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Robin Swann
Current MP
Robin Swann
· 2024–present
207 speeches on record Last active 25 Feb 2026
IND · Independent
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill: Scottish Veterans25 Feb 2026
RS
Robin Swann
What discussions he has had with the Scottish Veterans Commissioner on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
Hansard · 25 Feb 2026 · parliament.uk
Northern Ireland: Local Growth Fund23 Feb 2026
RS
Robin Swann
What plans he has for the delivery of the local growth fund in Northern Ireland.
Hansard · 23 Feb 2026 · parliament.uk
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill27 Jan 2026
RS
Robin Swann
I welcome the Secretary of State’s approach to the Bill, and how he has worked across all devolved Administrations. May I seek his assurance that medical students who reside in Northern Ireland, who identify as Irish and who study in an Irish institution in the Republic of Ireland will not be excluded from coming back…
Hansard · 27 Jan 2026 · parliament.uk
Police Reform White Paper26 Jan 2026
RS
Robin Swann
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is currently excluded from the counter-terrorism policing grant of about £1 billion a year, which is accessible to GB forces. Now that counter-terrorism is being looked after by the National Police Service, will the Police Service of Northern Ireland be able to access some of that funding?
Hansard · 26 Jan 2026 · parliament.uk
Armed Forces Bill26 Jan 2026
RS
Robin Swann
The Secretary of State talks about a patchwork quilt and a postcode lottery. Operation Restore supports military veterans with their physical and mental health, but Northern Ireland-resident veterans do not have the same access in devolved institutions—the likes of the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt orthopaedic hospital. Will the legislation enable Northern Ireland-resident veterans to…
Hansard · 26 Jan 2026 · parliament.uk
Engagements21 Jan 2026
RS
Robin Swann
Challenging economic inactivity and supporting the vulnerable across the country is something that we all want, so would the Prime Minister be surprised to learn that, in Northern Ireland, around 11,000 people previously supported by UK shared prosperity funding will see those programmes cut dramatically, compounded by 400 job losses? Does he support the cuts…
Hansard · 21 Jan 2026 · parliament.uk
Northern Ireland Troubles: Legacy and Reconciliation21 Jan 2026
RS
Robin Swann
Would the hon. Gentleman consider that there is a political reason for the Northern Ireland Office to bring this measure forward: to placate the Irish Government and their timeline rather than the timeline of this place?
Hansard · 21 Jan 2026 · parliament.uk
Engagements14 Jan 2026
RS
Robin Swann
At question time last week, the Prime Minister seemed to intimate that the Government were bringing forward amendments to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. Within hours of him saying that, the Irish Government’s Minister for Foreign Affairs said that any “significant changes” must have the “full agreement of both Governments”. Is the Prime Minister intending…
Hansard · 14 Jan 2026 · parliament.uk
New Medium Helicopter Contract12 Jan 2026
RS
Robin Swann
On 26 March last year, three RAF Pumas performed a final fly-past of Aldergrove in my constituency. What urgency is there to fill that capacity gap of medium-lift helicopters and to secure a full utilisation of what used to be Joint Helicopter Command Aldergrove?
Hansard · 12 Jan 2026 · parliament.uk
Clause 62 - Agricultural property relief and business property relief etc12 Jan 2026
RS
Robin Swann
I want to take the Minister back to his earlier commitment on Scotland. Will the Government give the same commitment to farmers in Northern Ireland? We have a very different family farm structure from that in the rest of the United Kingdom, and the engagement of and representations by the Ulster Farmers’ Union and the…
Hansard · 12 Jan 2026 · parliament.uk
2025 Budget7 Jan 2026
RS
Robin Swann
When the Executive were restored two years ago, a fund was set up for the transformation of public services. As of yet, that money has not been fully allocated. Will the Secretary of State use his offices to encourage the Executive to deploy that transformation fund to transform Northern Ireland’s public services?
