, an inquiry has found.

British soldiers unjustifiably shot or used disproportionate force in the deaths of nine of the 10 innocent people killed in a 1971 incident in Belfast that sparked an upsurge of violence during Northern Ireland's 'Troubles’, an inquiry has found. A Catholic priest and a mother of eight, who served soldiers tea, were among the victims in an event Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney described on Tuesday as 'one of the most tragic days' of Northern Ireland's three decades of bloodshed. Judge Siobhan Keegan delivered her findings to applause from families of the victims shortly after the British government announced it would introduce legislation to give greater protection to former soldiers, who served in Northern Ireland, plans Dublin and many in Belfast fiercely oppose. "All of the deceased were entirely innocent of any wrongdoing on the day in question," Keegan, the coroner for the case, concluded. The British government's minister for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis said he would carefully consider the findings, but it was clear that those who died were 'entirely innocent of wrongdoing’. The victims' grief has been "compounded by the long and difficult process of waiting for answers for so many years," Lewis said in a statement. The deaths over a three-day period of disorder in the Ballymurphy area of Belfast - a sprawling housing estate of Catholics, who opposed British rule, occurred in the days after the introduction of internment without trial for suspected militants triggered disorder on the streets. Father Hugh Mullan, the 38-year-old priest who died, was helping an injured man and waving a white object before he was shot twice in the back, the inquiry found. "Our brother was killed by the British Army and then they lied about it to cover up their injustice," Mullan's brother Patsy told a news conference. "After 50 years, the truth we always knew has finally been told." There was not enough evidence to say whether the army were responsible for the death of one the victims, John James McKerr, who was indiscriminately shot going to and from work. However, Judge Keegan said it was 'shocking' that the state did not carry out a proper investigation into the killing. Questions also remain unanswered about the identity of the soldiers, who shot many of the victims, the judge added. No one has been charged or convicted in connection with any of the killings. The inquest was a fact-finding exercise and not a criminal trial. "The police have never to this day investigated the deaths of our loved ones," said John Teggart, the son of one of those killed. "No one should be above the law." Some 3,600 people were killed in the sectarian confrontation between Irish nationalist militants, pro-British 'loyalist' paramilitaries and British military that largely came to an end after a 1998 peace agreement. (With inputs from agencies)

British Army killed innocent civilians in Belfast in 1971, says inquiry 

Britain's prime minister has condemned another night of violence in Northern Ireland, after crowds threw petrol bombs and a bus was set on fire in Belfast.

The violence follows a week of rioting which some have suggested is the first evidence Brexit turbulence may be boiling into unrest in the British province, where post-EU rules are stoking fury among pro-UK sections.

Crowds gathered at Lanark Way in Belfast "where a bus has been set on fire", the Police Service Northern Ireland confirmed, advising people to avoid Springfield and West Circular roads.

"The way to resolve differences is through dialogue, not violence or criminality," PM Boris Johnson tweeted late Wednesday.

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I am deeply concerned by the scenes of violence in Northern Ireland, especially attacks on PSNI who are protecting the public and businesses, attacks on a bus driver and the assault of a journalist. The way to resolve differences is through dialogue, not violence or criminality.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1379895030077394950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He added he was "deeply concerned" by the scenes.

A set of gates on the Lanark Way peace line — walls separating nationalist and unionist groups — were also set alight, according to the BBC's Northern Ireland correspondent.

"Crowds of a few hundred on each side throwing petrol bombs over in both directions," she said in a tweet.

She added a local priest had attempted to stop the violence: "They all greeted him with a friendly 'hi father', then returned to hurling missiles."

The BBC said the arrival of police cars mostly halted the violence.&nbsp;

Translink Metro said bus services in the area had been suspended, Press Association reported.

First Minister Arlene Foster said: "This is not protest. This is vandalism and attempted murder. These actions do not represent unionism or loyalism."

Northern Ireland endured 30 years of sectarian conflict that killed 3,500 people.

Unionist paramilitaries, British security forces and armed nationalists — seeking to unite the territory with the Republic of Ireland — waged battle until a landmark peace deal in 1998.

The accord let unionists and nationalists coexist by blurring the status of the region, dissolving border checks with fellow European Union member Ireland.

