John Blair
South Antrim · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“It supports the Department's role in enforcement by ensuring that animal welfare standards are being upheld. At their core, the regulations are based on prevention, accountability and transparency.”
“I, like others, rise as a member of the AERA Committee in support of the regulations, which seek to make CCTV mandatory in our slaughterhouses. I do not intend to repeat all of the relevant points that have been covered by the Committee Chair and Committee colleagues.”
“<BR /> <BR />I recognise the work of my colleague the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, who is using the powers within his remit to help mitigate climate change.”
“I rise as chair of the all-party group on climate action to address the extreme heatwave that is forecast to hit mainland UK, including a rare red weather warning, with temperatures forecast to be as high as 40°C. It is yet another reminder that climate change is not a distant future risk that we can brush under the carpet.”
“They place pressure on our health service, disrupt transport and infrastructure, reduce productivity and threaten food production, water supplies and biodiversity. If such events continue to grow in severity and frequency, the cost to our communities, our local economy and our natural environment will only rise.”
“I thank the member of the Commission for that reply. It is good to hear that those reviews take place, of course. However, further to the information that was presented, will there be an ongoing review of the continuous improvement plan, and will that information be available to Members?”
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“Therefore, revoking the statutory rule risks weakening that robust livestock traceability system, jeopardising our agricultural integrity and valuable export opportunities. <BR /> <BR />In addition to traceability and agricultural integrity benefits, advancing the measures has significant implications for food safety itself and for job security in the sector. Reinforcing regulations surrounding livestock identification and movement enhances the sector's ability to respond to potential health crises, reducing the risk of food-borne illnesses that can arise from a lack of transparency. Those are important matters, and there have been recent reminders of that. It not only protects public health but safeguards the livelihoods of those employed in the agri-food industry.”
“<BR /> <BR />The provisions outlined in the statutory rule facilitate the Department's enforcement capabilities, enabling it to address non-compliance more effectively. That improvement means better livestock identification and movement monitoring, resulting in stronger deterrence of violations. <BR /> <BR />Departmental officials made it clear to the Committee that the measures were necessary to ensure that frameworks were in place and that they were robust and without gaps in order to protect the excellent reputation of our agri-food products. Failing to advance those measures severely impacts on farm-to-fork traceability, which is essential for meeting consumer expectations in Northern Ireland and far beyond. It helps farmers to remain competitive while ensuring quality and building trust with consumers.”
“As a member of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee and as Alliance spokesperson on these matters, I express my strong opposition to the prayer of annulment tabled by the DUP. The motion seeks to challenge vital measures that are necessary for the effective operation of the system of identification, registration and movement of cattle, sheep and goats. The measures that the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs aims to advance align our domestic legislation with the European Union's animal health law, which has already been referred to. It is worth pointing out that there have been challenges to achieving that due to the inaction of the previous Minister, Brexit and, of course, collapsed government, but, thankfully, it is now being pursued by the new AERA Minister.”
“In conclusion, I urge all Members to support the regulations. By doing so, we can craft a vision for the future of farming in Northern Ireland in which financial viability and environmental sustainability coexist harmoniously. That goal is ambitious, yes, but it is necessary if we are to secure a more sustainable future for our farms, our environment and our communities. Ultimately, we must move ahead with the measures, as progress hinges on our willingness to embrace change. I therefore support the SR.”
“<BR /> <BR />The AERA Minister has demonstrated his commitment to the agriculture sector by securing Executive approval to protect farm funding. That represents a major win for our farming community and our natural environment. Northern Ireland is the sole devolved region of the UK to achieve that, which underscores the importance of farming to our economy, our environment and, importantly, our food security.”
“<BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister for his hard work in ensuring that the regulations have been brought together with these themes and tabled for us to speak to today. I also thank the departmental officials for the patience that they have demonstrated as the Committee has worked its way through the proposals, going right back, as was mentioned, to May of last year. The Committee has been informed in detail that the Department, when creating the sustainable agriculture programme, worked closely with key agriculture and environment stakeholders. That collaboration has involved input from the Ulster Farmers' Union, the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers Association and the Northern Ireland Environment Link, thereby guaranteeing that a variety of perspectives are represented.”
“For example, these measures, if passed, would see the introduction of various initiatives, such as the beef carbon reduction scheme, the Farming with Nature transition scheme and the soil nutrient health scheme. Those are themes that we have previously discussed here and at the Committee. <BR /> <BR />It is important to highlight that the regulations also support our young farmers, who are essential to our agricultural future. Their passion and ability to care for our natural world need our support and encouragement. Additionally, the proposed farm sustainability programme incorporates initiatives that assist farm families in preparing for the transfer of their businesses to the next generation. The pilot schemes associated with that have been mentioned.”
