After making significant gains in the Northern Ireland 2023 council elections, Sinn Féin is now the largest party for the first time in both local government as well as Stormont. When all votes were tallied, the party has gained 144 seats, an increase from the 105 council members elected in 2019.

Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O'Neill urged the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to stop opposing power-sharing at Stormont. The Alliance Party, a centre-right party, is in third place behind the DUP which has 122 seats.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-streamlines-marriage-registration-process-for-migrant-workers-amid-looming-population-crisis-594576">China streamlines marriage registration process for migrant workers amid looming population crisis</a>

The DUP's objection of the post-Brexit trading regulations has prevented the parliament and governing executive of Stormont from operating. The largest party at Stormont following the assembly elections last year was Sinn Féin, but now it also thrives at the local government level. The outcome of the council election was dubbed "historic" by O'Neill.

She said that the goal of Sinn Féin's campaign, which has seen it gain ground in places like Coleraine, Ballymena, and Lisburn, was to provide "positive leadership, it was about a restoration of the executive, it was about making politics work".

Watch | Ukraine's Zelensky at centre of last day of G7 summit

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Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the head of the DUP, stated that his party wants to increase its support in order to have a mandate to ask for modifications to the post-Brexit laws so it could return to Stormont. "That's about ensuring that Northern Ireland's ability to trade with the rest of the United Kingdom is not only respected but protected in law, and that our place in the union is restored," he said.

<h2>Preference votes, seats&nbsp;</h2>

The Alliance Party now has 67 councillors, up from 52. The party finished third in the 2022 assembly election as well. The first-ever council seats in Ballyclare, Fermanagh, and Limavady are included in this.

First preference votes rose for Sinn Féin, the Alliance, and Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) from the 2019 council election. A 7.7% rise gave Sinn Féin a 30.9 per cent&nbsp;of the vote. The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) both had declines in first preference vote share. The DUP's share of the vote went down to 23.3 per cent from 23.8 per cent.

<h2>Northern Ireland main parties</h2>

The main parties in Northern Ireland are Sinn Féin (SF) and the Social Democratic and Labour party (SDLP), which represent Irish nationalists, and the Democratic Unionist party (DUP) and Ulster Unionist party (UUP), who represent the unionist community. Alliance is a cross-community, centrist party. Independents run for certain seats with Green party candidates. The three major British parties—Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat—have a longstanding practice of not fielding candidates. 
 
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After making significant gains in the Northern Ireland 2023 council elections, Sinn Féin is now the largest party for the first time in both local government as well as Stormont.

After making significant gains in the Northern Ireland 2023 council elections, Sinn Féin is now the largest party for the first time in both local government as well as Stormont. When all votes were tallied, the party has gained 144 seats, an increase from the 105 council members elected in 2019. Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O'Neill urged the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to stop opposing power-sharing at Stormont. The Alliance Party, a centre-right party, is in third place behind the DUP which has 122 seats. Also Read | China streamlines marriage registration process for migrant workers amid looming population crisis The DUP's objection of the post-Brexit trading regulations has prevented the parliament and governing executive of Stormont from operating. The largest party at Stormont following the assembly elections last year was Sinn Féin, but now it also thrives at the local government level. The outcome of the council election was dubbed "historic" by O'Neill. She said that the goal of Sinn Féin's campaign, which has seen it gain ground in places like Coleraine, Ballymena, and Lisburn, was to provide "positive leadership, it was about a restoration of the executive, it was about making politics work". Watch | Ukraine's Zelensky at centre of last day of G7 summit × Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the head of the DUP, stated that his party wants to increase its support in order to have a mandate to ask for modifications to the post-Brexit laws so it could return to Stormont. "That's about ensuring that Northern Ireland's ability to trade with the rest of the United Kingdom is not only respected but protected in law, and that our place in the union is restored," he said. Preference votes, seats The Alliance Party now has 67 councillors, up from 52. The party finished third in the 2022 assembly election as well. The first-ever council seats in Ballyclare, Fermanagh, and Limavady are included in this. First preference votes rose for Sinn Féin, the Alliance, and Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) from the 2019 council election. A 7.7% rise gave Sinn Féin a 30.9 per cent of the vote. The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) both had declines in first preference vote share. The DUP's share of the vote went down to 23.3 per cent from 23.8 per cent. Northern Ireland main parties The main parties in Northern Ireland are Sinn Féin (SF) and the Social Democratic and Labour party (SDLP), which represent Irish nationalists, and the Democratic Unionist party (DUP) and Ulster Unionist party (UUP), who represent the unionist community. Alliance is a cross-community, centrist party. Independents run for certain seats with Green party candidates. The three major British parties—Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat—have a longstanding practice of not fielding candidates. 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. ×