Following the shock 2016 Brexit result, a special "protocol" was agreed that shifted checks away from the land border.

Britain's prime minister has condemned another night of violence in Northern Ireland, after crowds threw petrol bombs and a bus was set on fire in Belfast. The violence follows a week of rioting which some have suggested is the first evidence Brexit turbulence may be boiling into unrest in the British province, where post-EU rules are stoking fury among pro-UK sections.

Britain's prime minister has condemned another night of violence in Northern Ireland, after crowds threw petrol bombs and a bus was set on fire in Belfast. The violence follows a week of rioting which some have suggested is the first evidence Brexit turbulence may be boiling into unrest in the British province, where post-EU rules are stoking fury among pro-UK sections. Crowds gathered at Lanark Way in Belfast "where a bus has been set on fire", the Police Service Northern Ireland confirmed, advising people to avoid Springfield and West Circular roads. "The way to resolve differences is through dialogue, not violence or criminality," PM Boris Johnson tweeted late Wednesday. I am deeply concerned by the scenes of violence in Northern Ireland, especially attacks on PSNI who are protecting the public and businesses, attacks on a bus driver and the assault of a journalist. The way to resolve differences is through dialogue, not violence or criminality. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 7, 2021 × He added he was "deeply concerned" by the scenes. A set of gates on the Lanark Way peace line — walls separating nationalist and unionist groups — were also set alight, according to the BBC's Northern Ireland correspondent. "Crowds of a few hundred on each side throwing petrol bombs over in both directions," she said in a tweet. She added a local priest had attempted to stop the violence: "They all greeted him with a friendly 'hi father', then returned to hurling missiles." The BBC said the arrival of police cars mostly halted the violence. Translink Metro said bus services in the area had been suspended, Press Association reported. First Minister Arlene Foster said: "This is not protest. This is vandalism and attempted murder. These actions do not represent unionism or loyalism." Northern Ireland endured 30 years of sectarian conflict that killed 3,500 people. Unionist paramilitaries, British security forces and armed nationalists — seeking to unite the territory with the Republic of Ireland — waged battle until a landmark peace deal in 1998. The accord let unionists and nationalists coexist by blurring the status of the region, dissolving border checks with fellow European Union member Ireland. Following the shock 2016 Brexit result, a special "protocol" was agreed that shifted checks away from the land border.

British PM condemns latest Northern Ireland violence

Veterans were marching Saturday to mark the 50th anniversary of the British army's deployment to Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Veterans Association is holding an anniversary memorial event in the city of Lisburn, southwest of Belfast.

Hundreds of ex-service personnel attended, including those from the Parachute Regiment and the Royal Engineers.

A total of 722 soldiers died during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/northern-ireland-when-british-troops-moved-in-50-years-ago-with-operation-banner-242680">Operation Banner, which ran from 1969 to 2007.</a>

The army's 38-year presence in the province left a bitter legacy in the form of a fierce political debate over whether soldiers should be prosecuted for alleged crimes.

Since soldiers first appeared on Northern Ireland's streets on August 14, 1969, the British army witnessed and was involved in some of the darkest hours of the Troubles, the three decades of unrest in the province.

Troops were initially brought in to help police deal with inter-community rioting in Londonderry and Belfast, in what was intended to be a short intervention.

When it ended, Operation Banner had become the British army's longest continuous deployment.

Saturday's event was due to feature military and religious services.

A heavy police presence was in place and the parade was under high security.

Organisers have tried to put the focus on those who lost their lives during Operation Banner, not just those killed in action, but others who died through accidents or stress-related suicides afterwards.

Northern Ireland's former first minister Arlene Foster and widows of the bereaved were among those in attendance.

Some 10 per cent of the 3,500 victims of "The Troubles" were killed by members of the military and police.

Prosecutions and inquiries over killings are still ongoing, dividing British and Northern Irish society over whether and how justice should be sought.

Veterans were marching Saturday to mark the 50th anniversary of the British army's deployment to Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Veterans Association is holding an anniversary memorial event in the city of Lisburn, southwest of Belfast.

