Northern Ireland’s Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir interviewed by Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride, discussing how what he says has been a ‘catastrophic’ agricultural policy went disastrously wrong in the race for cheap meat... and whether he is inadvertently embedding what he’s seeking to reverse.

The BelTel brings you some of Northern Ireland's top journalists, Allison Morris, Sam McBride and Suzanne Breen to name but a few, giving you the inside stories behind what is in the news. Presented by Ciarán Dunbar, the Bel Tel investigates, debates and informs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The BelTel

From green fields to factory farms: How ‘catastrophic’ industrial agriculture policy is trashing environment

Jeffrey Donaldson received a 15 year sentence in prison for his crimes. He was given 11 years for rape against Victim B and four years for all offences against Victim A, to be served consecutively.
The former MP and ex-DUP leader was sentenced in Newry Courthouse on Thursday morning.
However, later on Thursday after the Lady Chief Justice confirmed Donaldson will actually walk free in seven-and-a-half years.
That is because the crimes were committed before the law changed in 2008, so he will automatically be entitled to 50pc remission of his sentence.
He was found guilty of 18 child sex abuse charges, including rape, in June.
Donaldson is trying to win an appeal, and his denials were an aggravating factor in the sentencing.
However, as it stands, the 63-year-old will emerge from prison as a 78-year-old pensioner.
Ciarán Dunbar spoke to Allison Morris outside Newry Crown Court.

Jeffrey Donaldson given 15 years - but will be out in seven 

The parading crisis in Portadown seems over on the ground, but it is very much alive in the courts, on the airwaves, and in politics.  

The Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Bryant stepped in on Friday to ban the Portadown Orange lodge from marching down the Garvaghy Road, now the Orange Order is challenging that decision in the courts. 

On Monday afternoon, the Court of Appeal dismissed a challenge from Garvaghy residents to the Parades Commission’s decision to allow the parade. 

In Stormont, First Minister Michelle O’Neill will face a confidence motion after taking part in a protest backing the Garvaghy Road residents, while the TUV demands the DUP take EmmaLittle-Pengelly out of the Executive.   

Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris.  

Drumcree: Garvaghy Residents’ challenge dismissed, dispute rumbles on despite parade ban  

The St Andrew’s Agreement was signed twenty years ago on 13 October 2006. 

Officially. it just amended the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement, but it did bring about some profound changes in Northern Ireland’s politics. 

It saw the DUP and Ian Paisley signing up to the peace process.  

Sinn Féin bought into policing, agreeing to work with the PSNI; the DUP agreed to go into government with them. 

The two parties have dominated Stormont politics ever since.  

Ciarán Dunbar is joined by political commentator David McCann. 

From green fields to factory farms: How ‘catastrophic’ industrial agriculture policy is trashing environment

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