Hansard · 7 Jan 2026 · parliament.uk
Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief5 Jan 2026
RS
Robin Swann
The Ulster Farmers’ Union and the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster made many representations here with regard to the damage that this policy would do to Northern Ireland farms, but there is one specific point I want to ask the Minister about. He has mentioned a number of times the allowance being passed between couples…
Hansard · 5 Jan 2026 · parliament.uk
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill: Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention5 Jan 2026
RS
Robin Swann
I welcome the steps taken by Ministers in their support for our armed forces, but may I caution them that the Northern Ireland Office’s troubles Bill has the potential to undo all that? The protections for veterans in the Bill are not specifically for veterans, no matter how they are packaged—and how weak it sounds…
Hansard · 5 Jan 2026 · parliament.uk
Supply Chain Resilience17 Dec 2025
RS
Robin Swann
What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on providing additional funding for the ReImagining Supply Chains Network Plus programme.
Hansard · 17 Dec 2025 · parliament.uk
Northern Ireland Troubles: Legacy and Reconciliation17 Dec 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Regarding the accusation that the Secretary of State is rushing this through, he will be conscious of an Irish Government who are not rushing anything through with regard to support. Yesterday the Justice Minister in the Republic of Ireland received permission from the Government to draft priority legislation to enable state bodies to give oral…
Hansard · 17 Dec 2025 · parliament.uk
NHS: Winter Preparedness15 Dec 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I commend the Secretary of State for his action to try to prevent industrial action. Nye Bevan had his own challenges with the BMA. The covid inquiry made a number of recommendations with regard to co-ordination and preparedness across all four nations. What interaction has the Secretary of State had with the devolved nations in…
Hansard · 15 Dec 2025 · parliament.uk
Violence against Women and Girls Strategy15 Dec 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Violence against women and girls is a current issue, but it is also an historical issue. On the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, sexual crime is not listed as one of those that can be looked at under the current commission, on which I have tabled an amendment. Will the Minister commit to working with me…
Hansard · 15 Dec 2025 · parliament.uk
Northern Ireland Troubles: Operation Kenova9 Dec 2025
RS
Robin Swann
In the press conference this morning, the Chief Constable said that the “investigation has demonstrated that murders that could and should have been prevented were allowed to take place”. There was always an alternative to murder in Northern Ireland, so does the Secretary of State agree with me that it is now time for an…
Hansard · 9 Dec 2025 · parliament.uk
Dawn Sturgess Inquiry4 Dec 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The Minister has referred to the threat that Russia poses to UK national security. A former Irish Teachta Dála who was also a deputy chief of an Irish army unit has said: “If you are looking to affect a western country with extensive assets and poor security culture, then Ireland is ground zero…It is a…
Hansard · 4 Dec 2025 · parliament.uk
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee4 Dec 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I thank the Chair of the Select Committee for the evidence sessions. The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will go into Committee of the whole House, so those sessions will be the only opportunity for witnesses to come put forward and give their testimonies on the Bill and the current legislation. Forty-two amendments and five new…
Hansard · 4 Dec 2025 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions2 Dec 2025
RS
Robin Swann
In an earlier answer, the Foreign Secretary said that trade relations between China and the UK were “in our national interest”. To that extent, can I ask what conversations her Department had with Invest Northern Ireland prior to its signing a co-operation framework memorandum of understanding with the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK?
Hansard · 2 Dec 2025 · parliament.uk
Criminal Court Reform2 Dec 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Justice is devolved to Northern Ireland, with the exception of the regulation of non-jury trials. On 9 June , the then Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the hon. Member for Putney (Fleur Anderson) , said in a Committee of this place on the extension of non-jury trials in Northern Ireland that “the Secretary of…
Hansard · 2 Dec 2025 · parliament.uk
Income tax (charge)1 Dec 2025
RS
Robin Swann
When I look to the Northern Ireland-specific page and a bit in the Red Book, and remove any paragraphs that refer to funding or programmes that have already been committed to by this Government, there are actually only a couple of paragraphs left. So far down is the Northern Ireland Office in the pecking order…
Hansard · 1 Dec 2025 · parliament.uk
Hughes Report25 Nov 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The Minister will know that the Hughes report focused very much on England, but those affected by the redress scheme will be found across the entire United Kingdom. Will he ensure that he engages with Health Ministers from the devolved authorities?
