South Antrim MP Robin Swann has hosted a special event at The Lock Keeper's Cottage in Toome to mark Great Big Green Week, focusing on the conservation of native swifts. The event brought together local environment groups, conservation experts and school children to discuss practical ways to protect the local swift population and enhance biodiversity. Mr Swann said: "I want to thank the RSPB Antrim local group and Mark Smyth for their excellent presentations, which highlighte

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has strongly condemned the recent targeting of local businesses in Ballyclare, warning that violence and destruction of property only serve to tear communities apart. Reflecting on the important difference between immigration policy concerns and the unlawful targeting of local people, Mr Swann said: "The recent attack in North Belfast was barbaric, and people are understandably concerned and angry. I fully acknowledge these legitimate concerns and

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons calling on the Treasury to introduce a targeted 10 per cent hospitality VAT pilot rate for Northern Ireland. The parliamentary motion highlights the severe financial pressures local businesses are facing due to escalating operating costs and emphasises the sector's vital role in sustaining local towns and high streets. Robin Swann MP said: "Our hospitality sector is a cornerstone of the local e

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has expressed serious concern regarding a spike in anti-social behaviour along the Six Mile Water in Antrim, warning that the tampering with life-saving equipment could lead to a tragedy. The move follows reports that local anglers and water bailiffs discovered that life ring stations on the Race Trail near Kirby’s Lane had been interfered with, with equipment removed and thrown into the water. The area has also seen an increase in littering, drink

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has expressed his disappointment following a response from DEFRA regarding the movement of racing pigeons from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. The Minister confirmed that DEFRA cannot provide further details on the ongoing UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement negotiations. Additionally, legislative arrangements to ensure the free movement of the birds are not expected to be in place until 2027. Robin Swann MP said: "The lack of progress fr

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has written to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, calling for a wider reduction in hospitality VAT following the government’s decision to cut the rate on children’s meals. This week the Chancellor announced a temporary VAT reduction from 20% to 5% for kids' meals in cafes and restaurants during the summer months. Mr Swann is now urging the Chancellor to go further by implementing a Northern Ireland-wide reduction for all hospitality services to support

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has welcomed the announcement of temporary tax cuts for red diesel and a holiday on vehicle excise duty for HGVs. Under the new plans, the fuel duty rate on red diesel will drop to 6.48p per litre from next month until the end of the year. Additionally, a 12-month suspension of vehicle excise duty for heavy goods vehicles is expected to save hauliers approximately £600 per lorry. Mr Swann recently backed a parliamentary motion calling for urgent go

South Antrim MP Robin Swann attended a Nature Friendly Farming Week event in Westminster this week for the launch of ‘The Nature of Business’ report. The event brought together farmers and policymakers to discuss how sustainable land management supports the long-term viability of the agri-food sector. The report highlights that proper consideration for nature in food production improves farm resilience and strengthens national food security. It calls for increased government

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has highlighted the importance of pollinators to the local economy and environment to mark World Bee Day. Mr Swann said: "Pollinators are responsible for a third of the food we eat and are vital to the health of the Northern Ireland countryside. They also provide a significant boost to our agricultural sector, particularly in fruit production. "I want to thank the local volunteers and groups like the Randalstown and District Beekeepers Association.

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has used his response to the King’s Speech to warn the Government that Northern Ireland’s agricultural industry is being held back by a ‘stranglehold’ of regulation and energy costs. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Swann said: "Every Northern Ireland politician who is worth their salt was at the Balmoral Show last week. The continual message was that agriculture in Northern Ireland is being strangled by some of the regulations coming from the

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has used his response to the King’s Speech to demand that the Government delivers "life-changing" infrastructure and lower costs for Northern Ireland. In his speech to the House of Commons, Mr Swann challenged the Government to ensure that new legislation has real-world benefits for South Antrim. Speaking in the Chamber, Mr Swann said: "The implications of the Bills in the King’s Speech have the potential to be truly life-changing. For example, the

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has praised the continued success of the Balmoral Show following his visit to the annual show. Mr Swann described the show as a fantastic showcase of the very best of Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector. Commenting on the visit, Mr Swann said: "It was a great day at Balmoral and a pleasure to see the show proving such a success once again. The agri-food sector is incredibly important to Northern Ireland, and this event remains a premier platform to

Robin Swann MP has welcomed news that Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is set to use only low-noise fireworks at all future events. Council officers have recommended the approval of a new protocol that will apply to council-run events, council-funded projects and third-party events held at council facilities. The Council has also been recommended to approve a public awareness campaign highlighting the impact of loud fireworks on children, pets and livestock. Mr Swann h

South Antrim MP Robin Swann is set to host event on the protection and conservation of native swifts as part of the upcoming Great Big Green Week. The free event is being held between 13:00 and 14:00 on Friday 12 June at the Lock Keeper’s Cottage in Toome. Mr Swann will be joined at the event by local swift conservationists including representatives from the Antrim RSPB Group to discuss their ‘Home for Swifts’ campaign. The South Antrim MP hopes the event will serve as an imp

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has met with Geoff Potter from Gray & Adams to discuss the significant challenges facing the manufacturing and haulage sectors as a result of the Windsor Framework. Following the meeting, Robin Swann MP said: "Gray & Adams plays a very important role in our local economy. It is clear from our meeting that the additional paperwork and costs associated with the Windsor Framework are creating real friction for businesses that should be focused on grow

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has contacted police and council following reports of e-scooters being operated at high speeds in busy town centres. Mr Swann has written to the PSNI District Commander and the Chief Executive of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to raise concerns regarding pedestrian safety and the management of public spaces. Privately owned e-scooters are currently illegal to use on any public road, footpath or park in Northern Ireland. Despite this, t

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has challenged the Prime Minister over his failure to support women born in the 1950s who were impacted by state pension age changes. During the final Prime Minister’s Questions of the parliamentary session, Mr Swann highlighted the Government’s lack of action on several key issues, including the ongoing struggle for pension justice. The intervention coincides with Mr Swann joining a cross-party group of over 60 Parliamentarians in signing a formal

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has welcomed the announcement that compulsory housing measures for poultry and captive birds are to be lifted across Northern Ireland. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir confirmed that the housing order, which has been in place since 6 November 2025 to halt the spread of bird flu, will be removed from 00:01 on Tuesday 5 May 2026. The decision follows a period of stable disease control and is being coordinated with authorities in the Republic of Irela

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has backed a parliamentary motion calling for urgent government intervention as agricultural fuel prices soar. This follows recent data showing that the price of red diesel has climbed to 123.7p per litre, marking a 79 percent increase from the 2025 average. The agricultural sector is currently facing a number of rising overheads, with fertiliser costs also jumping significantly to £530 per tonne. This sharp increase is largely due to global instab

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has welcomed recent comments from senior military leaders highlighting the importance of the Joint Helicopter Command Flying Station Aldergrove to the United Kingdom’s national security. Brigadier Piers Ashfield, Commander of 38 Brigade said during a recent visit to Aldergrove that the site occupies a strategically essential position for the defence of the UK. Wing Commander Rob McCartney, Commanding Officer of 201 Squadron, further emphasised that