Northern Ireland council elections 2023: Sinn Fein becomes largest party in local government

Following a deadlock between the UK and local politicians over post-Brexit trade regulations, the British government announced on Friday that elections in Northern Ireland would be called within 12 weeks, for the second time since May.&nbsp;

Prior to a deadline on Friday to resume a power-sharing devolved government, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris announced that negotiations with the UK province's contentious political groups had not resulted in a breakthrough.

"As of earlier today, an executive can no longer form and I am duty-bound by law to call new elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly... as soon as practicably possible and within 12 weeks," he said in a statement.

Heaton-Harris told reporters that he would have more to say next week after meeting with local election officials "to discuss operational considerations to inform my decision about the election date."&nbsp;

The UK minister maintained that he had no other choice despite the fact that political parties in Belfast opposed having a second election in less than a year.&nbsp;

Since the pro-UK Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) broke power-sharing in February over its vehement opposition to the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol dictating post-Brexit trade regulations, the province has been without a devolved administration for nine months.

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It wants the agreement, which effectively puts Northern Ireland in the customs union and single market of the European Union, to be completely revised.&nbsp;

Jeffrey Donaldson, the head of the DUP, justified the position taken by his party, saying the protocol "harms our economy, harms our people and prevents us getting access to medicines and other vital supplies."

(with inputs from agencies) 
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Following a deadlock between the UK and local politicians over post-Brexit trade regulations, the British government announced on Friday that elections in Northern Ireland would be called within 12 weeks, for the second time since May.

Following a deadlock between the UK and local politicians over post-Brexit trade regulations, the British government announced on Friday that elections in Northern Ireland would be called within 12 weeks, for the second time since May. Prior to a deadline on Friday to resume a power-sharing devolved government, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris announced that negotiations with the UK province's contentious political groups had not resulted in a breakthrough. "As of earlier today, an executive can no longer form and I am duty-bound by law to call new elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly... as soon as practicably possible and within 12 weeks," he said in a statement. Heaton-Harris told reporters that he would have more to say next week after meeting with local election officials "to discuss operational considerations to inform my decision about the election date." The UK minister maintained that he had no other choice despite the fact that political parties in Belfast opposed having a second election in less than a year. Since the pro-UK Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) broke power-sharing in February over its vehement opposition to the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol dictating post-Brexit trade regulations, the province has been without a devolved administration for nine months. Also Read: Wall Street's upswing lifts global and European markets while oil prices decline It wants the agreement, which effectively puts Northern Ireland in the customs union and single market of the European Union, to be completely revised. Jeffrey Donaldson, the head of the DUP, justified the position taken by his party, saying the protocol "harms our economy, harms our people and prevents us getting access to medicines and other vital supplies." (with inputs from agencies)

UK govt will call elections in Northern Ireland 'within 12 weeks'

It would be "very serious" if it enacted a new law to unilaterally change part of a Brexit deal to try to ease trade with Northern Ireland, according to Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin.

Urging the British government to resume talks about the protocol, Martin said that there were issues around the trade rules that should be addressed by “substantive negotiations” between the UK and the European Union.

During an interview with BBC, Martin said "There is no substitute for a substantive series of negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom government in respect of solving issues in relation to the protocol."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-northern-ireland-protocol-divides-britain-and-the-european-union-487135">Also read |&nbsp;How the Northern Ireland protocol divides Britain and the European Union</a>

Requesting the biggest unionist party (Sinn Fein) to rejoin the executive in Belfast, Martin earlier dismissed accusations that the EU was being inflexible.

After Britain accused the bloc of heavy-handed approach to the movement of goods between England and Northern Ireland, tensions have simmered for months.

But Britain's plan to scrap checks needed to keep an open border with EU-member Ireland have triggered tensions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/necessity-to-act-uk-pm-johnson-urges-end-to-northern-ireland-deadlock-479283">Also read |&nbsp;'Necessity to act': UK PM Johnson urges end to Northern Ireland deadlock</a>

Following anger on both sides of the Atlantic, Martin is visiting Belfast after Washington warned London its brinkmanship with Europe threatens peace.