Veterans were marching Saturday to mark the 50th anniversary of the British army's deployment to Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Veterans Association is holding an anniversary memorial event in the city of Lisburn, southwest of Belfast. Hundreds of ex-service personnel attended, including those from the Parachute Regiment and the Royal Engineers. A total of 722 soldiers died during Operation Banner, which ran from 1969 to 2007. The army's 38-year presence in the province left a bitter legacy in the form of a fierce political debate over whether soldiers should be prosecuted for alleged crimes. Since soldiers first appeared on Northern Ireland's streets on August 14, 1969, the British army witnessed and was involved in some of the darkest hours of the Troubles, the three decades of unrest in the province. Troops were initially brought in to help police deal with inter-community rioting in Londonderry and Belfast, in what was intended to be a short intervention. When it ended, Operation Banner had become the British army's longest continuous deployment. Saturday's event was due to feature military and religious services. A heavy police presence was in place and the parade was under high security. Organisers have tried to put the focus on those who lost their lives during Operation Banner, not just those killed in action, but others who died through accidents or stress-related suicides afterwards. Northern Ireland's former first minister Arlene Foster and widows of the bereaved were among those in attendance. Some 10 per cent of the 3,500 victims of "The Troubles" were killed by members of the military and police. Prosecutions and inquiries over killings are still ongoing, dividing British and Northern Irish society over whether and how justice should be sought.

Veterans mark 50th anniversary of British army's Northern Ireland mission

Ireland's foreign minister, Simon Coveney, said new British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnson-reshuffles-cabinet-brexit-loyalists-take-front-seats-238303&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj7mczc2NLjAhUWiXAKHVLAAMMQFjAIegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3rfEjC6AIX2EX6UwLc2YxP">Boris Johnson</a>'s approach to Brexit was "very unhelpful" and would block an agreement after Johnson rejected a key Irish demand his predecessor had agreed to.

Johnson told the British parliament on Thursday he wanted to abolish the backstop, an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland in the event of longer-term trade talks collapsing.

Many Brexit supporters dislike the backstop - which would require Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom as a whole to stay in the European Union's customs union - as it would make it hard for Britain to negotiate free trade deals with other countries.

"The statements of the British prime minister yesterday in the House of Commons were very unhelpful to this process," Coveney told reporters on Friday after meeting Britain's new secretary of state for Northern Ireland in Belfast.

"He seems to have made a deliberate decision to set Britain on a collision course with the European Union and with Ireland in relation to the Brexit negotiations," Coveney added.

The backstop forms a part of a Brexit Withdrawal Agreement which Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, negotiated with Brussels last year. Britain's parliament rejected the agreement three times, ultimately forcing May to resign.

The EU has said the backstop is essential for any transition deal and a precondition for talks on a longer-term trade agreement.

WATCH:

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"The approach that the British prime minister seems to now be taking is not going to be the basis of an agreement, and that's worrying for everybody," Coveney said.

Johnson has pledged to take Britain out of the EU on October&nbsp;31, even if it means leaving without a transition deal.

A no-deal Brexit risk bringing chaos at Britain's borders with Ireland and France if the EU reimposes customs checks.

Ireland's prime minister, Leo Varadkar, said on Thursday it was not yet clear whether Johnson had chosen to leave the EU without a deal, and that he hoped to meet Johnson soon.

Coveney said his meeting with Britain's new Northern Ireland secretary, Julian Smith, had been positive, and that he was optimistic political parties in the province would agree to form a government in the coming weeks.

Northern Ireland has been without a government since January 2017 following a rift between its two major parties.

Ireland's foreign minister, Simon Coveney, said new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's approach to Brexit was "very unhelpful" and would block an agreement after Johnson rejected a key Irish demand his predecessor had agreed to.

