Jonathan Buckley
Upper Bann · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Sinn Féin's representatives in the European Parliament voted against proposals aimed at strengthening the management of illegal immigration and facilitating the return of failed asylum applicants — those who entered countries illegally — to designated return hubs outside the European Union.”
“Last year, Sinn Féin, alongside the open-border brigade of the Alliance Party and the SDLP, voted against my motion in the Assembly that called for action to address concerns about illegal and uncontrolled immigration.”
“People want an immigration system that is controlled, credible and properly enforced whilst ensuring that the genuine, heartfelt, lived experience and concerns of local citizens are at the heart of the debate. That is not an unreasonable position to take.”
“I highlight yet another example of a political party claiming to represent the views of people across the island of Ireland yet taking a position that is fundamentally out of step with the concerns being expressed by a vast number of people across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and, indeed, the rest of the United Kingdom, and t…”
“The Minister is aware and is, in fact, on record as having suggested that organised drug crime is happening in prisons. I have previously raised that matter in the Assembly.”
“Minister, I am sure that you agree that we cannot continue to leave residents in limbo. There has to be some progress on the matter. A number of unfinished developments have been lying stagnant for a long time, but the number is so small that it would not require that great an amount of money to ensure adequate facilities for residents, e…”
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“I thank the Member for giving way. His point about the layers and layers of bureaucracy further supports the Road Haulage Association's claim about a 30% drop in goods moved from GB to Northern Ireland. Suppliers are looking at this and saying that it is too burdensome for them to deal with. Does the Member agree that dual market access simply does not exist, because there is not as equitable an arrangement for GB-NI as there is for those entering the single market?”
“Minister, many of our Upper Bann constituents have faced foul-smelling and foul-tasting drinking water in recent days. You outlined how NI Water has said that the water is safe to drink. If, however, a constituent came to us and said that they smelled, for example, mould from a packet of ham or foul odours from a drum of milk in their fridge, we would not advise them to eat or drink it. How sure can we be that it is not the same with the water? Does the Minister have a timescale for when NI Water feels that it will have the issue satisfactorily resolved?”
“Sinn Féin members refused to take part in the recent inquest. Alan Black is not the only example. There are countless people out there who are crying out for justice, but whom do the Government seek to protect? I cannot but draw the conclusion that it is an attempt to spare the blushes of an Irish Government that refuse to cooperate or, indeed, those in the Sinn Féin ranks who continually conceal information about what they know to have happened in the murderous past.”
“Just last week, Sir Keir Starmer released 2,000 prisoners from our jails, with one being arrested and detained on the very same day, following a sexual assault. To me, this does not seem to be a Prime Minister who is in touch with the issues affecting citizens every day. <BR /> <BR />There is a two-tier approach to victims being taken. Just last week, the Government announced a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane. Every family that suffered during the Troubles has a right to access justice, but I cannot but say that there has been a two-tier approach taken to addressing the carnage, brutality and barbarity of the acts carried act by the republican movement. I think of Alan Black, a friend who was shot 18 times on a roadside in Kingsmills. Ten of his colleagues were killed in the most brutal sectarian act of our Troubles.”
“Another week in Labour la-la land. Another episode of 'Carry On Keir'. I thought that we were told that 'Things Can Only Get Better'. That tells me much about a Prime Minister who is more concerned about which donor will buy his latest designer suit or glasses than about dealing with the pressing priorities that people across the country face. <BR /> <BR />Just last week, on Saturday, 800 illegal immigrants crossed the English Channel. Sadly, eight of them lost their life. Just last week, there was a vote in Parliament on the Labour Government's decision to cut winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners. The very next day, whilst pensioners fear for the winter, the Labour Government announced £600 million in additional funds to fight the war in Ukraine.”
“The Euros will have a legacy for football, which I would like to be redevelopment and an energy in our grassroots football fraternity in Northern Ireland for all communities.”