Unionists in Northern Ireland have accused Britain of driving a wedge between the province and the rest of the UK and have refused to join a new power-sharing government in Belfast until the issue is resolved, forcing its suspension.

Slamming England's decision about the North Ireland law, Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the US House of Representatives, said "If the United Kingdom chooses to undermine the Good Friday Accords, the Congress cannot and will not support a bilateral free trade agreement with the UK."

(With inputs from agencies)

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It would be "very serious" if it enacted a new law to unilaterally change part of a Brexit deal to try to ease trade with Northern Ireland, according to Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin.

It would be "very serious" if it enacted a new law to unilaterally change part of a Brexit deal to try to ease trade with Northern Ireland, according to Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin. Urging the British government to resume talks about the protocol, Martin said that there were issues around the trade rules that should be addressed by “substantive negotiations” between the UK and the European Union. During an interview with BBC, Martin said "There is no substitute for a substantive series of negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom government in respect of solving issues in relation to the protocol." Also read | How the Northern Ireland protocol divides Britain and the European Union Requesting the biggest unionist party (Sinn Fein) to rejoin the executive in Belfast, Martin earlier dismissed accusations that the EU was being inflexible. After Britain accused the bloc of heavy-handed approach to the movement of goods between England and Northern Ireland, tensions have simmered for months. But Britain's plan to scrap checks needed to keep an open border with EU-member Ireland have triggered tensions. Also read | 'Necessity to act': UK PM Johnson urges end to Northern Ireland deadlock Following anger on both sides of the Atlantic, Martin is visiting Belfast after Washington warned London its brinkmanship with Europe threatens peace. Unionists in Northern Ireland have accused Britain of driving a wedge between the province and the rest of the UK and have refused to join a new power-sharing government in Belfast until the issue is resolved, forcing its suspension. Slamming England's decision about the North Ireland law, Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the US House of Representatives, said "If the United Kingdom chooses to undermine the Good Friday Accords, the Congress cannot and will not support a bilateral free trade agreement with the UK." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

'We're in a very serious situation': Irish PM Martin warns UK over its North Ireland law

All the main unionist parties have demanded the resignation of Northern Ireland’s police chief over the controversy, claiming he has lost the confidence of their community.

U.K.’s Johnson ‘Deeply Concerned’ by Northern Ireland Violence

Pro-UK paramilitaries say they are abandoning support for Northern Ireland's 1998 peace deal because of a post-Brexit trading pact that has provoked crisis between London and Brussels.

In a letter Wednesday to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Loyalist Communities Council said it was "hereby withdrawing support for the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and its institutions until our rights under the agreement are restored".&nbsp;

The LCC represents three militant groups that were responsible for many deaths during 30 years of conflict between pro-UK unionists and pro-Irish republicans, before the peace was sealed in 1998.

The council emphasised that unionist opposition to the Brexit deal's Northern Ireland Protocol should remain "peaceful and democratic".&nbsp;

But its announcement offers more evidence that Northern Ireland's delicate balance of peace is being destabilised as a result of Brexit, with unionists furious over new border checks that they say are separating them by stealth from the rest of the UK.

The checks on goods at two ports in Northern Ireland were briefly suspended last month after graffiti appeared threatening staff, and senior police have said there is a "febrile" atmosphere in the province.

The protocol was agreed by London and Brussels to prevent a hard border emerging between Northern Ireland and EU member the Republic of Ireland, a flashpoint in the decades-long sectarian conflict.

- Blame game -

The LCC said it would withhold support for the Good Friday Agreement until the protocol is amended to ensure "unfettered access for goods, services, and citizens throughout the United Kingdom".

"If you or the EU is not prepared to honour the entirety of the agreement then you will be responsible for the permanent destruction of the agreement," it told Johnson.

Tensions surrounding the trading arrangements deepened on Wednesday when Britain unilaterally announced it would extend a post-Brexit grace period, deferring checks on agri-foods entering Northern Ireland from Britain.

