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 Minister for his statement on the additional funding allocated and, in particular, the £639 million for COVID-related activity in the Departments. That is most welcome. It is, indeed, good to see that, in a time of crisis, we have prioritised those issues as a matter of concern, and that will be a very welcome signal to many of our constituents across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I welcome not only the particular schemes put in place by the Assembly for the freezing of rates etc but those from the British Government that will help to alleviate some of the immediate concerns facing many businesses today. <BR /> <BR />I echo the point made by my colleague Mr Frew about looking at particular measures to extend the industrial rate freeze for the industries particularly affected by COVID-19. That would be a very welcome step.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is sad that, in these circumstances, we cannot debate or put forward legislation or amendments to this very issue, but I take cognisance of what my friend Mr Givan has said that, when that opportunity should come, this party will not be found wanting, and I place on record to my constituents who have lobbied me on this issue and to the unborn that I will never be silent on the issue of the unborn.”
“We talk about protection of the most vulnerable. I have heard it on every side of this House, but on an issue like this, we turn a blind eye to those who cannot defend themselves. Shame, Mr Speaker. The regulations will allow abortion on request for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and abortion up to 24 weeks on grounds of continuance of the pregnancy, which would involve risk of injury to the physical or mental well-being of the pregnant woman or girl. This legislative Assembly has been held in contempt, and it is high time that we recognise that.”
“It is an absolute shame on the British Government and a shame on the NIO that, in the midst of such uncertain times and such crisis that we are in, these regulations and legislation can come into effect. <BR /> <BR />I rise as someone who is unashamedly pro-life. I value life from beginning to end, but it seems that while we debate COVID-19 in this place and across this country, many have risen and spoken with great emotion and sincerity about the lives that will be lost as a result of this cursed plague, COVID-19, but, yet, can turn a blind eye while regulations come into place that end the life of the unborn. They operate a policy simply of seeing is believing. What utter shame and contempt on not only the British Government but, indeed, Members who choose to turn a blind eye in this House.”
“It is with great sadness that I rise in the House today, for two reasons, first, to speak on behalf of the thousands of constituents who have contacted me and other Members on this issue since I became an elected representative. This is an issue that transcends traditional party lines. Traditional orange and green go out the window when it comes to the rights of the unborn. <BR /> <BR />I also rise to speak for those who do not have a voice: the unborn, and, particularly, here in Northern Ireland because Northern Ireland has enjoyed a pro-life policy in which we can celebrate 100,000 people living today because of the policies that we had in place. No one in this House or, indeed, in Westminster can tell me that those people have not contributed and added value to society here in Northern Ireland and further afield.”
“So we have loved ones who really want to visit their elderly relatives whom they sense are in real danger, but are unable to do so at this time because again we have a message of, "Is it safe to go?". Some homes have applied a blanket ban and others have not, but there is no clarity. They desperately need clarity in this time, and it is important that we as MLAs can relay that back to Ministers at a time like this.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. On her point about unintended consequences, I have been contacted today by constituents who fear for the lives of their elderly, who are in care homes and nursing homes across this country. Some are incapacitated in such a way that it is their loved ones who visit them in these homes whom they really rely on in this time. We have seen recent reports from Spain on the BBC news that suggest a higher number of elderly have now become vulnerable in care homes and, sadly, passed away because they have not been provided with the appropriate care. It has been rightly pointed out that many who work in our care homes are professionals who are unsung heroes at this time, but, sadly, as we have seen in Northern Ireland in the past, that is not always the case.”
“I thank the Member for giving way on that crucial point. Given the vagueness — maybe you have a different wording to that in your email — will you agree that it is that vagueness that is causing a lot of the widespread confusion among many in the workplace? On the one hand, social gatherings are prohibited, but, on the other hand, many of them are gathering in the workplace today, unable to socially distance. Some of them are questioning whether their industry is key. These are questions that are continually coming up, and there seems to be no right and wrong answer.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. That is the experience not just in industry but in some of those governmental jobs that are not as crucial and urgent at this time. I draw his attention to the fact that, in the Infrastructure Department, at the moment, there are traffic wardens who are still on the streets engaging with people as they go about their business, be it going to a pharmacy or getting essential goods. People are also using car park machines to get a ticket to put on their car. That is, again, increasing contact with other people. I have asked the Agriculture Minister to pass on the message to the Minister for Infrastructure that traffic wardens should essentially be stood down at this time. They do not want to put anybody — or themselves — at risk. Does the Member agree with me?”