Ireland's foreign minister, Simon Coveney, said new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's approach to Brexit was "very unhelpful" and would block an agreement after Johnson rejected a key Irish demand his predecessor had agreed to. Johnson told the British parliament on Thursday he wanted to abolish the backstop, an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland in the event of longer-term trade talks collapsing. Many Brexit supporters dislike the backstop - which would require Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom as a whole to stay in the European Union's customs union - as it would make it hard for Britain to negotiate free trade deals with other countries. "The statements of the British prime minister yesterday in the House of Commons were very unhelpful to this process," Coveney told reporters on Friday after meeting Britain's new secretary of state for Northern Ireland in Belfast. "He seems to have made a deliberate decision to set Britain on a collision course with the European Union and with Ireland in relation to the Brexit negotiations," Coveney added. The backstop forms a part of a Brexit Withdrawal Agreement which Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, negotiated with Brussels last year. Britain's parliament rejected the agreement three times, ultimately forcing May to resign. The EU has said the backstop is essential for any transition deal and a precondition for talks on a longer-term trade agreement. WATCH: × "The approach that the British prime minister seems to now be taking is not going to be the basis of an agreement, and that's worrying for everybody," Coveney said. Johnson has pledged to take Britain out of the EU on October 31, even if it means leaving without a transition deal. A no-deal Brexit risk bringing chaos at Britain's borders with Ireland and France if the EU reimposes customs checks. Ireland's prime minister, Leo Varadkar, said on Thursday it was not yet clear whether Johnson had chosen to leave the EU without a deal, and that he hoped to meet Johnson soon. Coveney said his meeting with Britain's new Northern Ireland secretary, Julian Smith, had been positive, and that he was optimistic political parties in the province would agree to form a government in the coming weeks. Northern Ireland has been without a government since January 2017 following a rift between its two major parties.

Johnson 'very unhelpful' on Brexit, risks no deal: Ireland

Police in Northern Ireland have arrested two teenagers in connection with the murder of journalist Lyra McKee. The men, aged 18 and 19, were detained under anti-terrorism legislation and have been taken to a police station in Belfast for questioning, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said on Saturday.

Police arrest teenagers over killing of journalist in Londonderry

"Game of Thrones" stars gathered Friday for one last premiere in Belfast, one of the show's permanent locations for the last decade. Kit Harington, Sophie Turner and Liam Cunningham were among the actors to step on the red carpet and reminisce about the years they've spent on set of the hit HBO series.

'Game of Thrones' stars say goodbye to Belfast

Opposition to a draft Brexit deal due to be approved by EU leaders will dominate a conference on Saturday of the Democratic Unionist Party, the Northern Irish party whose support is vital to Prime Minister Theresa May's government and Brexit plans.

Britain's former foreign minister Boris Johnson, a staunch critic of the deal, will be attending -- along with Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister of Gibraltar, which is at the heart of a row that could also undermine Sunday's EU summit.

The DUP has propped up Prime Minister Theresa May's government ever since an election in 2017 in which her Conservatives lost their majority and were forced to turn to the right-wingers for help.

But that support is hanging by a thread over the party's opposition to May's draft deal with the European Union, which it believes will lead to a different economic status for the British province compared to the mainland.

All eyes will therefore be on Belfast for the party's annual meeting, where British finance minister Philip Hammond, who backs May's deal, is also expected, highlighting the central role the DUP now plays.

Seeds of divergence

Party leader Arlene Foster will insist that the government "must implement the referendum result of 2016" and "we must leave as one nation," according to extracts released by the party.

Foster will tell May that the draft agreement "fails her own key commitments" but will hold off on withdrawing the party's support for her, according to the extracts.

"As things stand we would be sowing the seeds of inevitable economic divergence from our largest market," she will add, while paying tribute to May's "determined efforts" in more conciliatory comments.

The DUP is in favour of British rule in Northern Ireland, and fears that any weakening of the bonds with the rest of the country could increase the chances of a unified Ireland.

It has fought bitterly to prevent that happening, with its hardline tactics forged in the decades-long Troubles, which came to an end with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

Johnson is also at odds with his Conservative Party boss May, and shares the DUP's dissatisfaction with the Brexit deal, with both promising to vote it down if and when the agreement comes to parliament next month as expected.

The DUP's 10 MPs have been ferocious opponents to the "backstop" clause struck by British and EU negotiators to act as a legal guarantee for keeping the border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland open.

May courts business

May met with Northern Ireland business leaders on Thursday in an effort to put pressure on the DUP to support the deal.

After the meeting, business boss Stephen Kelly from Northern Ireland Manufacturing, a lobby, said he hoped "that not just the DUP but all parties" would support the deal.

The party campaigned in favour of Brexit but is also faced with public concern in Northern Ireland about the prospect of a reimposition of a hard border.

The self-styled "Christian fundamentalist" party has softened its fiery anti-Catholicism and other harsh stances since it was founded by Protestant evangelical minister Ian Paisley in 1971.

