NI ban on British soil + NIO defends meeting with loyalist umbrella group over Brexit

	Jan 25, 2021

	Good morning In the news today: * Sam Mcbride reports that the Irish Sea border has led to a ban on even tiny quantities of British soil being brought into Northern Ireland and is perversely incentivising the destruction of the environment. * A £30 million, three-year contract to design and manufacture a prototype for the UK’s first fleet of uncrewed fighter aircraft is to support more than 100 jobs in Belfast. * The Northern Ireland Office has defended meeting with an umbrella group representing loyalist paramilitary groups - reportedly over their mounting concerns regarding the impact of Brexit. * Another 14 people die with Coronavirus as 74 fight for life in ICU. And * Exclusive extracts from News Letter journalist Jonny McCambridge’s new book ‘Afraid of the Dark’, chronicling his long struggle with depression and his journey to recovery as he raises his young son. * If you want to enjoy accurate, fact-checked journalism that you can trust, why not sign up for a digital subscription? You can have unlimited access to the work of our top journalists, thought-provoking columnists and exclusive content from as little as £1 a month? Check out your subscription options here. Stay safe Michael Cousins Deputy digital editor


	Gardeners snagged by farcical new Irish Sea border rule as British soil is banned from Northern Ireland because of Brexit – and harmful peat is promoted

	The Irish Sea border has led to a ban on even tiny quantities of British soil being brought into Northern Ireland and is perversely incentivising the destruction of the environment, the owner of a major garden centre has warned.

Wattlebridge security operation ends - ‘no community should live under threat of such violence’ - device found in bus shelter declared a ‘hoax’

The local community in Wattlebridge, Co Fermanagh have been thanked again for their ‘patience and support’ as the PSNI confirm the security operation in the area has ended,

NI motorists asked to reduce speed with ‘hazardous freezing temperatures’ - or avoid unnecessary travel

Motorists are this morning warned that driving conditions this morning are ‘hazardous on many roads due to freezing temperatures’.

Mother and baby homes survivor: It’s time to lift the veil of secrecy

A survivor of a home for unmarried mothers and babies in Northern Ireland has called for the doors of secrecy around the institutions to be flung open.

Chapter Chat: Royal Black launches its plans to mark centenary of NI

The Royal Black Institution has launched its plans to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland.

Philip Smith: New research shows that for ‘neithers’, the problem with the Union is unionists

Much has been written about the critical 20% of the Northern Ireland electorate that comprise the swing voters, the persuadables, in any future border poll. Research by new pro-Union campaign Uniting UK provides some good news for the Union but bad news for political unionism.

Jonny McCambridge exclusive book extract: I told my son ‘Daddy’s afraid of the dark as well, you know’

News Letter journalist Jonny McCambridge’s new book ‘Afraid of the Dark’, chronicles his long struggle with depression and his journey to recovery as he raises his young son.

How to drive in snow and ice: best way to handle a car safely on snowy and icy roads - and which gear to use to stay in control

The winter weather shows no signs of letting up, with more freezing conditions and snow hitting huge parts of the country and more expected.

How to quickly deice a car windscreen: The quickest and easiest ways to defrost and demist your car

Iced-over windscreens are the bane of many drivers' lives during winter, delaying departures and forcing them to stand in the cold scraping frost from the glass.

Still positives to take insists Dungannon Swifts boss Kris Lindsay

Dungannon Swifts may have slipped to a fourth defeat on the spin on Saturday, but boss Kris Lindsay felt there were plenty of positives for his side to take out of the game.

Rory McIlroy third in Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

Tyrrell Hatton produced a brilliant final round to win the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as Rory McIlroy missed out on the title once again.

Ireland lose ODI series to Afghanistan

Rahmat Shah produced a brilliant unbeaten century to steer Afghanistan to victory over Ireland and secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in their one-day international series in Abu Dhabi.

Oran Kearney pleased as Coleraine take advantage to climb the table

Going into Saturday’s game Coleraine knew they had the chance of putting pressure on the teams above them.

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