The Official Site of Sammy Wilson MP
Bringing East Antrim’s Voice to the Centre of Decision-Making
Ahead of tonight’s vote in the House of Lords on proposals to allow abortion up to birth, I joined protesters outside Parliament to show my support for their campaign.
ꜰᴀʀᴍᴇʀꜱ & ɢʀᴏᴡᴇʀꜱ ɴᴇᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴀʙʟᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴇᴛᴇ ᴏɴ ᴀ ʟᴇᴠᴇʟ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ ꜰɪᴇʟᴅ
🚜 I attended a briefing by the National Farmers’ Union on the importance of ensuring a level playing field for UK farmers.
Farmers made it clear that food imports from other countries must be required to meet the same high standards that farmers are expected to adhere to here in the United Kingdom. 🇬🇧🌾
At present, unfair trade deals allow food produced to lower standards to undercut British farmers, putting our agricultural sector at a serious disadvantage.
While trade is an important engine of economic growth and plays a vital role in creating incentives for farmers across the world, the Government must deliver on its manifesto commitment to uphold the highest standards in food production. 📜
I know that farmers in my constituency produce excellent, high-quality food, but they must not be undercut by agricultural imports produced to lower standards elsewhere in the world.
Our farmers deserve fair competition, proper recognition, and strong support for the vital work they do in feeding our nation. 🌱🚜
Illegal dumping in woodlands costs hundreds of thousands of pounds annually.
Today I attended a meeting of the APPG on Trees and Woodlands to discuss the growing problem of illegal dumping in forests.
Last year the Woodland Trust reported four instances of illegal waste dumping in forests it is involved with in Northern Ireland, with the clean-up costing thousands of pounds.
While some of this dumping is carried out by individuals, the scale of much of it suggests organised criminal gangs operating on an industrial scale.
This issue needs to be taken far more seriously by the Environment Agency, the police and the courts.
One shocking example involved 36,000 lorry loads of toxic waste being dumped in parts of a forest. Criminals had first chopped down sections of woodland and even built roads into the area to facilitate the dumping. The clean-up bill came to £15 million, yet no action was taken.
This cannot be allowed to continue. Stronger enforcement and real consequences are needed to protect our countryside.
Sammy Wilson
Delighted to meet with the Kirk Na Dancers from Kilkeel in the Speaker’s House at Westminster today, celebrating the birthday of Andrew Rosindell MP and marking St Patrick’s Day. A wonderful occasion highlighting Northern Ireland’s culture and community at the heart of Parliament.
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I welcome the fact that help is coming to Northern Ireland, although it amounts to only around £35 per household. While any support is welcome, it is important that the Economy Minister in Northern Ireland acts swiftly to ensure that people receive the help they need now, not next winter when the pressure may have already taken its toll on many households.