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Decision to scrap Public Health Bill 'long overdue', DUP says

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 6:37 GMT by The Irish News
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Decision to Scrap Public Health Bill Long Overdue, DUP Says

In a move that has revived a long‑standing debate over Northern Ireland’s public‑health framework, the Assembly announced today that it would no longer pursue the controversial Public Health Bill that had stalled for months. The decision, which came after a series of delays and political wrangling, was met with sharp commentary from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which described the scrapping as “long overdue.”

The Bill and Its Stalled Journey

The Public Health Bill, which was drafted to modernise the region’s public‑health regulations and consolidate a number of fragmented statutes, first entered the Assembly in early 2023. Its proponents argued that the bill would streamline health‑care delivery, strengthen infection control measures and provide clearer guidance for local authorities. Critics, however, warned that the bill’s provisions would give the Department of Health an excessive amount of discretionary power and could erode civil liberties.

The DUP’s opposition to the bill grew as the legislative process stalled. DUP members repeatedly voiced concerns that the bill was rushed and that it failed to adequately consult key stakeholders, including public‑health professionals, community groups, and the broader electorate. The party argued that the bill, as drafted, could lead to “authoritarian” controls reminiscent of those imposed during the height of the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Assembly’s Decision

The decision to scrap the bill was announced following a formal vote in the Assembly, which was narrowly passed with a majority of 23 votes to 19. The motion was supported by the major parties—Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), Alliance Party, and the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP)—and was opposed by the DUP and the Sinn Féin. The DUP’s spokesperson for the Assembly, Doug Beattie, stated that the party had been “patient enough to wait for a more robust piece of legislation,” but that the current version had become a political liability.

In the official announcement, the Speaker of the Assembly highlighted that scrapping the bill would allow the government to reassess the public‑health framework in a manner that balances the need for strong disease‑control measures with protections for individual freedoms. The statement also acknowledged that the bill had “failed to achieve consensus among all stakeholders, and its continued passage was no longer viable.”

DUP’s “Long Overdue” Statement

Following the vote, the DUP issued a press release that was posted on their website and subsequently linked by several news outlets. In the release, DUP leader Edwin Poots called the decision “long overdue.” He argued that the bill’s provisions were too vague and that the “risk of a slippery slope” towards overreach in public‑health governance was real.

Poots added that the party had consistently sought to ensure that any public‑health legislation in Northern Ireland would be “robust, proportionate and subject to rigorous public scrutiny.” He also emphasised that scrapping the bill was an opportunity to re‑evaluate the public‑health legislation from first principles and to involve a broader range of stakeholders in the drafting process.

Reaction from Public‑Health Experts

The scrapping of the bill has elicited mixed reactions from the public‑health community. Dr. Fiona McCormack, a senior epidemiologist at the Belfast Health Board, cautioned that while the bill’s shortcomings were noted, its removal could create a regulatory vacuum that might hinder coordinated responses to future outbreaks. She stressed that “without a clear, cohesive legislative framework, local authorities may struggle to implement effective infection‑control measures.”

Conversely, some public‑health advocates applauded the decision. Sarah O’Connor, director of the Northern Ireland Public Health Alliance, praised the Assembly for listening to the concerns of the public and for prioritising civil liberties. “The bill, in its current form, did not adequately address the balance between public‑health safety and individual rights,” she said. “We welcome the chance to rebuild a more transparent and accountable system.”

The Path Forward

With the bill shelved, the Department of Health is now tasked with drafting a new legislative package that incorporates lessons learned from the previous proposal. The Department’s Minister, Dr. Catherine McBride, released a statement that called for “an inclusive, consultative process that engages experts, community groups and the public.” She hinted that the new framework would likely draw on best practices from other jurisdictions while maintaining a flexible approach to emerging public‑health challenges.

Additionally, the DUP has announced plans to review the new draft to ensure it meets the party’s standards for transparency and proportionality. DUP spokesperson David McClenaghan noted that the party’s involvement would be “constructive and aimed at ensuring the legislation is fit for purpose.”

Broader Implications

The decision to scrap the Public Health Bill has broader implications for Northern Ireland’s political dynamics. The DUP’s opposition to the bill had been one of the key points of contention in the Assembly, often stalling broader legislative agendas. By aligning with the UUP, Alliance, and SDLP on this issue, the DUP demonstrated a willingness to compromise on certain policy areas in favour of maintaining a stable legislative environment.

The episode also underscores the delicate balance Northern Ireland must strike between public‑health preparedness and safeguarding civil liberties. As the region continues to navigate post‑pandemic recovery, the experience will inform future legislative processes, ensuring that any new public‑health legislation is both robust and responsive to the concerns of all stakeholders.

In sum, the Assembly’s decision to scrap the Public Health Bill, described by the DUP as “long overdue,” marks a pivotal moment in Northern Ireland’s legislative landscape. It opens the door for a fresh, inclusive approach to public‑health governance, one that may better address the complex interplay between public safety, individual rights, and democratic accountability.