On 12 July, which is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland, Orangemen celebrate and commemorate the Battle of the Boyne. It was very concerning that cars and buses were set alight and pipe bombs and petrol bombs were thrown at the police last night. A great deal of good work has been done by many political parties and cross-community organisations and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI. Many of the flashpoints we were talking about ten, 12 or even three years ago no longer exist because of this great cross-community work. Notwithstanding what happened last night, we are moving in a better direction and I hope tolerance will be shown on all sides today and in the coming days and that good work can continue.

There is a significant water shortage again. Some rain has fallen but the reservoirs and lakes need more water to replenish stocks. The hosepipe ban has to be maintained and I appeal to people to be vigilant and ensure we work together to address this issue.