But it still holds tight to what critics call its puritanical views, particularly on social issues such as abortion.

£1 billion for deal

The party was thrust into the spotlight after May's disastrous performance in last year's general election, when she was forced to seek their help to form a government.

The agreement came at the price of a promise of £1.0 billion (1.1 billion euros, $1.3 billion) in extra funding for Northern Ireland -- around half of which has been disbursed.

Its influence has prompted warnings that a disrupted balance of power in Belfast could harm the delicate peace struck after decades of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland.

Irish republicans Sinn Fein have blamed the London power deal for the failure to restart a power-sharing executive with the DUP in Northern Ireland.

That arrangement collapsed in January 2017 because of a row over Foster's handling of a botched renewable heating funding scheme.

Opposition to a draft Brexit deal due to be approved by EU leaders will dominate a conference on Saturday of the Democratic Unionist Party, the Northern Irish party whose support is vital to Prime Minister Theresa May's government and Brexit plans.

Opposition to a draft Brexit deal due to be approved by EU leaders will dominate a conference on Saturday of the Democratic Unionist Party, the Northern Irish party whose support is vital to Prime Minister Theresa May's government and Brexit plans. Britain's former foreign minister Boris Johnson, a staunch critic of the deal, will be attending -- along with Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister of Gibraltar, which is at the heart of a row that could also undermine Sunday's EU summit. The DUP has propped up Prime Minister Theresa May's government ever since an election in 2017 in which her Conservatives lost their majority and were forced to turn to the right-wingers for help. But that support is hanging by a thread over the party's opposition to May's draft deal with the European Union, which it believes will lead to a different economic status for the British province compared to the mainland. All eyes will therefore be on Belfast for the party's annual meeting, where British finance minister Philip Hammond, who backs May's deal, is also expected, highlighting the central role the DUP now plays. Seeds of divergence Party leader Arlene Foster will insist that the government "must implement the referendum result of 2016" and "we must leave as one nation," according to extracts released by the party. Foster will tell May that the draft agreement "fails her own key commitments" but will hold off on withdrawing the party's support for her, according to the extracts. "As things stand we would be sowing the seeds of inevitable economic divergence from our largest market," she will add, while paying tribute to May's "determined efforts" in more conciliatory comments. The DUP is in favour of British rule in Northern Ireland, and fears that any weakening of the bonds with the rest of the country could increase the chances of a unified Ireland. It has fought bitterly to prevent that happening, with its hardline tactics forged in the decades-long Troubles, which came to an end with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Johnson is also at odds with his Conservative Party boss May, and shares the DUP's dissatisfaction with the Brexit deal, with both promising to vote it down if and when the agreement comes to parliament next month as expected. The DUP's 10 MPs have been ferocious opponents to the "backstop" clause struck by British and EU negotiators to act as a legal guarantee for keeping the border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland open. May courts business May met with Northern Ireland business leaders on Thursday in an effort to put pressure on the DUP to support the deal. After the meeting, business boss Stephen Kelly from Northern Ireland Manufacturing, a lobby, said he hoped "that not just the DUP but all parties" would support the deal. The party campaigned in favour of Brexit but is also faced with public concern in Northern Ireland about the prospect of a reimposition of a hard border. The self-styled "Christian fundamentalist" party has softened its fiery anti-Catholicism and other harsh stances since it was founded by Protestant evangelical minister Ian Paisley in 1971. But it still holds tight to what critics call its puritanical views, particularly on social issues such as abortion. £1 billion for deal The party was thrust into the spotlight after May's disastrous performance in last year's general election, when she was forced to seek their help to form a government. The agreement came at the price of a promise of £1.0 billion (1.1 billion euros, $1.3 billion) in extra funding for Northern Ireland -- around half of which has been disbursed. Its influence has prompted warnings that a disrupted balance of power in Belfast could harm the delicate peace struck after decades of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. Irish republicans Sinn Fein have blamed the London power deal for the failure to restart a power-sharing executive with the DUP in Northern Ireland. That arrangement collapsed in January 2017 because of a row over Foster's handling of a botched renewable heating funding scheme.

Brexit deal critics gather in Belfast on eve of EU summit

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