The EU said the UK action amounts to a breach of international law, and Irish broadcaster RTE reported the bloc is considering legal action.&nbsp;

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney told RTE that the British move was "deeply unhelpful".&nbsp;

"If the UK simply cannot be trusted because they take unilateral action in an unexpected way without negotiation, well then the British government leaves the EU with no option," Coveney said.

Some supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland went bare in the first weeks of this year, after a post-Brexit transition period ended and Britain definitively left the EU single market on January 1.

The changes have caused widespread confusion among businesses, with some UK suppliers refusing to ship goods across the Irish Sea.

Pro-UK paramilitaries say they are abandoning support for Northern Ireland's 1998 peace deal because of a post-Brexit trading pact that has provoked crisis between London and Brussels.

Pro-UK paramilitaries say they are abandoning support for Northern Ireland's 1998 peace deal because of a post-Brexit trading pact that has provoked crisis between London and Brussels. In a letter Wednesday to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Loyalist Communities Council said it was "hereby withdrawing support for the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and its institutions until our rights under the agreement are restored". The LCC represents three militant groups that were responsible for many deaths during 30 years of conflict between pro-UK unionists and pro-Irish republicans, before the peace was sealed in 1998. The council emphasised that unionist opposition to the Brexit deal's Northern Ireland Protocol should remain "peaceful and democratic". But its announcement offers more evidence that Northern Ireland's delicate balance of peace is being destabilised as a result of Brexit, with unionists furious over new border checks that they say are separating them by stealth from the rest of the UK. The checks on goods at two ports in Northern Ireland were briefly suspended last month after graffiti appeared threatening staff, and senior police have said there is a "febrile" atmosphere in the province. The protocol was agreed by London and Brussels to prevent a hard border emerging between Northern Ireland and EU member the Republic of Ireland, a flashpoint in the decades-long sectarian conflict. - Blame game - The LCC said it would withhold support for the Good Friday Agreement until the protocol is amended to ensure "unfettered access for goods, services, and citizens throughout the United Kingdom". "If you or the EU is not prepared to honour the entirety of the agreement then you will be responsible for the permanent destruction of the agreement," it told Johnson. Tensions surrounding the trading arrangements deepened on Wednesday when Britain unilaterally announced it would extend a post-Brexit grace period, deferring checks on agri-foods entering Northern Ireland from Britain. The EU said the UK action amounts to a breach of international law, and Irish broadcaster RTE reported the bloc is considering legal action. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney told RTE that the British move was "deeply unhelpful". "If the UK simply cannot be trusted because they take unilateral action in an unexpected way without negotiation, well then the British government leaves the EU with no option," Coveney said. Some supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland went bare in the first weeks of this year, after a post-Brexit transition period ended and Britain definitively left the EU single market on January 1. The changes have caused widespread confusion among businesses, with some UK suppliers refusing to ship goods across the Irish Sea.

Pro-UK militants in N Ireland renounce peace deal after Brexit

Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Forster on Saturday urged Britain to remove a post-Brexit protocol with the European Union after it became the focus of a diplomatic row over Covid vaccines.

Brussels was forced to row back on threats it made late Friday to invoke Article 16 of the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol and stop the free-flow of vaccines over the Irish border.

"The protocol is unworkable, let’s be very clear about that, and we need to see it replaced because otherwise there is going to be real difficulties here in Northern Ireland," Foster told BBC radio.

The leader of the loyalist Democratic Unionist Party has long been critical of the protocol which allows Northern Ireland to follow EU customs rules and avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.

"It’s absolutely disgraceful, and I have to say the Prime Minister (Boris Johnson) now needs to act very quickly to deal with the real trade flows that are being disrupted between Great Britain and Northern Ireland," she added.

A furious row over shortages of a Covid-19 vaccine developed by the British-Swedish drugs group AstraZeneca threatened to boil over on Friday just weeks after London and Brussels sealed a Brexit trade agreement.

However, the bloc backed down from invoking the article to monitor and in some cases block exports of vaccines produced in EU plants.

"The Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected," the EU Commissioner said in a statement.

Johnson had told EU chief Ursula von der Leyen of his "grave concerns about the potential impact" the European bloc's decision might have.

Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, told The Times newspaper Brussels needed to step back from the escalating row over vaccines.&nbsp;

“We are&nbsp;facing an extraordinarily serious crisis, which is creating a lot of suffering, which is causing a lot of deaths in the UK, in France, in Germany, everywhere," he said.