Hansard · 25 Nov 2025 · parliament.uk
G20 and Ukraine25 Nov 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The Prime Minister’s statement says that Putin continues to seek to undermine our security. Can the Prime Minister give this House an assurance that when a deal is done to the satisfaction of Ukraine, our preparations for our security and defence against Putin—and he will not give up—will continue.
Hansard · 25 Nov 2025 · parliament.uk
UK-EU Agreement on Trade from Northern Ireland19 Nov 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Come 1 January , veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland will be reduced by 40%, according to suppliers over there. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that veterinary medicines are supplied to Northern Ireland? They ensure animal health but are linked to human health as well.
Hansard · 19 Nov 2025 · parliament.uk
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill18 Nov 2025
RS
Robin Swann
“For your tomorrow, we gave our today”, would have been the phrase that many in this House stood for in honour, sombre, last Remembrance Sunday, as we stood across this country, remembering those who served and those who sacrificed. When I stood at those memorials in South Antrim, at Ballyclare and Antrim and Crumlin, and…
Hansard · 18 Nov 2025 · parliament.uk
Asylum Policy17 Nov 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The common travel area allows movement across the UK, Northern Ireland and to the Republic of Ireland. It has been reported in the Irish media that a UK Home Office official briefed the Irish Department of Justice in regard to what the Home Secretary is bringing forward. Can I ask her what is the Irish…
Hansard · 17 Nov 2025 · parliament.uk
Parliamentary Debate3 Nov 2025
RS
Robin Swann
As we approach Remembrance Sunday, many of those who served in Operation Banner will reflect on comrades whom they lost, comrades who were injured and comrades who still suffer mentally as a result of their deployment in that operation—the British Army’s longest continuous deployment. The Secretary of State has said from the Dispatch Box that…
Hansard · 3 Nov 2025 · parliament.uk
Cadet Numbers3 Nov 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The Northern Ireland Universities Air Squadron is based in Aldergrove in my constituency. Can the Minister reassure me that any support for cadets will be expanded to every cadet and every base across the UK?
Hansard · 3 Nov 2025 · parliament.uk
“Soldier F” Trial Verdict3 Nov 2025
RS
Robin Swann
As we approach Remembrance Sunday, many of those who served in Operation Banner will reflect on comrades whom they lost, comrades who were injured and comrades who still suffer mentally as a result of their deployment in that operation—the British Army’s longest continuous deployment. The Secretary of State has said from the Dispatch Box that…
Hansard · 3 Nov 2025 · parliament.uk
Industrial Strategy30 Oct 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I will not take the dig about being short personally, Mr Speaker. The industrial strategy and the strategic defence review both offer great opportunities to the entire United Kingdom. Can I seek reassurances from the Minister that he will work with the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland businesses get…
Hansard · 30 Oct 2025 · parliament.uk
Business of the House30 Oct 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The Royal Horticultural Society has today launched its report, “Space to Grow”, realising the potential of the community gardening movement. Will the Leader of the House join me in recognising and celebrating the work of Tidy Randalstown in my South Antrim constituency, and look at the opportunity for the Government, along with devolved Governments, to…
Hansard · 30 Oct 2025 · parliament.uk
Voluntary Sector: Partnership Working23 Oct 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I welcome the Minister’s reassurance. The UK shared prosperity fund is about to come to an end, to be replaced by the local growth fund, and voluntary and community organisations in Northern Ireland have real concerns that they will be left in limbo between one ending and the other starting. I recognise what the Minister…
Hansard · 23 Oct 2025 · parliament.uk
Business of the House23 Oct 2025
RS
Robin Swann
May I join the Leader of the House in his acknowledgment of the start of the poppy appeal? Is he aware that our British Legion in Northern Ireland is now required to have an appointed EU rep to handle compliance for safety issues for products distributed, sold or given for donation during the poppy appeal.…
Hansard · 23 Oct 2025 · parliament.uk
Heathrow: National Airports Review22 Oct 2025
RS
Robin Swann
As far back as 2019 there was talk of manufacturing and logistics hubs for the Heathrow hub being sited in Northern Ireland. Can the Secretary of State still give a reassurance that the whole of the UK will be considered in support of the manufacture of the third runway, should it go ahead? Will sites…
Hansard · 22 Oct 2025 · parliament.uk
Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund22 Oct 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Third time lucky. I welcome the Minister’s announcement of the fund for life sciences with regard to the companies we have in North Antrim and South Antrim. Could the Minister also ensure that any research and development tax credits that companies can apply for are fully supported, utilised and brought forward at speed so that…
Hansard · 22 Oct 2025 · parliament.uk