“Your Minister in the Department of Justice recently signed off spend of £13·3 million on a canteen at Magilligan prison, so do not come to the House and wax lyrical about where and how money should be spent appropriately. Look in your own backyard. <BR /> <BR />I will also not allow the narrative that the GAA is the poor man's cousin to be perpetuated in the Chamber. The GAA has a yearly income revenue of over £100 million. I am not against the redevelopment of Casement Park. I am not against a fair and equitable settlement from this place, as was committed to, but it must be done on a fair and equitable basis. <BR /> <BR />The Member who made the statement, Miss Reilly, mentioned building a state-of-the-art facility for Gaelic games. That, indeed, is the point.”
“The first is the cost. A £400 million price tag has been put on the decision as to whether Casement Park should be redeveloped. I see Mr Honeyford shaking his head, but I honestly think that sometimes the House loses the run of itself and Members do not understand the priorities of people today. You may think that £400 million for the redevelopment of a sports stadium would be a great thing for Northern Ireland and would deliver tangible outcomes as a concert venue and sporting facility, but people's funding priorities are, to just name a few, waiting lists, childcare, special educational needs provision and pensioners' fuel payments. Mr Honeyford, I heard your passionate plea about the visions and priorities of the Alliance Party.”
“There are many reasons why Casement Park has not been redeveloped, many of which have been outlined in the House today, but there are two parts to it. Like Lord Elliott, I am not against the redevelopment of Casement Park in line with adequate and fair funding, as was announced in 2011 for all the sporting codes. That landmark decision could have transformed sports in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I will raise two points.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I want to be practical. One of the issues affecting farmers is the inflexibility surrounding a slurry season that opens on 15 October and closes on 31 January. With very unpredictable weather, to put it mildly, in Northern Ireland, that is simply not realistic for many farmers. It puts them under huge pressure to get slurry out in what are sometimes very wet conditions rather than having some flexibility and better weather predictions and conditions on the ground. Will the Minister lobby on that and look into it as a genuine way of trying to reduce run-off into waterways and Lough Neagh?”
“He said that he had not received a letter from the leader of the Opposition.”
“Minister, this is a disgraceful decision, with Labour choosing to pick the pocket of over 10 million pensioners across the UK whilst there is continual wastage on benefit fraud to the tune of £2 billion and, indeed, a cash-busting £11 billion on climate-related foreign aid. Transparency is important. The SDLP, which sits as the Opposition in this place and enjoys a sister party relationship with Labour, sits on the Government Benches at Westminster. Will the Minister clarify whether he has received any letter or appeal from the leader of the Opposition, Mr Matthew O'Toole, challenging this disgraceful decision by the Labour Government?”
“The Troubles permanent disablement payment scheme continues to be a vital lifeline for many people who were caught up in the absolute barbarity of the Northern Ireland Troubles. That barbarity was brought into sharp focus recently by the dig for Captain Robert Nairac in a bog in County Louth. Does the deputy First Minister agree that it is vital that anybody who holds information on not only Captain Nairac's remains but those of others of the disappeared, such as Columba McVeigh and Joe Lynskey, come forward to the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) and allow those families to give their loved ones the Christian burials that they deserve?”
“I urge colleagues in this place to do likewise.”
“Labour would rather target low-income families than address the ridiculous situation of over £8 million a day being spent in this country to house asylum seekers in hotels. Labour would rather cut pensioners' fuel payments than, as a first point of call, recoup or attempt to recoup over £2 billion that was lost in benefit fraud in the last financial year. <BR /> <BR />I urge the Government to do a U-turn. There is no shame: this is wrong.”
“<BR /> <BR />It says a lot about a Labour Government and what their priorities will be when their first action is to cut the fuel payment for those vulnerable, low-income pensioners. I am not talking about the millionaires, as some want to divert to quite often; I am talking about those who are on a low income and see the challenges that this will bring not only to them but to their well-being and family. It talks about priorities when you do something like that, rather than attempt to address some of the severe structural issues in finance across the United Kingdom. It ducks real issues. <BR /> <BR />Labour wants to pick the pockets of pensioners whilst, with the same hand, dishing out over £11 billion in foreign aid in relation to climate.”
