DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has said families, farmers and food producers across Northern Ireland and Great Britain are being squeezed from every direction as a result of ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Her comments follow an updated forecast from the Institute of Grocery Distribution, which underlines the seriousness of the situation.
“According to the report, food inflation, already running at 3.6%, could surge to over 8% by June if global energy disruption continues,” explained the MP. “That would mean an additional £150 per year on the average household food bill, on top of prices that are already nearly 40% higher than before the Covid pandemic. For many families, that is simply unaffordable.
“The cost of oil, gas, fertiliser and transport is rising rapidly, almost on a daily basis, feeding directly into the price of food. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has warned that UK farmers and growers are facing sharply increasing input costs, with fertiliser production heavily exposed to gas prices. Livestock and dairy producers, in particular, are among those being hardest hit.”
Ms Lockhart added: “At the same time, households in Northern Ireland face a uniquely difficult position. Around 60% of homes rely on heating oil, yet current Government support amounts to little more than £30 per household – nowhere near enough to make a meaningful difference.
“It is deeply concerning that around 52% of the cost of fuel is made up of taxation, while families and businesses struggle to keep up with rising bills. High fuel costs ripple through the entire economy – from farm to fork – pushing up prices at every stage.”
There is also growing speculation about the potential for fuel rationing if the current conflict continues to escalate. In that scenario, the Upper Bann MP said it is vital that clarity is provided on which sectors will be prioritised.
“Farmers and growers rely on fuel to operate machinery, harvest crops and maintain food production,” she said. “I am keen to understand where agriculture would feature on any list of essential services, as protecting our food supply must be a top priority.
“The current situation is not sustainable. We need urgent, targeted intervention to protect consumers and support those who produce our food. Government must act quickly and decisively to safeguard food security in the face of rising global uncertainty.
“That means cutting fuel duty, delivering realistic support for heating oil users, and revisiting policies such as the removal of red diesel for key sectors, which has only added to the burden on construction, manufacturing and agriculture.”
Ms Lockhart added: “At the same time, the devolved Stormont Assembly must step up and do everything within its powers to support households and safeguard our agri-food sector. Northern Ireland cannot be left exposed while costs continue to rise.”
The MP is calling for full transparency and fairness in fuel and fertiliser pricing. “I welcome the work of the Competition and Markets Authority in monitoring these markets, but this must lead to real accountability and swift action where exploitation is identified.
“We are at a critical crossroads. Without meaningful intervention, the combined pressures on households and farmers risk driving further food inflation and deepening the cost-of-living crisis.
“We need action – not words!
“Cut the duty. Cut the cost. Support our families. Support our farmers.”
Carla Lockhart also highlighted the outcome of this week’s Opposition Day motion aimed at ending the Government’s ban on new oil and gas licences in the North Sea. The Westminster motion failed, with 297 MPs voting against and 108 in favour. Ms Lockhart noted that she and her DUP colleagues voted in support of the motion, alongside independent, UUP and TUV party members from Northern Ireland.
She expressed disappointment that other Northern Ireland MPs, including those from Sinn Féin, the SDLP and Alliance, did not register a vote.
Ms Lockhart continued: “The timing of this motion could not have been more relevant given the current global instability. A secure supply of domestically produced energy would reduce reliance on imports. Yet Ed Miliband MP continues his push towards home-grown, clean power at the expense of practical realities.
“The fact remains that oil and gas still provide around 75% of the UK’s energy needs, and they will remain a central part of our energy system for decades to come. Any serious strategy must recognise that reality while ensuring security, affordability and sustainability.”
Concluding, the MP reiterated the need for a balanced and pragmatic approach to energy policy that supports both consumers and the wider economy, while ensuring that food producers are not overlooked in any future emergency planning.”
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