Ulster Unionist Agriculture spokesperson and AERA Committee Chair Robbie Butler has called on the new Secretary of State, Sir Chris Bryant, to become a strong advocate for Northern Ireland's unique contribution to the United Kingdom's food and energy security.

Speaking following last week's meeting with the Secretary of State in Royal Hillsborough, which he attended as part of a delegation, Robbie Butler said:

“As the Ulster Unionist Party's Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson, I felt it important to press the case that Northern Ireland's farming, agri-food and drink industry is not simply another sector of our economy, it is our largest indigenous industry. It contributes around £7.3 billion to the economy each year and sustains approximately 110,000 direct and indirect full-time jobs.

“Unlike many other regions of the UK, Northern Ireland has a disproportionately large rural population, and the success of our rural communities depends upon a vibrant farming and agri-food circular economy.

“We export enormous volumes of high-quality food to Great Britain, making Northern Ireland an essential contributor to the UK's overall food security. At a time of increasing global uncertainty, food security should be viewed alongside national security, and Westminster must fully recognise both the value and the vulnerability of Northern Ireland's food producers.

“I acknowledged the Prime Minister's pragmatic approach to the future of North Sea oil, but it is equally important that Government recognises Northern Ireland's disproportionate reliance on home heating oil and the unfair burden our households face from international price volatility. We cannot simply talk about energy transition without recognising regional realities.

“Northern Ireland is exceptionally well placed to become a leader in anaerobic digestion. By accelerating investment in AD, we can strengthen food and energy security, increase renewable generation, support farm incomes and help meet our environmental commitments. This is not a choice between the economy and the environment; done properly, it delivers for both.

“While many of these responsibilities sit within devolved government, our exports to Great Britain, our place within the UK internal market and the UK's wider energy strategy mean the Secretary of State has both an opportunity and a responsibility to champion Northern Ireland.

“I encouraged Sir Chris Bryant to be an ambitious cheerleader for Northern Ireland, to make the case at the heart of Government for growing our food exports, strengthening our energy resilience and ensuring our unique contribution to the UK's long-term security is fully recognised and supported. With the right ambition, Northern Ireland can become even more central to delivering secure food supplies, secure energy and sustainable economic growth for the whole United Kingdom.”