“Yet, as we confront the escalating challenges of climate change and the decline of our natural resources, the relationship between agriculture and the environment has taken on increased significance. The regulations being discussed today present us with an opportunity to establish schemes that not only sustain our agriculture sector but promote sustainable practices that are designed to benefit our environment for generations to come. By embedding sustainability in the foundations of agricultural support, we are not merely encouraging farmers to adopt positive practices; we are empowering them to become true custodians of the land on which we all depend. That will improve soil health, advance biodiversity, enhance water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
“As a member of the AERA Committee and as Alliance's AERA spokesperson, I speak in support of the new farm sustainability regulations. It has been discussed and recognised many times in the Chamber and much further afield that the climate crisis is a real threat to our everyday way of life, demands our immediate attention and requires decisive action. Farmers are particularly affected, facing increasingly severe weather patterns all year round, for example. If the regulations are approved today, it will be part of a bigger piece of work. It will mark a pivotal moment for our farming community as we seek to strike a critical balance between supporting our farmers and addressing the urgent demands of environmental protection. <BR /> <BR />Agriculture continues to remain at the heart of our economy, our culture and our communities.”
“<BR /> <BR />While we take the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of the Hunting Act after 20 years, we must recognise the ongoing work required to close the remaining gaps and ensure the welfare of our animals. We must ensure that all regions uphold the same standards of compassion and protection for our animals and wildlife, about which we claim to be so passionate.”
“Furthermore, in 2023, Scotland successfully strengthened its 2002 hunting legislation, enhancing regulation and successfully banning trail hunting. That has positioned Scotland as a leader in banning hunting with dogs. <BR /> <BR />Conversely, the situation in Northern Ireland is quite different from that in Scotland, England and Wales. There is no ban on hunting with dogs. As Members may be aware, I intend to change that through a private Member's Bill. My recent consultation on the proposed Bill revealed that 80% of respondents living in Northern Ireland believe that ending hunting with dogs is important to them. That statistic sends out a clear message.”
“That exploitation undermines the very principles that the Hunting Act was designed to uphold. The statistics are troubling. According to the British Hound Sports Association and media reports, there have been more than 250,000 days of hunting over the past 20 years yet only 25 convictions involving hunts. That raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the legislation and whether it adequately protects our wildlife. <BR /> <BR />Since July, following a manifesto commitment, it has been the UK Government's policy to strengthen the Act by banning trail hunting. That marks a significant achievement in the effort to completely eliminate hunting with dogs in England and Wales. However, it is crucial that the Labour Government translate that commitment into legislation and action.”
“This month marks the 20th anniversary of the Hunting Act 2004 coming into force. The Act banned hunting with dogs in England and Wales and represented a significant step forward that was celebrated by many who believed that it would put an end to unnecessary cruelty being inflicted on animals. However, while we celebrate the milestone of that positive development, we must also address the concerns that have been raised since the introduction of the Act. <BR /> <BR />Loopholes such as the "Research and observation" exemption continue to be exploited by organised hunts. Additionally, the practice of so-called trail hunting, which involves hounds tracking a scent instead of chasing a live animal, exploits weaknesses in the law, allowing hunts to operate as they did before the ban.”
“Will the Minister give us some more information on what poultry farmers can do to protect their farms from an outbreak of avian influenza?”
“Does the Minister agree that repeated cycles of collapse of the Government have also prevented Northern Ireland from having multi-year Budgets?”
“— and we are happy to support it in that regard.”
“On that theme, it is regrettable that, on a day when we could have stood as one on the issue raised by the motion, comments were made by the DUP earlier in the debate that implied that anyone with a keen environmental agenda sees the farmer as "the bogeyman". That is simply not the case. Some of us do not see everything as a binary us-and-them choice. Some of us acknowledge the major environmental improvements that there have been in the agrisector but realise that there is still some way to go. We understand that environmental and economic stability are becoming more closely linked. However, the plight of farmers is the main priority in the motion —”
“<BR /> <BR />It is crucial to say that the UK Government must recognise the unique challenges that confront our farming community. They should reconsider their policy so that it aligns more closely with the actual conditions of our agriculture sector. While the Executive have expressed their commitment to supporting the farming industry in Northern Ireland regarding the issue, increased engagement is required before the spring statement 2025 to ensure that the changes are urgently reversed. <BR /> <BR />Farmers serve as custodians of our land and producers of our food, and they are a crucial part of the local economy. As we look ahead, it is essential to acknowledge that their success is intrinsically tied to our food security and environmental sustainability.”