"I believe that we must face this crisis with responsibility, certainly not with the spirit of one upmanship or unhealthy competition," Barnier added.

The EU has still has plans to go ahead with a broader vaccine export ban which could impact on supplies of the Pfizer-Biontech jab in Britian. &nbsp;

Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Forster on Saturday urged Britain to remove a post-Brexit protocol with the European Union after it became the focus of a diplomatic row over Covid vaccines.

Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Forster on Saturday urged Britain to remove a post-Brexit protocol with the European Union after it became the focus of a diplomatic row over Covid vaccines. Brussels was forced to row back on threats it made late Friday to invoke Article 16 of the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol and stop the free-flow of vaccines over the Irish border. "The protocol is unworkable, let’s be very clear about that, and we need to see it replaced because otherwise there is going to be real difficulties here in Northern Ireland," Foster told BBC radio. The leader of the loyalist Democratic Unionist Party has long been critical of the protocol which allows Northern Ireland to follow EU customs rules and avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland. "It’s absolutely disgraceful, and I have to say the Prime Minister (Boris Johnson) now needs to act very quickly to deal with the real trade flows that are being disrupted between Great Britain and Northern Ireland," she added. A furious row over shortages of a Covid-19 vaccine developed by the British-Swedish drugs group AstraZeneca threatened to boil over on Friday just weeks after London and Brussels sealed a Brexit trade agreement. However, the bloc backed down from invoking the article to monitor and in some cases block exports of vaccines produced in EU plants. "The Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected," the EU Commissioner said in a statement. Johnson had told EU chief Ursula von der Leyen of his "grave concerns about the potential impact" the European bloc's decision might have. Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, told The Times newspaper Brussels needed to step back from the escalating row over vaccines. “We are facing an extraordinarily serious crisis, which is creating a lot of suffering, which is causing a lot of deaths in the UK, in France, in Germany, everywhere," he said. "I believe that we must face this crisis with responsibility, certainly not with the spirit of one upmanship or unhealthy competition," Barnier added. The EU has still has plans to go ahead with a broader vaccine export ban which could impact on supplies of the Pfizer-Biontech jab in Britian.

N Ireland chief minister calls for removal of Brexit protocol

Same-sex marriage and abortion laws in Northern Ireland <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/northern-irish-lawmakers-sit-to-oppose-abortion-reform-257142">were liberalised on Monday</a> in a landmark shift for the province aimed at bringing it into line with mainland Britain but which has stoked resentment.

The relaxation of the UK-ruled territory's restrictive laws on the issues occurred at midnight 2300 GMT, after a deadline elapsed for local lawmakers to stop the changes imposed by MPs in Westminster.&nbsp;

British lawmakers in July approved decriminalising abortion and creating lawful access to abortion services, as well as rolling out new regulations to allow same-sex marriage and civil partnerships.

They gave Northern&nbsp;Ireland's assembly -- suspended since January 2017, until October 21 to institute alterations to the reforms, which will see the province broadly match the rest of Britain.

Abortion and same-sex marriage are legal in England, Wales and Scotland.

The assembly was briefly restored on Monday, but without support from opposition parties, they were unable to constitute an executive and pass any changes.

"At midnight&nbsp;history will be made," Grainne Teggart,&nbsp;Amnesty&nbsp;International's Northern Ireland campaign manager, said on Monday hours before the deadline.

"This is a hugely significant moment and&nbsp;the beginning of a new era for Northern Ireland, one in which we're free from oppressive laws that have policed our bodies and healthcare."

Northern Ireland Secretary of State Julian Smith told parliament the law forbidding abortions would be repealed at midnight and there will be a moratorium on criminal prosecutions.

"A new legal framework for lawful access to abortion services in Northern Ireland will be put in place by 31st March 2020," he said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, regulations for same-sex partnership will be outlined by January 13.

"This means at the latest, the first civil same-sex marriages will take place on the week of Valentine's Day 2020," Smith added.

'Stunt' politics

The Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) who returned to the chamber of devolved government at Stormont were predominantly from the anti-abortion Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

Without participation from the main opposition party Sinn Fein, they could not form an executive under the region's power-sharing laws.

"It is a very sad day," DUP leader Arlene Foster told reporters after leaving the chamber.

