The Official Site of Sammy Wilson MP
Bringing East Antrim’s Voice to the Centre of Decision-Making
I joined lobbyists in London today calling for action to protect the curlew 🐦 — a beautiful bird in serious decline due to the loss of its natural habitat.
One of the key factors behind this loss is the development of wind farms, particularly on upland peat bogs — an issue I raised earlier today in Parliament.
The distinctive cry of the curlew is being silenced across the UK. As someone who cares deeply about our natural environment 🌿 and the protection of our wildlife, I fully support efforts to safeguard this species before it’s too late.
I met this morning in London with Thomas Brayford from the British Council to discuss the work of the Council in East Antrim.
The British Council plays an important role in promoting the UK around the world through programmes focused on young people and education.
It was encouraging to hear that primary and secondary schools across East Antrim are already involved in a range of initiatives, along with students from the Northern Regional College. In addition, young people from Monkstown Boxing Club are participating in an informal education project with students in South Africa.
I would encourage individuals, schools, community groups and colleges to visit the British Council website to learn more about the programmes available and how they can get involved.
👇𝗡𝗜 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Sammy Wilson MP and I met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland this morning. This was a useful opportunity to remind him about the real-world consequences of no action by the Government.
Families across Northern Ireland are being stretched to breaking point. The cost of heating a home and putting fuel in their vehicle is barely manageable for too many people. For those living off the gas grid, particularly in rural communities, heating oil costs are a constant pressure. The Government must step in with practical measures, including action VAT for heating oil and on fuel duty so that money will be put back into people’s pockets.
The Northern Ireland Executive is trying to deliver vital services with funding that simply does not match the need. That gap is growing, and it is not sustainable. Hospitals, schools and frontline services are all feeling the strain. The Education Minister faces a significant shortfall running into hundreds of millions. Treasury must face up to that and ensure Northern Ireland is funded fairly.
On legacy, the Secretary of State need to remember that victims and veterans were promised action, not excuses. The commitment to “repeal and replace” has stalled, and that delay is unacceptable. Victims and veterans have been left in an abeyance because Government cannot get its own house in order
Pubs, restaurants, hotels and hospitality businesses across the UK are under immense pressure.
Rising energy costs driven by the crisis in the Middle East, alongside increased wages, higher business rates and ongoing tax burdens, are creating a “triple whammy” that many simply cannot absorb.
I fully support the joint letter to the Chancellor calling for urgent, targeted action to protect the hospitality sector.
Without intervention, businesses will be forced to cut jobs, reduce investment, or close their doors entirely — with serious consequences for our high streets and local communities.
The Government must act now:
➡️ Provide targeted energy support
➡️ Ensure fair and stable energy contracts
➡️ Pause further cost increases
➡️ Deliver meaningful relief on VAT and business rates
Hospitality is vital to our economy, supporting jobs and communities right across the UK.
During the PM’s statement, Sammy Wilson challenged why Keir Starmer appointed Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador — despite warnings about his past and links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
He also warned the PM was at risk of becoming known as the “mushroom Prime Minister” 🍄 — kept in the dark……….