top of page


Swann Presses Government to Act on Human Rights Committee Recommendations for Troubles Bill
South Antrim MP Robin Swann has challenged the Leader of the House of Commons, seeking assurances that Ministers will fully consider key recommendations from the Joint Committee on Human Rights before the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill moves to its next legislative stage. The cross-party committee recently published a report warning that the Bill requires crucial improvements to secure public confidence, strengthen the independence of the Legacy Commission, broaden definition
4 days ago


Swann Backs Local Farmers on Back British Farming Day
South Antrim MP Robin Swann joined representatives from the Ulster Farmers’ Union at Westminster today to mark Back British Farming Day and call for stronger backing for local agri-food businesses. The event highlighted the economic and social importance of the agricultural sector, showcasing its potential for growth alongside the key policy measures needed to support local food production. Speaking from Westminster, Robin Swann MP said: "Farming is hugely important to our lo
6 days ago


Swann Raises Concerns with DAERA Minister Over Consistency of Cattle Euthanasia Criteria
Robin Swann MP has raised concerns with Alliance DAERA Minister Andrew Muir regarding the consistency of the criteria used when departmental regional veterinary officers decide to euthanise cattle. Through questioning the Department, Mr Swann revealed that in the last 5 years a total of 526 cattle have been euthanised. What is notable from the information discovered is that, during that period, 416 of those were culled under a reason described by the Department as "other", wh
7 days ago


Rural Crime Week
"This week is Rural Crime Week which offers an important opportunity to focus on an issue that can have a real impact here in South Antrim, especially as ours is a largely rural constituency, and our local farms, agri-food businesses and countryside villages play a huge role in our local communities. "We know crime in the countryside has a heavy cost for the victims, both financially and emotionally. Our farming families are already dealing with huge pressures, and having liv
Sep 7


Lough Neagh Crisis
The awful sight of swans trapped in thick green algae, needing to be rescued by emergency services shows just how severe this crisis at Lough Neagh has become. I share the deep frustration and growing concern across South Antrim as toxic algae continues to choke our largest body of freshwater. Lough Neagh is a strategic national asset and a critical source of drinking water, and I am again taking this issue directly to Westminster to request urgent meetings with relevant UK G
Aug 20


Swann Congratulates Tiny House on Planning Success
Following the granting of planning permission for Tiny House Coffee, Robin Swann MP, who supported the café alongside local representatives, said: "I am really pleased to see planning permission granted for Tiny House Coffee. It is a fantastic local hub that offers so much to our community, and it was great to see so many people coming together to support Declan and the team. I wish them all the very best for the future as they continue to innovate and grow."
Aug 18


DfI Apologises Over Lack of Notice for Belfast Road Lane Closures
South Antrim MP, Robin Swann has responded to concerns raised by residents regarding unannounced lane closures on the Belfast Road, Antrim, during recent street lighting works. After engaging with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) on behalf of local residents who were not notified in advance, DfI confirmed that a letter drop was not carried out on this occasion and offered an apology for the oversight. The Department noted that while the lane closure was listed on Traff
Aug 18


Glenavy Red Telephone Box Set for Community Use
The red telephone box on Chapel Road in Glenavy is set for a new lease of life after being formally transferred into local council ownership. The move follows work by Ulster Unionist Representative Jay Buntin and Robin Swann MP. Progress on the transfer had previously hit a snag due to an administrative mix-up by BT, who were attempting to negotiate with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council instead of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC). Following intervention from
Aug 11


Swann Welcomes Progress on South Antrim Road Resurfacing
South Antrim MP Robin Swann has welcomed confirmation from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) regarding several key road resurfacing schemes across the constituency. Following direct representations by Mr Swann, resurfacing on Ballycorr Road in Ballyclare is now underway. The Minister has also confirmed that Thorndale Road, Dundrod, has been added to the 2026/27 large-scale patching programme, while Hillhead Road, Ballyclare, is scheduled for delivery this year, subject
Jul 28


Swann Praises Success of Another Outstanding Antrim Show
South Antrim MP Robin Swann has congratulated the organisers, volunteers and exhibitors following another highly successful Antrim Show, describing the annual event as one of the highlights of the local calendar. Mr Swann praised the work of the Antrim Show Committee in delivering an event that continues to grow in both quality and popularity. "The Antrim Show keeps getting better every year, and huge credit is due to the Show Committee and the many volunteers whose hard work
Jul 27