“It reveals a startling disregard for the unique challenges faced by the agriculture sector in Northern Ireland, which is vital to our local economy and, of course, to food security. The Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has had regular engagement with the UK Government on the issue. He has persistently communicated with the UK Government, including discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and has submitted a letter, alongside the First Minister, the deputy First Minister and the Finance Minister, that highlights the potential effects on Northern Ireland farms. Furthermore, the Minister has presented evidence to the House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee to underscore the possible impact on our farming sector.”
“Dairy farms, in particular, are expected to face significant challenges due to the tax change, as they typically have more high-value sheds and equipment. For many farmers, the new tax threshold could translate to thousands of pounds every month. That is an amount that could easily ruin a family farm and force farmers into this daunting dilemma: pay the tax or sell the land. That decision is not just financial; it is a life-altering choice with, as I said, consequences for generations to come. We can expect to see farmers being driven away from agriculture altogether, which will lead to a domino effect that impacts on other local businesses as well, businesses that rely on thriving local farming communities. <BR /> <BR />I again express the Alliance Party's profound disappointment with the UK Government's decision.”
“That next generation is crucial in moving to a new era of sustainable farming and land management conducted in a way that helps our natural environment. However, that pathway is now at risk. Ultimately, the tax represents a harsh blow for our hard-working farmers, who are already grappling with the aftermath of a challenging year, marked especially by adverse weather conditions. The financial stress has been compounded, and farmers are experiencing mental strain, even before confronting the new tax realities. <BR /> <BR />As the motion specifies, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has estimated that nearly half of farms in Northern Ireland could exceed the £1 million threshold, making them subject to a staggering 20% inheritance tax.”
“I support the motion and thank the Members who tabled it for bringing the debate to the Chamber. All of us are aware that, understandably, protests have occurred across Northern Ireland in response to recent changes to inheritance tax that will profoundly impact on family farms. The situation underscores the deep concern and frustration felt by our farming communities. The changes threaten not only the livelihoods of farmers but the very fabric of family-owned farms that have sustained generations. <BR /> <BR />Family farms in Northern Ireland are the result of generations of hard work and dedication. The land is cultivated and passed down to the next generation, which aspires to continue the family's legacy.”
“The Clifton Gateway area is key in the delivery of phase 2 of the Belfast Rapid Transit scheme. That will, hopefully, serve not only North Belfast, of course, but some areas of my South Antrim constituency. Can the Minister give any further information on snag issues that might have arisen in the Clifton Gateway scheme that could be impacting on the delivery of that transport scheme?”
“Successful and increasing recycling and a circular economy are very closely related. Will the Minister give us an idea of his thinking on what benefit there will be to individuals from a circular economy?”
“I quote that directly from the text of a Belfast City Council motion. Does the Member therefore think that his colleagues there were wrong? Did he agree with the motion then? Does he agree with it now? Furthermore, if he is such a keen advocate for an independent environmental protection agency, why, when I proposed its establishment in an amendment to the then Climate Change Bill, did he and his colleagues not show up to vote for it?”
“I am grateful to the Member for taking my intervention. I hope that he can clarify the situation. We have shared space at Lough Neagh rallies. I am puzzled that his colleagues on Belfast City Council, just down the road, called on:”
“We have the opportunity today to support a framework that promotes responsible agricultural practices and paves the way for a sustainable future, and I hope that we take that opportunity.”
“Indeed, we must support a vision for farming that respects and preserves our natural resources for future generations. <BR /> <BR />Therefore, as I have made clear, I am utterly dismayed that we are here discussing a prayer of annulment. You would have to be living under a rock not to recognise the extent and urgency of environmental issues. It is vital that every possible measure be taken to reverse the decline of our waterways, our natural environment and biodiversity. As with the measure that we are debating today, our actions will determine the health of our environment for years to come. I urge all Members to reconsider their positions and reflect on the far-reaching implication of these decisions.”
“It is perfectly clear that, on this occasion, only Alliance is asserting that enough is enough. <BR /> <BR />These penalties should never have been relaxed in 2022. It was a poor decision by the previous Minister, who showed, on that occasion, a lack of concern for the future. As Minister Muir continues to work towards addressing past mistakes, it is clear that only Alliance is committed to tackling the environmental challenges for real and tackling those that will impact on future generations, perhaps very negatively. Allowing non-compliance to go unchecked could lead to increased pollution of our waterways, detrimental effects on public health and irreparable damage to our ecosystems. There is no point in prioritising short-term gains that may harm our environment and jeopardise our long-term agricultural viability.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is also a matter of major concern to me that the Committee has sought to minimise and trivialise potential penalties relating to late or non-returned paperwork, as well as tags for livestock and cattle. Those are no trivialities. They are serious matters that relate to food security and traceability. Parties opposing these measures must now justify their change in stance on environmental protection to their constituents and to the global community, which is becoming increasingly concerned about the impacts of climate change and pollution. Parties have publicly pledged to tackle the persistent environmental crisis, which remains unresolved. The decision by the Committee is — I will repeat it — shameful, and Committee members ought to feel embarrassed.”