“This summer brought about a new Labour Government after 14 years of Conservative rule. We were all promised and it was heralded that the Labour Government would be honest, progressive and compassionate. They were to be a big contrast with what went before. How does that stack up when we look at actions such as the disgraceful attempts by the Labour Government to remove the winter fuel payment from 10 million pensioners across the United Kingdom? To put that in perspective, of the 306,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland, over 250,000 will lose the winter fuel payment. They are pensioners who have worked hard all their lives, built up pensions and held their own homes. They are genuinely concerned and worried as to what the winter will look like.”
“— enriches our country by representing and respecting its cultural identity.”
“We need a targeted immigration policy that deals with societal realities, grows our economy and, crucially, —”
“It is an absolutely critical point, because the current Westminster policy failures in relation to immigration have led to a situation where many people feel that their voice is not heard nor their communities protected. I understand that I may speak from a different point of view than many Members in this Chamber, but it is better for me to say it in this place than for people outside of this place to express it in a violent way, which is unacceptable. We must channel this energy into meaningful dialogue and actions to address the underlying policy failures, whether that be weak border controls, underinvestment in key public services, low police numbers or a UK-wide benefit system that continues to attract illegal immigration to the United Kingdom.”
“The elderly citizen who is angered that their winter fuel payment has been taken from them whilst £80 million a day is being spent to house asylum seekers in hotels is not racist or far right, Members. To label them as such is a mischaracterisation and stifles the constructive dialogue and alienates a large section of the population who have legitimate concerns. <BR /> <BR />The current Westminster policy —.”
“I will in a moment. <BR /> <BR />The additional strain — I emphasise the word "additional" — on public services such as housing, school places and council services cannot be ignored. I see this day in and day out as an elected representative. My first duty is to ensure our citizens' security, well-being and prosperity. One of the most dangerous aspects of the current debate is the tendency for commentators and politicians to brand anyone who questions uncontrolled immigration and its contributing impact on society as far right and racist. Members, the mother who has concerns about getting her child a school place is not far right or racist. The 25-year-old who cannot get housing in his local community is not far right or racist.”
“They are vital to sectors such as healthcare, as has been mentioned, in which we rely heavily on skilled professionals from abroad to maintain the quality of our services. Immigration that is tailored to our country's specific needs is beneficial and necessary. Conversely, large-scale, uncontrolled immigration over a prolonged period is causing serious issues for local constituents. As an elected representative, I would be failing my constituents if I were not prepared to speak about those issues in this place.”
“Ignoring those concerns does a huge disservice to the very people whom we claim to represent, regardless of background. The issues deserve proper scrutiny, political debate and policy changes, but never — never — should they result in racist street attacks, whether those be in east, west or south Belfast or across the United Kingdom. No. <BR /> <BR />It is therefore essential to differentiate between opposing uncontrolled and illegal immigration and opposing immigration altogether. Most people support legal, controlled and managed immigration. Our country has a proud history of welcoming those who seek a better life, who contribute positively to our society and who respect our laws and values.”
“Let me be crystal clear: I utterly condemn the violence that has taken place on our streets and across the United Kingdom: no ifs, no buts. I express my sympathy to the families of Elsie, aged seven, Alice, aged nine, and Bebe, aged six, who were so callously murdered in Southport. The violent scenes across the United Kingdom in the aftermath of those horrendous murders do nothing to honour their memory. Such actions are illegal, reckless and counterproductive to the vital discussions that we need to have about our country's immigration policies. There can be no doubt that the UK's long-term uncontrolled immigration policy has sparked considerable concerns across the nation. Many citizens, me included, feel that it is contributing to the considerable strain on our public resources.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. His comment leads on to an important point. Does the Member agree that this is a time-critical issue? Just as the public understood the debate on human vaccines in relation to the protocol and how that impacted on Northern Ireland, they equally understand and are concerned about veterinary medicines. Does he agree that it would be a dereliction of duty by the UK Government and the European Union to not come forward with a solution quickly?”