“I know that a lot of work has been going on among Executive colleagues to address the issue, but I plead with you all to put it as a matter of priority and ensure that self-employed people have some form of cover in these deeply uncertain times.”
“<BR /> <BR />We saw the worst in society as we watched over the weekend how people openly flouted the recommendation to socially isolate and keep social distancing. More has to be done to encourage everyone to take this as seriously as possible at this time. <BR /> <BR />I wanted to lay on you the key message from many of my constituents who are worried for their income. While I recognise, as, I think, the entire House will, the blessing that was that huge financial package from the Chancellor, which really did put a lot of people at ease regarding day-to-day incomes, the self-employed, who represent a huge part of our economy and our society, feel vulnerable, as do their families. That is understandable.”
“I thank the First Minister and the deputy First Minister for their presence today. It is true that, in situations like this, we see the best and the worst in humanity. We see the best in our local health workers whom we send to the front line to fight the virus. I pay tribute to them, because I have seen what they have done in my constituency in Craigavon Area Hospital. They are truly heroes of our time, and, when we pass this awful period, it will be said that never has so much been owed by so many to so few. In that regard, Minister, I have watched how you have echoed the point that it is key now that our healthcare professionals receive the testing that they need and, more importantly, even at this stage, the vital PPE supplies that many of them are crying out for. I know that that work is ongoing.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I listened to the point that he and Mr Allister made where he equated the number of spads here to the number working for the Welsh Government. Does the Member agree that that is not a fair representation? He is comparing pears with oranges, given that our circumstances — an involuntary coalition — are unique.”
“Minister, over the past few weeks, we listened intently as you outlined the severe pressures facing our public finances. Given the unfolding crisis, we know that that will get a lot worse very quickly and over a sustained period. Does the Minister agree that, over the next few weeks and months, the Executive must refocus their priorities to meet this unfolding local crisis?”
“I thank the Minister for the seriousness with which she is dealing with this issue. We know the widespread impact that it will have on our economy, so it is strong that we have a devolved Government that are dealing with this issue in a coherent way. We heard at the weekend that the British Government are engaging with industry in an attempt to try and find the additional ventilators that will be needed to deal with this crisis. Has the Minister engaged with industry locally to see whether some companies can diversify to provide the ventilators that will be needed?”
“A week and a half ago, the Agriculture Minister, along with me, met local farmers who had concerns that rising lough levels and rising tides could impact on their lands and businesses in the same dramatic way. They fear that the lessons have not been learnt when they look at dredging of the River Bann and lough levels. Some mentioned lock gates that have been broken for a considerable period. Will the Minister commit to meeting them, along with me, the Minister of Agriculture and Mrs Dolores Kelly, to see if we can address those concerns before we face the same situation again?”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I would appreciate it if you could consider the disgraceful comments from the Member for Upper Bann Mr O'Dowd on social media at the weekend, where he referred not only to the British Government but, indeed, to Chief Medical Officers in the United Kingdom as a shower of bs. I ask that you rule on whether those comments are in keeping with the code of conduct for Members and whether they should be referred to the Standards and Privileges Committee. In the midst of a global crisis, people look to Stormont for leadership, not political grandstanding.”
“While I do not know the individual case, they find that concerning, given that they both may have had contact with the individual or individuals, but one is saying to self-isolate and the other is saying not to do so. Will the Minister give some clarity on that or follow it up with the Public Health Agency?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and pay tribute to his Department and the many health workers who are dealing with the issue. We know that they are doing so in already difficult circumstances, given the pressures on our emergency services and emergency departments. <BR /> <BR />I congratulate the Minister for presenting clear, calm and consistent advice. That is essential, not only from politicians but from health professionals. One of the confirmed cases that the Minister talked about affects my constituency, and he made reference to it in part. While not talking about the specifics of that case, I have fielded a lot of calls from businesses and sports clubs that have voiced their confusion: with the Public Health Agency and the 111 helpline, some are receiving different advice from others.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement thus far and for the seriousness with which he has taken the issue. Coronavirus continues to cause widespread disruption across the world, but there is a lot of concern locally from teachers, staff and parents on the potential impact if coronavirus does indeed spread throughout our school population. With that in mind, and given the fluidity of the situation, will the Minister outline what legislative powers are in place if it does come to a point at which we have to close schools?”