“Let us be clear: farmers who conduct good practice — there are many of them — deserve our support, and I hope that they have it, but those who pollute, from all sectors, need to face penalties. <BR /> <BR />Perhaps surprisingly, given the context of today's debate, in May 2024, all parties on Belfast City Council excluding, in fairness, the DUP, backed a motion advocating for stricter penalties for recurring instances of agricultural pollution. There you have it: in a debating chamber just down the road, the SDLP, the Ulster Unionist Party and Sinn Féin criticised the reduction in penalties by the previous Minister, but, in this place and on the AERA Committee, it appears that they do not want to do anything about it.”
“The Minister's proposals simply take us back to where we were before the relaxation in 2022 of penalties for repeated breaches. <BR /> <BR />These matters relate directly to the environmental reputation of this place and its products. No attempt to suggest otherwise should be accepted. The parties advocating for the annulment regularly claim, in the Chamber and outside, to protect the environment. For example, they call on the AERA Minister to save Lough Neagh, yet, when it comes to voting on policies that prevent pollution entering Lough Neagh and harming it, they oppose those measures, arguing that they would be too burdensome for farmers. That is absolutely ridiculous and, frankly, shameful.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. I can confirm that I am not aware of any such correspondence. <BR /> <BR />If Members permit, I will now make progress. <BR /> <BR />As I said, this is returning to a position that existed in 2022. We must understand the purpose of the regulations. They were established not as punitive measures but as essential guidelines to ensure that farmers adhere to standards that protect our environment and maintain the integrity of our food systems. By establishing clear compliance requirements, we encourage our farmers to adopt practices that enhance soil health, improve water quality and promote biodiversity. It is crucial to recognise that those standards benefit farmers and the environment. We also need to recognise that the measures proposed by the Minister are not new or draconian.”
“I will give way, and then I must make some progress.”
“I do not deliberately correct the Chair of the Committee on this, but it is not a passion; it is a prerequisite and an absolute must, if we are to save our natural environment and reverse the state of the waterways.”
“There has been some predicting of what I am about to say. Nevertheless, I hope that I will bring a different perspective and additional information. I rise, as a member of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and as the Alliance AERA spokesperson, to state clearly that we do not support the prayer of annulment. I am still in shock, if I am honest, that the AERA Committee has failed to support strengthening penalties for those who repeatedly breach regulations on polluting waterways and other matters in order to reverse a 2022 decision that relaxed those rules under —”
“I thank the Member for giving way. A moment or two ago, the Member referenced his acceptance and acknowledgement of the Minister's intention to clean up our environment and tackle climate change. If he does not my mind my asking him directly, does he agree with those aims and will his speech reflect that before he finishes and before we vote?”
“I thank the Minister for the information provided. Does she agree that reporting on proceedings in the family courts would help to increase transparency in the justice system?”
“<BR /> <BR />Nevertheless, despite the benefits that I have just outlined, our wetlands continue to be threatened by various sources, including expanding urban developments, pollution, agricultural run-off and climate change. I am pleased that the AERA Minister has been taking active steps to address several of those issues through the Lough Neagh action plan and the environmental improvement plan. There is also the important good-news announcement by DAERA of the nature recovery challenge fund, through which grants from £50,000 are available to councils and voluntary organisations. <BR /> <BR />We all have a role to play — from what we achieve in this building to local government and individuals — in taking responsibility for protecting our wetlands.”
“<BR /> <BR />Another striking fact is that those areas can store 50 times more carbon than rainforests. The habitats are also crucial for maintaining clean water sources. They act as natural water filters, capturing pollutants and facilitating purification, thereby enhancing water quality. Therefore, they play a vital role in protecting drinking water and promoting the health of rivers and lakes. Given the current condition of our waterways, particularly Lough Neagh, I do not need to remind anyone in the Chamber of the importance of that. <BR /> <BR />We must not overlook the essential role that wetlands play in our local communities. They offer opportunities for eco-tourism, education and outdoor activities, enriching our lives and strengthening our connection with nature, thereby enhancing our mental well-being.”
