Carla Lockhart

Carla Lockhart

Independent — Upper Bann

Speaking in the House of Commons on 27 October 2026

Debate

Domestic Farming and Food Supply

Contribution

I agree fully. Labour often says that that is part of national security, but actions speak louder than words in many ways. Northern Ireland punches well above its weight. We have less than 3% of the UK’s population, but produce more than 10% of its food output by value. We supply about one fifth of UK egg production and approximately one sixth of its dairy, beef and poultry output. Those figures should leave Ministers in no doubt about Northern Ireland’s importance to feeding this nation. In Upper Bann, farming keeps a whole network of businesses going. The feed merchant, the machinery dealer, the haulier, the veterinary practices and the processors all depend on a viable industry. When money stops being spent on farms, those businesses feel it too.

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