"I know some people will seek to celebrate today and I would say to those people: 'Think of those of us who are sad today and who believe that this is an affront to human dignity and to human life.'"

Pressure has been growing in traditionally conservative Northern Ireland for its abortion law to be relaxed, in particular following the landslide 2018 referendum to repeal the abortion ban in the Republic of Ireland.

Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle O'Neill called the DUP-led reconvening of the assembly a "stunt".

She said it "achieved nothing other than to bring the political institutions into further disrepute and further undermine public confidence".

"It is not lost on the public that the first time the DUP recalled the assembly was yet another attempt to deny a section of our community rights," she added, welcoming the reforms.

Celebratory scenes

Outside Stormont protestors gathered Monday, some backing the MLAs in their bid to avert the change, others condemning it.

Around 150 anti-abortion protesters spent the morning and afternoon singing and praying with placards reading "Not in my name".

"It was the Westminster government who forced in legislation," said Bernadette Smyth, director of pro-life Precious Life Northern Ireland.

"This is undemocratic and it's wrong. So it's important that we're here today to be a voice for the vulnerable, unborn children in our society."

A boisterous crowd of some 150 pro-choice campaigners were also present, unfurling banners and chanting "What do we want? The right to chose. When do we want it? Now."

Danielle Roberts, an activist with Alliance for Choice, said "human rights have always been the responsibility of Westminster." &nbsp;&nbsp;

"There have been repeated calls for Westminster to act and finally they've actually done their duty," she told AFP.

Among the crowd, some were also keen to voice their support for the new same-sex marriage provisions.

Chef Jane Peaker, 24, attended holding the hand of her partner Meg. The pair got engaged over the summer.

"I think that we're happy that it's happened, but maybe not so happy that it hasn't come from our government," she said.&nbsp;

"But I think it's a victory nonetheless."

Peaker said the pair would like to marry on February 14, Valentine's Day and likely the earliest possible date.

Same-sex marriage and abortion laws in Northern Ireland were liberalised on Monday in a landmark shift for the province aimed at bringing it into line with mainland Britain but which has stoked resentment.

Same-sex marriage and abortion laws in Northern Ireland were liberalised on Monday in a landmark shift for the province aimed at bringing it into line with mainland Britain but which has stoked resentment. The relaxation of the UK-ruled territory's restrictive laws on the issues occurred at midnight 2300 GMT, after a deadline elapsed for local lawmakers to stop the changes imposed by MPs in Westminster. British lawmakers in July approved decriminalising abortion and creating lawful access to abortion services, as well as rolling out new regulations to allow same-sex marriage and civil partnerships. They gave Northern Ireland's assembly -- suspended since January 2017, until October 21 to institute alterations to the reforms, which will see the province broadly match the rest of Britain. Abortion and same-sex marriage are legal in England, Wales and Scotland. The assembly was briefly restored on Monday, but without support from opposition parties, they were unable to constitute an executive and pass any changes. "At midnight history will be made," Grainne Teggart, Amnesty International's Northern Ireland campaign manager, said on Monday hours before the deadline. "This is a hugely significant moment and the beginning of a new era for Northern Ireland, one in which we're free from oppressive laws that have policed our bodies and healthcare." Northern Ireland Secretary of State Julian Smith told parliament the law forbidding abortions would be repealed at midnight and there will be a moratorium on criminal prosecutions. "A new legal framework for lawful access to abortion services in Northern Ireland will be put in place by 31st March 2020," he said. Meanwhile, regulations for same-sex partnership will be outlined by January 13. "This means at the latest, the first civil same-sex marriages will take place on the week of Valentine's Day 2020," Smith added. 'Stunt' politics The Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) who returned to the chamber of devolved government at Stormont were predominantly from the anti-abortion Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). Without participation from the main opposition party Sinn Fein, they could not form an executive under the region's power-sharing laws. "It is a very sad day," DUP leader Arlene Foster told reporters after leaving the chamber. "I know some people will seek to celebrate today and I would say to those people: 'Think of those of us who are sad today and who believe that this is an affront to human dignity and to human life.'" Pressure has been growing in traditionally conservative Northern Ireland for its abortion law to be relaxed, in particular following the landslide 2018 referendum to repeal the abortion ban in the Republic of Ireland. Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle O'Neill called the DUP-led reconvening of the assembly a "stunt". She said it "achieved nothing other than to bring the political institutions into further disrepute and further undermine public confidence". "It is not lost on the public that the first time the DUP recalled the assembly was yet another attempt to deny a section of our community rights," she added, welcoming the reforms. Celebratory scenes Outside Stormont protestors gathered Monday, some backing the MLAs in their bid to avert the change, others condemning it. Around 150 anti-abortion protesters spent the morning and afternoon singing and praying with placards reading "Not in my name". "It was the Westminster government who forced in legislation," said Bernadette Smyth, director of pro-life Precious Life Northern Ireland. "This is undemocratic and it's wrong. So it's important that we're here today to be a voice for the vulnerable, unborn children in our society." A boisterous crowd of some 150 pro-choice campaigners were also present, unfurling banners and chanting "What do we want? The right to chose. When do we want it? Now." Danielle Roberts, an activist with Alliance for Choice, said "human rights have always been the responsibility of Westminster." "There have been repeated calls for Westminster to act and finally they've actually done their duty," she told AFP. Among the crowd, some were also keen to voice their support for the new same-sex marriage provisions. Chef Jane Peaker, 24, attended holding the hand of her partner Meg. The pair got engaged over the summer. "I think that we're happy that it's happened, but maybe not so happy that it hasn't come from our government," she said. "But I think it's a victory nonetheless." Peaker said the pair would like to marry on February 14, Valentine's Day and likely the earliest possible date.