“Yesterday was World Wetlands Day. I take the opportunity to mark it in the Chamber on the first available day afterwards to highlight the importance of raising awareness of those remarkable habitats. World Wetlands Day happens each year on 2 February. <BR /> <BR />Recognising the importance of wetlands allows us to appreciate their vital contributions to ecosystems, economies and communities. Areas such as marshes, bogs and swamps are essential habitats for countless plant and animal species, many of which are at risk of extinction. By safeguarding wetlands, we contribute to the survival of the rich biodiversity that is crucial to sustaining ecological balance. However, the World Wildlife Fund reports that approximately 87% of the world's wetlands have been lost in the last 300 years, predominantly since 1900.”
“In the meantime, I hope that the proposer of the motion and her colleagues can accept our amendment for the reasons outlined. The two positions are not far apart. There is an opportunity today to move forward together on the issue.”
“<BR /> <BR />While, as I said at the start, Alliance supports the intention and sentiment of the motion to improve the collection and recycling of nappies, given its factual inaccuracies regarding consultation, we cannot fully support it without our amendment. I contend genuinely that the amendment rectifies that. I point out again that the motion makes no reference to statutory provision at all and references a strategy that is already on the way. <BR /> <BR />My Alliance colleagues and I look forward to reviewing the Department's long-awaited waste management strategy, due to be published this year. I am confident that it will begin to address the issues highlighted in the motion, particularly as regards improving our waste management systems, adopting innovative recycling solutions and promoting sustainability in our communities.”
“After reaching out to the Minister in September past, I was informed that his Department is working with other UK nations to implement a ban on the supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastics and that that would apply throughout the UK. Promoting reusable nappies falls or should fall within that initiative. The alternatives have the potential not only to lessen an environmentally damaging footprint but to provide significant financial advantages for families in the long run. Similar to how consumer habits are being shaped by the Department through initiatives like the plastic bag charge and restrictions on disposable vapes, reusable nappy products ought to be advocated as a practical substitute for disposables.”
“<BR /> <BR />Around the world, collaborative and innovative actions are being taken to address the issue for the sake of our environment. For example, as was referenced, Wales, a leader in recycling, is trialling the use of the fibres from disposable nappies to create roads. Such initiatives provide opportunities to explore best practice on a broader basis and develop effective strategies for recycling disposable nappies, all while meeting our net zero targets and enhancing our circular economy. <BR /> <BR />In considering the broader context, our primary objective should be to fully eliminate single-use plastics, which include disposable nappies.”
“I thank the Member for her intervention. I will come to that point later. At this stage, I will point out that the motion does not mention the word "statutory". It talks about developing a strategy, and we know — I will refer to it later — that the Department is already bringing forward a waste management strategy. <BR /> <BR />We need to be clear that councils and their waste management structures need to lead and ensure consistency in waste management. Any change or proposals regarding the structures is a separate matter altogether. Perhaps we all, as we scrutinise the issues in this place, can work with local government colleagues to ensure frameworks and outcomes that fit with the recycling targets and are appropriate for the 21st century and its challenges.”
“By accurately understanding the consultation, we can highlight the critical need for a coordinated effort between DAERA and local councils. However, it is essential to underscore the significant responsibility that councils hold to collaborate effectively on the issue. The Department's role is to assist councils through programmes and initiatives designed to minimise the recyclable materials diverted to landfill or incineration as a result of disposable nappy use.”
“A closer examination reveals that the proposals are, in fact, acknowledged under proposal number 12 in that document, which states:”
“Research from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) shows that improvements in the production of disposable nappies have resulted in a 27% reduction in their carbon footprint. While that is a commendable achievement, it is vital to recognise that using disposable nappies for just two and a half years for one child is the equivalent of driving a car for more than 1,600 miles. That highlights the urgent need for innovation in the industry and our responsibility to seek out more sustainable alternatives. <BR /> <BR />The Alliance Party supports the intention and sentiment behind the motion. However, there is a clear factual inaccuracy in the original motion that the Alliance amendment would correct. The original motion — I will refer to it again briefly later — mistakenly states:”
“The statistic might seem small, but it translates into a substantial impact on our waste management systems and environmental footprint. Every parent and carer recognises the necessity of those products for their children's health and well-being. However, while they may be convenient, we must confront the significant environmental consequences associated with their entire life cycle. In the UK, approximately 3·6 billion nappies are used each year, with around 78% of those being incinerated and as much as 22% ending up in landfill. <BR /> <BR />The materials used to make the nappies, which include a significant amount of plastic, can take hundreds of years to decompose naturally.”