“I thank the Minister for giving way and for the recognition that he places on the huge vulnerability that Northern Ireland faces from the lack of veterinary medicines. Is it his assessment that the working group that has been established has the capacity and capability to progress the debate towards a solution?”
“<BR /> <BR />Our goal should be to find a pragmatic agreement with the EU that respects Northern Ireland's place in the UK internal market for veterinary medicines while maintaining our valuable trade routes. Let us collectively call on the European Union to engage productively with the UK Government. By doing so, we can ensure the continued supply of veterinary medicines, protect our animals' health and welfare and sustain the economic viability of our agri-food industry.”
“That scenario threatens not only individual animals but public health at large. <BR /> <BR />Our concern is not limited to farm animals. Show animals, such as horses, and companion animals — pets — are also likely to be at risk. The loss of vaccines against many equine diseases and of essential pain management products could be devastating. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has warned that the loss of the sole vaccine for poultry against salmonella could lead to serious public health emergencies. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the establishment of the veterinary medicine working group, and it would be churlish of the House not to recognise its composition and far-reaching expertise. The group will urgently advise the UK Government on proposals to resolve the issues for farmers, industry and animal owners.”
“As a result, we could, as I said, face the alarming prospect of losing access to more than 51% of our veterinary medicines. That potential reduction in the range of veterinary medicines — up to 35% of the current supply — poses significant risks. That will not only affect the availability of different pack sizes but jeopardise the importation of specific products such as vaccines. <BR /> <BR />The economic consequences for our agri-food industry are severe, as the inability to sell agri-food products to GB due to reputational risk can damage consumer confidence. Moreover, the issue extends beyond economic ramifications. The absence of adequate access to veterinary medicines could lead to increased vulnerability to disease outbreaks, reduce capacity to treat and prevent illnesses and compromise animal welfare standards.”
“It is as serious as that, and, if not addressed, it will have devastating impacts on our agri-food industry, veterinary practices and animal welfare in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The recent inquiry by the House of Lords Windsor Framework Sub-Committee into veterinary medicines and the Windsor framework has highlighted an existential crisis that could severely impact the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland due to the Northern Ireland protocol. About 85% of veterinary medicine products authorised in Northern Ireland are registered to a GB address. EU regulation 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products, coupled with the additional requirement for products moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland to undergo batch testing, imposes an unnecessary cost and burden on manufacturers.”
“I thank Tom Elliott for tabling the motion. Often, we reflect in this place on how pressing and important private Members' motions can be, although I do not believe anybody in the House today can escape the crucial nature of this motion and the time bomb that is about to explode. It is my earnest hope that the House can cast aside party political points and Remain and Leave arguments. The debate is about not only the security of the supply of animal medicines but, perhaps more importantly, sending a united message to London and Brussels that the issue must be addressed for the long term. <BR /> <BR />Make no mistake: as we speak in the Chamber today, pharmaceutical companies are forward planning. If things are not resolved, we know for a fact that Northern Ireland could see a complete withdrawal of 50% of vital animal medicines.”
“I thank the Member for giving way, and I appreciate the constructive way in which the Alliance Party is looking at the motion and the amendment. I assure him that, whilst that may be a concern of the Alliance Party, it is certainly not the intention of the amendment. The amendment's focus is on trying to ensure that the UK Government, with the EU, focus on tangible solutions. We recognise that single market access is crucial for veterinary medicines in the wider scheme of things.”
“<BR /> <BR />Whilst we can get out and support farmers at the Balmoral Show, which showcases what Northern Ireland has to offer, there is a real need — I say this to Members across the board, from all political parties — for us to look at farming not as a problem but as part of the solution. Our farming communities go to the very heart of this society. They feel very vulnerable at the moment. They feel that political voices — not only here in the Northern Ireland Assembly but in London and Brussels — have forgotten about them. We need to recommit ourselves, not only in the Chamber but in legislation and in our actions outside the Chamber. We need to reconnect, refocus and support the proud tradition of farming and our agri-food sector.”
