The Official Site of Sammy Wilson MP
Bringing East Antrim’s Voice to the Centre of Decision-Making
I welcome the granting of the Freedom of the Borough by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council today to the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
As a result of a motion proposed by DUP Councillor Sam Flanagan, the Council agreed to bestow this honour. The Prison Service is the least visible division of our justice system, but it is absolutely vital to the safety of our citizens. Many officers have lost their lives as a result of attacks by criminal groups.
It was good to see such a large crowd showing their support for prison officers in Ballyclare this morning.
Pictured: Sammy Wilson MP with DUP Councillors.
Sammy Wilson MP has joined the RSPCA in urging the UK Government to publish a clear timeline for implementing its new animal welfare commitments, to ensure support for pets, wildlife and farm animals is “high up on the agenda”.
The MP for East Antrim DUP made the call as he joined the RSPCA at a special Parliamentary event on Wednesday (10 February).
In December, Ministers published the Animal Welfare Strategy for England – including proposals to regulate animal sanctuaries, stop irresponsible dog breeding, and end the use of cages for many farmed animals.
There are also plans to ban trail hunting, end the use of snares to catch wildlife in England, and promote high animal welfare in future post-Brexit trade negotiations.
But – amid a busy legislative landscape – the RSPCA is urging the UK Government to publish clear timelines for delivery of all commitments in the Strategy; and for an annual Parliamentary debate to review the state of animal welfare in England, and progress on delivery of the Strategy.
In total, 50 politicians – joined the RSPCA in the House of Commons to back calls for animal welfare to be a UK Government priority for the remainder of the Parliamentary term.
Sammy said: “My constituents care passionately about animal welfare – so it was great to join the RSPCA in Parliament to discuss how we can work together to ensure a better future for pets, wildlife and farmed animals.
“The political landscape is so busy that Parliamentarians, the animal welfare sector, and the public all have a role to play in ensuring the UK Government prioritises this issue; and ensure proposals in the Animal Welfare Strategy for England become a reality.”
According to the RSPCA's Animal Kindness Index, 84% of people agree that animal welfare should be protected by government legislation – highlighting the public's desire for action.
Harriet Main, Public Affairs Manager at the RSPCA, added: “It was brilliant to welcome Parliamentarians to this special event and discuss how we can make many of the welcome ideas in the Animal Welfare Strategy for England make it into law.
“It's so important that the UK Government builds on their commitments by publishing clear timelines for delivery; and we also believe an annual debate in Parliament would help review progress and keep the public informed.
“Laws are also only valuable if they can be properly enforced – so we’re also calling on the UK Government and Members of Parliament to work with their partners in local government to ensure they have the tools they need on the frontline.”
More information on the campaigning work of the RSPCA – including those related to the Animal Welfare Strategy for England – can be found on the charity’s website.
Delighted to congratulate Caldwells SPAR of Islandmagee on becoming a finalist in the Countryside Alliance Awards 2026 — a massive well done! 👏
This is brilliant recognition for a local business that goes the extra mile for the community.
Please give them your vote and help show your support for Islandmagee:
👉 www.research.net/r/CAANI26
Wishing the team at Caldwells SPAR the very best of luck!
Sammy Wilson MP
Delighted to congratulate Benjamin McMahon owner of Clever & Steel on becoming a finalist in the Countryside Alliance Awards 2026! 👏
This is fantastic recognition for a hardworking local business that plays a vital role in our community and rural economy.
Please take a moment to support Ben by voting via the link below:
www.research.net/r/CAANI26
Best of luck, Ben – thoroughly deserved!
Sammy Wilson MP
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