Swann Facilitates Steel Talks to Protect South Antrim Jobs
Robin Swann MP has brought together South Antrim steel firms and senior officials from the Department for Business and Trade to address their concerns from the damaging steel tariffs and quotas in an effort to protect local import and manufacturing businesses. The meeting, facilitated by Mr Swann, brought together major local employers including Hannon Steel, Hy-Ten, Impact Ireland Metals and Aalco. The local firms highlighted the severe "double hit" facing Northern Ireland
Jul 24


Swann Challenges Minister as 4,000RoI Students Count Towards Local Cap
South Antrim MP Robin Swann has called for urgent clarity and safeguards for local applicants following confirmation from Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA that students from the Republic of Ireland are included in Northern Ireland’s domestic student cap. In correspondence to Mr Swann, the Minister confirmed that full-time undergraduates from the Republic of Ireland are classified as "home students" under the Maximum Student Number (MaSN) cap. Departmental figures sho
Jul 23


Swann Renews Call for NI Hospitality VAT Pilot Following Business Rate Cuts in England
South Antrim MP Robin Swann has urged the Prime Minister to back Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector by introducing a reduced VAT pilot, following the UK Government’s decision to cut business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England. The UK Government announced new measures to reduce business rate bills for thousands of English venues to help rebuild high streets. Mr Swann argued that while relief for venues in England is welcome, hospitality operators in Nort
Jul 23


Swann Congratulates Local Wholesale Star at Westminster
South Antrim MP Robin Swann has praised local resident Ross McMullan from Henderson Foodservice Ltd following his recognition at the national Food & Drink Wholesale UK STAR Awards in Parliament. The awards celebrate outstanding achievements across the food and drink wholesale sector, highlighting the importance of developing skills and career opportunities for young people. Mr Swann said after meeting Ross at Westminster: "It was a pleasure to meet Ross at Parliament and cele
Jul 22


Burnham's first 50 days will show whether Northern Ireland sits at the top of his in-tray or the bottom
Ulster Unionist South Antrim MP Robin Swann has said that Andy Burnham's early decisions as Prime Minister, particularly his Cabinet appointments to the Treasury, the Northern Ireland Office and Defence, will have immediate and long-term implications for Northern Ireland. Commenting ahead of the new premiership, Robin Swann said: “Burnham's premiership is still full of the unknown. His offer of change will be demonstrated by his Cabinet picks: will it be a simple reshuffle of
Jul 20


Swann Champions Northern Ireland Hospitality VAT Reduction Pilot in Westminster Debate
South Antrim MP Robin Swann has called on the UK Government and HM Treasury to establish a pilot scheme reducing VAT for hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland, arguing that the region provides the ideal test bed for a policy that could protect jobs, strengthen tourism, support local businesses and generate wider economic growth. Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the potential merits of a VAT reduction pilot for hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland, Mr Swann
Jul 20


Swann Secures Westminster Debate Hospitality VAT Reduction in Northern Ireland
South Antrim MP Robin Swann has secured a Westminster Hall debate next week, on Wednesday 15th July, to press the Government on lowering hospitality VAT to for Northern Ireland. Securing a targeted reduction in hospitality VAT has been a long time priority for the Ulster Unionist Party and was a commitment in the party’s 2024 manifesto. Robin Swann MP has been actively progressing this commitment since his election, raising the matter with Ministers in both Stormont and Westm
Jul 8


Swann Welcomes Local Ministers to Westminster for Prayer Breakfast
South Antrim MP Robin Swann hosted two local church leaders at the National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast in Westminster this week. The annual event, held in the historic Westminster Hall inside the Houses of Parliament, brought together over hundreds of attendees, including high profile government ministers, opposition leaders, and church leaders from across the United Kingdom. The main address at this year’s gathering was delivered by Clare Williams-Sarpong, who spoke on t
Jul 8


Swann Backs Campaign to Protect Local Egg Producers
South Antrim MP Robin Swann has signed a parliamentary motion calling on the Government to tighten import controls and protect UK egg producers from being undercut by inferior foreign imports. The Early Day Motion highlights figures from the British Egg Industry Council showing that egg imports have risen to around 1.6 billion annually. Many of these imports fail to meet the strict welfare and food safety standards that local farmers are legally required to uphold. UK produce
Jul 2


Swann backs law reform to introduce vet business regulation and increase transparency for animal owners
South Antrim MP Robin Swann has backed a campaign for reform of outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act at Westminster event, supporting local animal owners by pledging support for the introduction of regulation for vet businesses, along with mandatory licensing and standards for all veterinary practices. Attending a joint event at the House of Commons hosted by the British Veterinary Association (BVA), the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the British Veterinary Nursi
Jul 2
bottom of page