Alleged Spying Case: Home Office Involvement20 Oct 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Chinese officials recently briefed Stormont’s Finance Minister on the status of a local company in his constituency owned by the Chinese state. Information on that briefing, released under the Freedom of Information Act by the Department of Finance, withheld details, citing freedom of information laws that protect confidential information obtained from a foreign state. In…
Hansard · 20 Oct 2025 · parliament.uk
Defence Industrial Strategy15 Oct 2025
RS
Robin Swann
May I welcome the Minister to his place as well? Will he ensure that there is that co-working across the Northern Ireland Executive and the Ministry of Defence with regard to the Executive’s investment strategy, which is also integral to the defence industrial strategy, and that the NIE will work to remove any blockages that…
Hansard · 15 Oct 2025 · parliament.uk
Middle East14 Oct 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I congratulate the Prime Minister on getting us to this point. The Labour Government’s role in decommissioning in Northern Ireland is not as complete as portrayed. In a memo of 17 January 2003 , an adviser to the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, said: “The IRA will never be able to account for all their…
Hansard · 14 Oct 2025 · parliament.uk
Northern Ireland Troubles14 Oct 2025
RS
Robin Swann
On that assurance from the Secretary of State about the protections for veterans, on 19 September he stood beside the Irish Government when he made this announcement, and later that evening the Tánaiste, Simon Harris, went on Irish media and clearly said that there were no added protections for veterans in the legacy deal. Will…
Hansard · 14 Oct 2025 · parliament.uk
Defence Industrial Strategy8 Sep 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I welcome the Government’s announcement of a dedicated procurement hub in Northern Ireland to support our SMEs, although I note that no location has been announced in Northern Ireland. Can I remind the Minister of the excellent opportunity that the Aldergrove base in my constituency presents and how it would be an excellent location for…
Hansard · 8 Sep 2025 · parliament.uk
Engagements3 Sep 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I am joined today in the Gallery by the leadership of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster, an organisation and young people who are passionate about youth work, our rural countryside and the future of farming and agriculture. Agriculture policy is devolved, but the Prime Minister’s agricultural inheritance tax is the thing that has them…
Hansard · 3 Sep 2025 · parliament.uk
Industrial Action22 Jul 2025
RS
Robin Swann
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of industrial action on NHS services.
Hansard · 22 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
Post-16 Education: Skills21 Jul 2025
RS
Robin Swann
What steps her Department is taking to help ensure that post-16 education provides the skills necessary to support the economy.
Hansard · 21 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
Infected Blood Inquiry: Additional Report21 Jul 2025
RS
Robin Swann
As far as I can see, some of the Paymaster General’s announcements and his acceptance of some of the recommendations and sub-recommendations will cause devolved administrative bodies to have to stay open for a longer period. I believe they were initially scheduled to close on 1 February 2026 , but they will now have to…
Hansard · 21 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
Parental Leave17 Jul 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Hugh’s law would have brought in job protection and financial support for parents of children aged between 29 days and 16 years and guaranteed parental leave while those children were receiving palliative care. The Government voted down an amendment last night to the Employment Rights Bill that would have brought that in. This campaign has…
Hansard · 17 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
Strategy for Elections17 Jul 2025
RS
Robin Swann
A previous parliamentary inquiry into the funding of Northern Ireland political parties expressed a concern about the lack of visibility on how cross-border parties—the likes of Sinn Féin—manage their fundraising and the difficulty for regulators in verifying that no Republic of Ireland, or indeed US-based, funds were used in UK elections. It recommended stronger audit…
Hansard · 17 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
Business of the House17 Jul 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The shadow Leader of the House referenced Monday’s Westminster Hall debate on Northern Ireland veterans. Unfortunately, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland ran out of time before he could give his full response. There seems to be a difference in the Government’s response between the Ministry of Defence and the Northern Ireland Office on…
Hansard · 17 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
Relations with the European Union10 Jul 2025
RS
Robin Swann
While we await the detail of the SPS deal, Northern Ireland is still seeing new and additional bureaucracy to implement the Windsor framework. Does the Minister agree that it would make more sense to extend the grace periods and put a freeze on that bureaucracy rather than introduce more, as indicated in the report by…
Hansard · 10 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
UK-France Nuclear Partnership10 Jul 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The Minister referenced the political steering group that will be set up between the two nations. Are there any concerns—either within Government or within the Ministry of Defence—about sharing intelligence with a separate political steering group that will sit outside of, or adjacent to, NATO?