“I also welcome the words about the increase in public realm works. The Minister may be aware that there is a considerable issue with some of the legacy public realm schemes, where there has been a failure to supply adequate disability access. Will the Minister commit from the Dispatch Box today that, going forward, disability rights and access will be at the forefront of any public realm schemes that come from the Department?”
“Thank you, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker. On that point, it is important to note that this will have an impact on our economy and our community that will, indeed, have an impact on budget allocations, so it is important now that we are vigilant and that we have that a joined-up approach from government to look at how we tackle the impending crisis. I hope that I have linked that adequately to the Budget. <BR /> <BR />In reality, we must be real and practical about what we as an Assembly can achieve. I hope that, going forward, the Minister has outlined the severe pressures that face this place in the next year or more. It is important that we as Members look strategically at Northern Ireland and at our constituencies and deliver best value for money, which, sadly, to date, has been lacking.”
“There is also grave concern among employees about what it means for them. We must factor in those concerns.”
“This will have a severe impact on future Budgets. I know that there has been collective agreement across the House about how we try to address waiting lists, but we face a public scare now like we have never seen before, namely coronavirus. While I welcome the work being done across the Executive to allay public fears and allow the correct information to get out there, more needs to be done. <BR /> <BR />It is on public record that one of the confirmed coronavirus cases is in Portadown in my constituency of Upper Bann, and I was talking this morning to a representative from the construction company that the individual is associated with. He told me that he has already had to close down sites for fear of the spread of coronavirus and that he is liaising with the Public Health Agency about it.”
“Many Members talked in the House last week, the week before and since this place has been restored about the projects and priorities in their constituency, but we must be realistic about what can be achieved and not only in the next budgetary year. Going forward, there must be long-term strategic thinking. <BR /> <BR />I want to put on record the impact that the coronavirus could have not only on our economy and the Economy Department but, indeed, on the health service, given the pressures that it already faces. I fielded calls over the weekend about the pressures facing Craigavon Area Hospital, which is putting out constant daily reminders to constituents to stay away, if possible, from an already overburdened health service. We have people on trolleys; we have severe pressure on our staff.”
“The lack of a Government for three years has meant that there is pressure on our public services like never before. The processes around that need to change, whether that is moving towards a multi-year Budget or something else. More importantly, it will be about allowing for proper scrutiny from Members, be that in the Finance Committee or here in the House. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I want to hit on a key point. As has been mentioned, our economy is in a state of flux at the moment with fears surrounding the coronavirus, and it is about time that Members got real and started to deal with the people's priorities: education, health and the economy.”
“I will be brief, as I spoke on this at Second Stage, but I think that it is only right that I make comment today. I realise that this is mainly going through procedure and process, and I very much look forward to the Budget (No. 2) Bill, when we will get into the depth of what Westminster brings in the Chancellor's new Budget. <BR /> <BR />At Second Stage, I listened to some passionate pleas from Members about priorities in their constituencies. I heard some good examples of how the lack of governance in this place really has affected day-to-day communities, whether that be at a constituent level or more regionally on infrastructure projects or our health service. With that said, I recognise that, as a lot of Members have said today, fundamentally, the process has been flawed.”
“In 2016, severe flooding damaged considerable parts of my Upper Bann constituency, namely on the lough shore. Farmland and rural businesses were destroyed by severe floods and a rising lough level. Although I know that the Minister's Department does not control the level of the lough — that lies with the Department for Infrastructure — farmers are again looking on at increased rainfall and noticing the dangerous lough level. They are asking whether there will be ministerial coordination between DAERA and the Department for Infrastructure to ensure that the hardship and pain caused to many of those farmers does not happen again.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I note what Mr Beattie said about the duty on us to look after those in care, but will the Member join me in recognising the many caregivers in residential homes and care homes who do a fantastic service of looking after our elderly when they are at their most vulnerable?”
“Does the Member agree that that sentence does nothing but bring additional terror to the family, who have to live every day knowing that the perpetrator is back on the streets so quickly?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. He referred to domestic abuse. Does he believe that, fundamentally, by breaking the stigma of domestic abuse, we will help to eradicate it?”
