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Agriculture Community Government Politics Stormont

UUP Calls For Agriculture Minister to Resign

Ulster Unionist Party Agriculture spokesperson Robbie Butler MLA has called on Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir to stand down, following the Ulster Farmers’ Union’s vote of no confidence and its rejection of the independence of the Fivemiletown review. Robbie Butler said: “On Monday of this week, some people in the agri sector were hoping the Minister […]

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Agriculture Community Constituency Government Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann Westminster

MP Tells Stormont Protest That Farmers Have Had Enough of DAERA Hypocrisy

Following this week’s AERA meeting in Stormont, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said many serious questions remain unanswered in the aftermath of the Fivemiletown cattle cull conducted by DAERA. She said: “Farmers and members of the public want answers, but unfortunately the extraordinary committee meeting, which saw MLA’s recalled from their summer recess, failed […]

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Agriculture Community Constituency Government Lurgan Politics Upper Bann Westminster

Lockhart Questions Independence of Cattle Review and Calls For Multidisciplinary Panel

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns over the DAERA Minister’s decision to appoint a former Dublin Government Chief Veterinary Officer to lead an external review into the Fivemiletown cattle massacre. Ms Lockhart challenged the appointment, saying it raises legitimate questions around perceived conflict of interest, institutional independence and whether a review conducted […]

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Agriculture Community Crime

Crimestoppers Offer Reward on Rural Thefts In South Area

Following a number of rural thefts across South Area*, the independent charity Crimestoppers is now offering a reward. From 26 June, a reward of £3,500 is available for information given directly to the charity that results in the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Inspector Brian St Ledger said: “The theft of valuable agri-equipment and […]

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Agriculture Community Constituency Government Lurgan Politics Upper Bann Westminster

Lockhart Requests Urgent Meeting With Newly Appointed DEFRA Minister

DUP Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has written to newly appointed DEFRA Minister Stephen Morgan MP requesting an urgent meeting. Mr Morgan, Labour MP for Portsmouth South, was appointed last week as part of an impromptu Government reshuffle, replacing Dame Angela Eagle MP, whose tenure commenced in September 2025. Ms Lockhart has expressed concern at […]

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Agriculture Community Constituency Government Lurgan Politics Upper Bann Westminster

Meeting with DEFRA Minister Robust and Constructive: Lockhart

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart held a robust and constructive meeting in London this week with DEFRA Minister Dame Angela Eagle.  The MP said: “I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Minister for an engaging and detailed discussion on a range of pressing issues facing the UK’s agri-food sector. “The agenda was extensive, reflecting the scale […]

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Agriculture Community Constituency Government Lurgan Politics Upper Bann Westminster

MP Urges Chancellor to Restore Confidence In British Farming

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart MP is calling on the Chancellor to use the upcoming Spring Budget to right the wrongs of her previous actions. In a letter addressed to the Rachel Reeves MP, the DUP’s Westminster Agriculture spokesperson, has urged the Treasury to reconsider its inheritance tax reforms, and deliver meaningful and practical support […]

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Agriculture Armagh Community Constituency Government Newry Newry and Armagh South Armagh Westminster

Mercosur a Serious Threat to Farmers North and South – Hughes

Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes has said the EU-Mercosur trade deal represents a serious and growing threat to farmers both north and south, and has accused the Irish Government of failing to act when it had the chance. “The Irish Government had a responsibility to stop Mercosur and they failed completely in that task. They […]

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Agriculture Community Constituency Government Lurgan Upper Bann Westminster

MP Welcomes DAERA Support For BTV Movement Testing Within Control Zones

Confirmation that DAERA will absorb laboratory costs associated with the mandatory pre-movement testing of animals in the designated Bluetongue Temporary Control Zone, has been welcomed by Carla Lockhart MP. The DUP Agriculture spokesperson said: “The BTV-3 incursion was an unexpected blow for farmers in Northern Ireland, and I have been calling for support and mitigation […]

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Agriculture Armagh Constituency Government Newry Newry and Armagh South Armagh Westminster

Hughes Calls on Farmers Across Newry and Armagh, and The Island, to Vaccinate Cattle Against Bluetongue

Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes has urged farmers across Newry and Armagh, and the island of Ireland, to urgently vaccinate their cattle against Bluetongue disease, following its detection in several cows on a farm in Bangor, Co. Down. Hughes stressed that immediate vaccination is essential to protect livestock and prevent further economic losses, especially in […]

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Agriculture Community Crime

Farmer Convicted of Animal Welfare Charges

Wesley Lee (78), of Cleenish Road, Cleenish, Bellanaleck, Enniskillen was today convicted at Enniskillen Court on two charges under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 and one under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013. Mr Lee was convicted on: Mr Lee was convicted and fined £600 plus £15 offender levy and £72 summons fee. […]

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Agriculture Community Constituency Government Lurgan Politics Upper Bann Westminster

Open Farm Weekend an Opportunity to Experience Life Beyond Farmgate

As a strong advocate for all things farming in Northern Ireland, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is encouraging members of the public to support the Bank of Ireland Open Farm weekend – commencing on Saturday, 14th June. “Launched in 2012, the free on-farm experience is a showcase for the province’s vibrant farming industry. The two-day event […]