Major Announcement Expected at Today’s Guildhall Gathering in Londonderry/Derry
Ahead of today’s Peaceful Gathering at Guildhall Square in Londonderry/Derry, Edwin Duggan has confirmed that an important announcement regarding the future of the Jade’s Law Equivalent campaign in Northern Ireland will be made during his speech on the steps of the Guildhall later this afternoon.
Following weeks of campaigning, public engagement, political discussions, and growing support from communities across Northern Ireland, significant progress has now been made towards securing legislative change within the province.
During today’s address, Edwin is expected to confirm that the Northern Ireland Assembly has given cross-party acknowledgement to the campaign and its objectives, with Stormont committing to the development of legislation that would place a Jade’s Law Equivalent into Northern Ireland’s devolved legislative framework.
The proposed framework is also expected to go even further than the legislation currently progressing through England and Wales. Plans under discussion include provisions that would automatically suspend parental responsibility for individuals convicted of the attempted murder of a spouse or partner — expanding protections for children and families affected by serious domestic violence.
If enacted, these measures would bring approximately two million additional people under the umbrella of Jade’s Law, or its Northern Ireland equivalent, representing a major step forward in safeguarding vulnerable families and ensuring greater consistency across these islands.
Edwin is both humbled and honoured that such a commitment has been achieved within a matter of weeks, particularly as one minister within the Assembly reportedly described the development as “something rare to see in the corridors of Stormont” — namely, unity across the political spectrum in support of the campaign’s objectives.
Today’s gathering will also serve as a moment of remembrance, reflection, and solidarity, honouring the 65 victims of domestic homicide lost across the island of Ireland over the past five years.
Supporters, members of the public, and campaign advocates are expected to attend the event at Guildhall Square this afternoon as momentum behind the campaign continues to grow.
Following the conclusion of today’s gathering, the speech notes are now available to view below. Further updates from the event and the ongoing progress of the campaign will be updated shortly. Thank you.
#TeamJadeNI
Momentum Builds Ahead of Londonderry/Derry Gathering for Jade’s Law Equivalent Campaign
Momentum continues to grow across Northern Ireland ahead of the upcoming peaceful gathering at the Guildhall in Londonderry/Derry on 29th May, where campaigners, supporters, and members of the public will come together to remember victims of domestic homicide and continue the push for legislative change through the Jade’s Law Equivalent campaign.
Since the official campaign launch on 16th April, public support has surged at an extraordinary rate. The campaign petition is now approaching 13,000 signatures — a figure which, proportionally, has already surpassed the total achieved during the original UK-wide Jade’s Law petition in 2022. The scale of support seen within such a short period highlights the strength of feeling across Northern Ireland and the growing demand for action.
Huge recognition must also go to the many individuals and supporters throughout Northern Ireland who have worked tirelessly over the past month to raise awareness of the campaign, share information, engage communities, and ensure the message continues to reach people from all walks of life.
The unity behind the campaign has been particularly significant. Support has come from across the political spectrum, demonstrating that protecting children and families affected by domestic homicide is not a political issue, but a human one. Among those lending support is First Minister Michelle O’Neill of Sinn Féin, alongside representatives from differing political backgrounds who recognise the importance of meaningful legislative change.
On 29th May, Edwin Duggan will attend a Peaceful Gathering at the Guildhall in Londonderry/Derry, where he will speak to those gathered and stand alongside campaign supporters in remembering the 65 victims of domestic homicide lost across the island of Ireland over the past five years — including 30 from the province and 35 from the Republic of Ireland.
The event also carries deep significance, taking place close to the fifth anniversary of the death of Jade Ward, who tragically lost her life at the hands of her husband. Her case became the catalyst for the original Jade’s Law campaign and continues to inspire efforts to ensure stronger protections are put in place for children and families impacted by domestic abuse and homicide.
Driven by growing support, campaigners are maintaining a clear focus on introducing Jade's Law to Northern Ireland.
#TeamJadeNI
Campaign Launched: Extending Jade’s Law to Northern Ireland
A major step forward in the fight for justice and protection — the campaign to introduce a Jade’s Law equivalent in Northern Ireland is now officially underway. Launched at the Guildhall in Londonderry/Derry, this marks the beginning of a determined push to ensure no region is left behind.
With strong early support, a growing working group on the ground, and a clear legislative framework already proven in England and Wales, momentum is building quickly.