“Quite often, the Balmoral Show is a litmus test for the feelings and thoughts of our rural and agricultural community. Whilst we can reflect on a successful show, we have to be aware of the challenges that our farmers face at present. If any Member took the time to have those conversations, they will have found that there is a lot of concern out there. There is concern about financial viability; concern over the rise in TB among livestock; concern regarding an ammonia strategy that has a long-term impact on the viability and advancement of our hugely successful agri-food sector, particularly the poultry industry; and concern about fair prices. All those issues, and many more, are bubbling away, facing our farming community.”
“I congratulate the organisers of and participants in the 155th Balmoral Show — Northern Ireland's largest agri-food event. Any Member who attended would have been blown away not only by the producers and the livestock that was on show but by those who supply our agri-food sector across the board. Over 100,000 people descended on the show this year over four days. That is testament to the hard yards put in by those who organised such a terrific event. I put on record my thanks to the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society and its president, Mr John Henning, who put on a stellar show for us all. <BR /> <BR />Whether livestock or food, this is a time for the industry to come together, talk to one another and share concerns and successes. That was evident at this year's show.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Does he share my disappointment that the Minister's departmental response focused almost entirely on aerospace? I know that the Member has probed the issue in Committee. Does he assume that jobs in other sectors may not be deemed as being "good jobs" for the Department for the Economy?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Does the Member believe that the 9,000 people employed in the defence industry, whether it is in the aerospace, defence, security or space sectors, are in bad jobs? Does he not believe that they deserve the full support of the House to ensure that they can meet their true potential?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I hope that he agrees that there was no attempt to be divisive with the motion; rather, the motion recognises a hugely innovative sector that has huge potential for growth in Northern Ireland. He mentions people having "a good job". We spend much time in our Committee debating what the Department for the Economy's definition of "a good job" is. Does he agree that, by their abject failure to support the motion, Sinn Féin and the SDLP are saying that a defence job is not a good job in Northern Ireland?”
“Minister, the lives of some constituents who engage with me continue to be blighted by antisocial behaviour in their communities. What can the Minister and his Department do to ensure that we hold the Housing Executive and, indeed, housing associations accountable for those who commit antisocial behaviour and plague local communities?”
“<BR /> <BR />Strengthening Northern Ireland's defence industries is not just about economic prosperity; it is about enhancing our national security and positioning ourselves as a global leader in innovative technology. By increasing MOD spending and investment, supporting our SMEs and fostering skills development, we can unlock significant economic opportunities and contribute more robustly to the UK's defence network. Let us seize the opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland's strengths and ensure that our industries thrive on a national and international stage. By working together — government, industry and academia — we can build a brighter and more prosperous future for Northern Ireland and reaffirm our place as a vital part of the United Kingdom's defence ecosystem.”
“To overcome those barriers, we must provide targeted support, including grants for travel to MoD meetings and international trade shows as well as enhancing networking opportunities to ensure that we connect SMEs with larger defence contractors. Furthermore, we must advocate a more significant share of MoD spending to be allocated to Northern Ireland. The current level of investment is disproportionately low and does not reflect the substantial capabilities and contributions of local industries. By increasing MoD spending in Northern Ireland, we can create more jobs, stimulate economic growth and ensure that our defence sector reaches its full potential.”
“ADS, the representative body for the aerospace defence, security and space sectors, maintains strong links with Queen's University and Ulster University. Initiatives like the Schools Build-a-Plane project inspire young people to get involved in these fields, ensuring a steady flow of talent into those emerging industries. <BR /> <BR />While we celebrate those successes, we must not overlook the barriers that our SMEs, in particular, face in entering the defence market. A key concern highlighted in recent think tank reports and in evidence provided by representative bodies to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee inquiry is the difficulty SMEs in our Province experience in exploiting new opportunities and connecting with MoD initiatives and in showcasing their products and services on the national and international stage.”