“I, too, pay tribute to the Minister for this positive statement. I can think of no better place than this beautiful, wood-inspired environment in which to announce positive action on afforestation. I draw particular attention to the Department's forest parks, which he mentioned, and I note that, in my constituency and the surrounding area, we have Peatlands Park and Loughgall Country Park. The Minister quoted visitor numbers of five million and the positive lifestyle and fitness regimes that those parks can provide. In many areas, the biggest obstacle is access, particularly in the winter months. Will the Minister commit to looking at potential ways of opening up parks to provide better access, thereby boosting the numbers who can benefit from those tree-inspired environments?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and for the work that he is doing on matters pertaining to Brexit on behalf of the Assembly and the Executive, in particular his vocal opposition, alongside his devolved colleagues, to barriers and infrastructure at our ports. It is fair to say that we must hold Boris Johnson firm to his commitment of there being unfettered free trade east-west, given the fact that the Assembly voted unanimously against the Brexit Bill when it came before the House. <BR /> <BR />If the protocol is implemented in full, as the EU would suggest, at what cost would that be to the Northern Ireland agri-food sector?”
“I recognise what the Member has said in relation to the A5, but it would be remiss of me to not put on record my grave concerns in relation to the A1. Since 1998 — the Minister will be aware of this, because it goes through both of our constituencies — it has claimed over 60 lives.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I share his concerns about the pressures that he mentioned. Will he agree with me that the damning indictment is that, for three years, institutions such as the Education Authority went about their business with absolutely zero political accountability?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I heard subregional stadia mentioned, and, as a member of the Communities Committee, along with the Member, I understand the great need to implement the subregional stadia funding. Does the Member believe that the available funding is adequate to deliver on the demand that is there?”
“In this new Assembly, I challenge each Member to lay aside our differences and work for the betterment of the people we have let down over the past three years of inactivity. I urge every Member to join me in my commitment to humbly serve and deliver for the people of this country, because that is simply what they deserve from every MLA.”
“It is to those people that the Assembly has the unrestricted ability to bring hope, but it cannot be the case that the good news story from these institutions is that government exists. It must begin to deliver for people. The era of the sound bite is over. Our people simply will not put up with it, and that is what I meant when I talked about the disbelief when the Assembly, rightly, looked to climate change and declared a climate emergency. That stands in stark contrast to the state of our public transport in this country. We must be practical; we must be real. <BR /> <BR />In closing, let me say that we celebrate the centenary of Northern Ireland in 2021. I trust the message will be one of healing and hope. As the youngest unionist Member, I plead with Members to make this new approach work.”
“When the pens of historians scribe the days in which we live in Northern Ireland, will the pages read of despair and disbelief? Potentially. However, I believe we stand here today with the potential in this room to ensure that the story reads of a country filled with hope and anticipation. From Portrush to Portadown, from Larne to Lisnaskea there is hope, but only — this is key — if the Assembly functions not on sectarian or narrow party political lines but — I truly believe there is hope for this — as an Assembly in which Members debate and legislate for a Budget with the interests of the working family, the local businessman and woman, the farmer, the graduate, the nurse and the nursery school student in mind.”
“When you take the time to talk to broader international opinion about Brexit and Northern Ireland, yes, those people understand the concerns that we have from a nationalist or republican perspective and, indeed, from a unionist perspective, but they are somewhat bewildered by the constant pessimism that comes from the elected classes in Northern Ireland. Yes, we have challenging situations ahead, but we must look on Brexit through the lens of opportunity, and let us use the assets and resources that we have, be that our geographical location or, indeed, our greatest asset of all: our people. <BR /> <BR />Taking all that into consideration, I wish to conclude by saying that the people of this country deserve two things: healing and hope; healing from our fraught and fractured past and a deep hope for our future.”
“I have no doubt that that will impact on future Budgets in the House.”
“The framework for good governance requires cohesion and cooperation. We will achieve nothing by employing the same divisive agendas in a hostile environment. There is no doubt that the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union is a polarising matter and one that divides the House immensely. Many in the House passionately oppose the direction that the United Kingdom has taken, particularly in relation to the Brexit Bill, but that is the reality that we all must face. In a spirit of unity and collaboration, we must work together to ensure that Northern Ireland leaves on the best possible terms. Opposing barriers to trade with our largest market, we must strive to lay the economic foundations on which the economy and people here can flourish. We can do so only collectively.”
“It cannot be good enough, whether you are from a unionist, nationalist or other persuasion, that people — citizens among us — feel that the only route left to them is suicide. <BR /> <BR />All the issues that I have raised have a common thread. I urge the Minister to pay particular attention to this point. In a climate of budgetary concern for Northern Ireland, these are all issues of universal importance. We have to get real and be prepared to make difficult decisions, prioritising the issues that matter to ordinary people in Northern Ireland. The pie can be cut into only so many parts. <BR /> <BR />In the House, we bear responsibility for the Budget and how it can be allocated most effectively to meet people's needs. In doing so, we are required to work together towards the common purpose of a better future.”