Gay marriage, abortion laws liberalised in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland&#39;s players will not wear the black armbands with poppies to pay tribute on Armstice Day in their World Cup qualifier, the Irish Football Association said, news agency AFP reported.

England and Scotland&#39;s football&#39;s associations decided to wear the poppy despite a sanction threat from the world governing body FIFA. Britain remembers its war dead on November 11, which happens to be the day England play Scotland in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

FIFA bans political, religious and commercial symbols on team uniforms while playing a match.&nbsp;

Northern Ireland&#39;s players will wear plain black armbands for their Armistice Day game in Belfast.

&quot;We asked FIFA if permission could be granted for the Northern Ireland team to wear a poppy on the shirt or on an armband,&quot; IFA chief executive Patrick Nelson said in a statement on Tuesday, AFP reported.

&quot;FIFA advised that they could give no guarantee that there would not be disciplinary proceedings if the Northern Ireland team was to wear a symbol of remembrance on the playing shirt.&quot;

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane said that wearing the poppies would make him &quot;happy&quot;.

&quot;As long as we&#39;re wearing the poppy, we&#39;re happy,&quot; Kane told a press conference at the St George&#39;s Park football centre in Burton-on-Trent, central England. &quot;We all wanted to wear it. Being on the top or the sleeve, it doesn&#39;t matter too much. As long as we&#39;re wearing it, it&#39;s a big positive.&quot;

British Prime Minister Theresa May has described FIFA&#39;s stance on the matter as &quot;utterly outrageous&quot;.

(With inputs from AFP)

Northern Ireland's players will wear plain black armbands for their Armistice Day game in Belfast

Northern Ireland's players will not wear the black armbands with poppies to pay tribute on Armstice Day in their World Cup qualifier, the Irish Football Association said, news agency AFP reported. England and Scotland's football's associations decided to wear the poppy despite a sanction threat from the world governing body FIFA. Britain remembers its war dead on November 11, which happens to be the day England play Scotland in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley. FIFA bans political, religious and commercial symbols on team uniforms while playing a match. Northern Ireland's players will wear plain black armbands for their Armistice Day game in Belfast. "We asked FIFA if permission could be granted for the Northern Ireland team to wear a poppy on the shirt or on an armband," IFA chief executive Patrick Nelson said in a statement on Tuesday, AFP reported. "FIFA advised that they could give no guarantee that there would not be disciplinary proceedings if the Northern Ireland team was to wear a symbol of remembrance on the playing shirt." Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane said that wearing the poppies would make him "happy". "As long as we're wearing the poppy, we're happy," Kane told a press conference at the St George's Park football centre in Burton-on-Trent, central England. "We all wanted to wear it. Being on the top or the sleeve, it doesn't matter too much. As long as we're wearing it, it's a big positive." British Prime Minister Theresa May has described FIFA's stance on the matter as "utterly outrageous". (With inputs from AFP)

Football: North Ireland decide against wearing poppies

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