“Thales has launched an engineering and advanced manufacturing skills academy in Belfast in collaboration with South Eastern Regional College in Bangor and Ulster University in Belfast. That academy currently supports 62 apprentices and plans to train over 170 apprentices over the next five years, creating a pool of specialists in complex weapons systems. It is a hugely exciting time for those who are getting involved. Thales engages in STEM outreach programmes in primary and secondary schools across Northern Ireland, inspiring the next generation of engineers by encouraging students to identify and solve everyday problems through engineering. <BR /> <BR />To further solidify our position as a leader in the defence sector, we must leverage our academic partnerships.”
“Moreover, advanced manufacturing and engineering were highlighted in the DUP's 10X economic vision, a blueprint that championed sectors where Northern Ireland can excel globally. I call on the Minister for the Economy to reaffirm her commitment to that vision to ensure sustained innovation and growth. <BR /> <BR />The Northern Ireland Advanced Composites and Engineering Centre, part of the Belfast city deal's Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, serves as a technology hub for research and development. Spirit AeroSystems, a key industrial partner, underscores the potential for collaborative ventures that drive technological advancements and economic growth.”
“That hub would act as a central point for information sharing, networking and collaboration and would help smaller companies navigate the complexities of defence procurement and identify opportunities for growth. The second is creating grant schemes to help SMEs attend MoD meetings and international trade shows, which would bridge the distance divide and enhance our global profile. The third is investing in skills development through partnerships like Thales's engineering and advanced manufacturing skills academy, which provides bespoke training and supports apprenticeships. A key focus of the Committee's work has been on those very skills and trying to promote the need for further advanced apprenticeships.”
“Spirit Aerosystems' advanced composite manufacturing solutions are integral to the Royal Air Force's (RAF) future combat aircraft. However, the potential expands far beyond those notable examples. Northern Ireland SMEs, like Artemis Technologies, are at the forefront of digital manufacturing and technology, while our research hubs at Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University drive forward innovation. <BR /> <BR />We must harness that ingenuity and ensure that our SMEs can connect with MoD initiatives and showcase their products on the national and, indeed, the international stage. To achieve that, we propose several initiatives. The first is establishing a dedicated hub to foster direct engagement between local SMEs and the MoD.”
“The review aims to enhance public and commercial understanding of our capabilities, ensure equitable investment and leverage our academic and research strengths. Our cybersecurity clusters, academic centres of excellence and a steady pipeline of highly qualified STEM graduates uniquely position us to generate advanced military and security capabilities. <BR /> <BR />Prominent local companies like Thales, Harland and Wolff and Spirit Aerosystems exemplify the high calibre of work that is produced here. Thales, for instance, plays a crucial role in producing surface-to-air StarStreak missiles, which are vital to the UK's support for Ukraine. Harland and Wolff's involvement in the fleet solid support ship programme will not only create significant employment opportunities but reinforce our proud shipbuilding heritage.”
“<BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland has consistently punched well above its weight in its contributions to the UK's armed forces. Despite making up roughly just 2·8% of the UK's population, Northern Ireland has historically provided a higher proportion of soldiers. That speaks volumes about our commitment and dedication to national security. It is a timely intervention for us to debate the motion today, because it recognises that, in their economic contributions, our industries reflect the same level of commitment. <BR /> <BR />The UK Government's commitment in the 'Safeguarding the Union' Command Paper to review and increase awareness of Northern Ireland's defence sector is a positive and promising start.”
“Last year, the MoD's expenditure per person in Northern Ireland was a mere £100, starkly contrasting with £380 in Scotland and England and £250 in Wales. That disparity is even more glaring when we consider that, in Northern Ireland, SMEs, which form 95% of defence companies, received just £2 million in MoD contracts compared with £29 million in Scotland and a staggering £408 million in the south-west of England. We must address the imbalance and fully integrate Northern Ireland into the UK defence network. That is not only a matter of fairness but a strategic necessity. Northern Ireland has a proud tradition of contributing to the UK's defence, and our local industries have the potential to play an even greater role.”