“Despite the disturbing suicide rate in this country, it continues to grow year-on-year. Per capita, Northern Ireland spends less than half the amount spent in England to support people who suffer with mental health issues. <BR /> <BR />I commit in the House to help to fight the destructive blight of suicide, which has caused unimaginable suffering across the Province. It is a vice that can be broken, but we need to act now. I welcome the seriousness with which the House and Executive have taken the issue of mental health and its sad consequences, though, in reality, much more can be done. I implore the Minister to continue his approach of additional cross-departmental budgetary allocations to facilitate the care and attention required to change lives. The issue transcends party politics.”
“I speak as someone, I am sure, like many in the House, who has been affected and seen at first hand the impact of suicide on a community. I was a 15-year-old pupil at Craigavon Senior High School when I first encountered the word "suicide". Sadly, three young men in my school year, all with much to live for, took their life within one month. To this day, I think of their families and the pain that they endured at the time. Fourteen years on, it was with great sadness that I read the most recent statistics on suicide rates across the United Kingdom, which were released by the Samaritans. To our collective shame, the rate in Northern Ireland vastly exceeds rates in the rest of the United Kingdom. For every 100,000 men in Northern Ireland, 28 will die from suicide, compared with 15 men in England.”
“I remember talking to someone from a local primary school, which was even rationing soap to its pupils. What a sad reality of where this place got to. How did the House answer them? Sadly, with silence. <BR /> <BR />Some in the political class in Northern Ireland can only hang their heads in shame. It was a time of embarrassment for us all. In short, we failed people. It is now essential that we get back to basics and regain the trust of the electorate. These institutions must embrace reform, and that will require universal support in the House. There is absolutely no doubt that people in this country have suffered because of the length of time that it has taken to restore Government and bring back political oversight and budgetary responsibility. <BR /> <BR />I want to turn our attention to mental health and suicide in Northern Ireland.”
“I was filled with great emotion as I listened to the Finance Minister vow to go on a personal crusade throughout Whitehall to retrieve earmarked instalments, wrestling from the Exchequer what is rightfully ours in true Robin Hood-like fashion. <BR /> <BR />I know that the Minister is late to the game on this one, but I welcome the fact that, after three years of bemoaning the £1 billion secured by this party through confidence and supply, finally, although belatedly, Sinn Féin has realised that additional money for health, education and infrastructure at a time when these institutions were held to ransom was only a good thing. <BR /> <BR />Constituents ask simple questions, such as why their surgery has been delayed for over two years and why their children have to bring their own books to school.”
“<BR /> <BR />Some of my constituents have sadly described it in recent times as resembling a war zone, with patients lining the corridors, some elderly, not even being afforded the basic courtesy of a pillow. I emphasise the fact that each and every constituent to whom we talk places no blame at the foot of health workers. They pay tribute to them and how they have worked in such difficult circumstances, but I cannot but come to the conclusion that in many ways the system is broken. It is in much need of reform, which will require tough and mature political decision-making for the House. <BR /> <BR />I listened with considerable interest to the Finance Minister yesterday with initial disbelief as he became the custodian and defender of apparent lost money in the confidence and supply arrangement.”
“<BR /> <BR />I welcome the fact that the Finance Minister released extra money to address some of those issues, though, sadly, we must accept that a piecemeal approach will not suffice. There must be long-term strategic funding for our road network and regional infrastructure to restore faith in the bemused taxpayer. I have witnessed the aftershocks of no devolved government in Upper Bann through the overwhelming strain on our public health workers at Craigavon Area Hospital. The staff are often faced with overcrowded wards, which makes their environment extremely testing, and the problem is compounded by staff shortages, as was mentioned earlier.”
“<BR /> <BR />As a young, unashamed unionist, I believe that it is totally unacceptable that Stormont lay barren for three years. The devastating effects of its inactivity are glaringly obvious in this debate and, sadly, have grave implications on the Budget Bill presented by the Minister. <BR /> <BR />In my constituency of Upper Bann, I am often left in awe at the state of disrepair of some of our rural roads and the time it is taking to address the problems. I read recently with considerable interest that the combined depth of every pothole in Northern Ireland is nearly eight times the depth of the English Channel. That is a shocking statistic. In many of our constituencies, our constituents no longer travel on the left-hand side of the road; they travel on what is left of the road.”