Hansard · 10 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
Business of the House10 Jul 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Later today, a bust of the late and right honourable David Trimble will be unveiled in the other place. David was the former MP for Upper Bann, a peer and the leader of the Ulster Unionist party. He led us through the Belfast agreement negotiations, for which he rightly received the Nobel peace prize, along…
Hansard · 10 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
Resident Doctors: Industrial Action10 Jul 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I agree with the Secretary of State when he tells the BMA resident doctors that they will never have another Secretary of State as sympathetic to their legitimate complaints— I recognise that, having worked with five of his predecessors. My experience tells me that what happens here with the BMA often filters through to the…
Hansard · 10 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
Clause 1 - Standard allowance for tax years 2026-27 to 2029-309 Jul 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I fully agree with the hon. Member on co-production and co-designing any changes that come forward. Does she agree that it is crucial that young people are also included, given the conditions that they can face, and especially given the challenge in moving from children’s disability living allowance to the personal independence payment, which the…
Hansard · 9 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
Government Resilience Action Plan8 Jul 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has announced the opening of a dedicated resilience academy in North Yorkshire, which will train 4,000 private and public sector people per year. Can he give me an update on when that academy will be in place, and a surety that it will cover the entirety of the…
Hansard · 8 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
Road and Rail Projects8 Jul 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure informed me this morning that her Department is working with the Department for Transport and the European Investment Bank on the recommendations in the all-island strategic rail review. One of those recommendations is the opening of the Antrim to Lisburn line, which includes the opening of three previously closed…
Hansard · 8 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
EU Trade Agreement: Economic Impact2 Jul 2025
RS
Robin Swann
With regards to agricultural machinery, I am sure that the Secretary of State is aware of a Northern Ireland farmer who took agricultural machinery from Northern Ireland to participate in a Scottish agricultural show. On bringing it back, it was rejected in Northern Ireland and sent back to Scotland because there may have been soil…
Hansard · 2 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
Defence2 Jul 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I seek clarification and support from shadow Front Benchers on this. Do they recognise that there may be a bit of disagreement in the Government between Ministers in the Ministry of Defence and those in the Northern Ireland Office on how to proceed?
Hansard · 2 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill1 Jul 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I rise to support the reasoned amendment and to vote against the Bill, which will produce an abandoned generation: young people with disabilities and life-limiting conditions who are currently on children’s disability living allowance and who would normally transfer to PIP at the age of 16. The Bill completely ignores them and forgets about them.…
Hansard · 1 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
Nuclear-certified Aircraft Procurement25 Jun 2025
RS
Robin Swann
As a member of the RAF contingent of the armed forces parliamentary scheme under Wing Commander Basco Smith, may I take this opportunity to say that the application window is open for next season? If any Member has not applied to it, they should consider doing so. Recently, we visited Marham, the current home of…
Hansard · 25 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
National Security Strategy24 Jun 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Cyber-security is core and central to our security at home, but a significant weakness is the security of the cabling in the North Atlantic and along the west coast of Ireland. For too long, the Irish Government have freeloaded and taken for granted the United Kingdom providing defence and security. Have the Government approached the…
Hansard · 24 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
China Audit24 Jun 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The audit received responses from the devolved Governments. Last month, the Northern Ireland Finance Minister met the Chinese consul general in Belfast. The meeting was described as a formal diplomatic engagement with views exchanged on deepening co-operation. Significantly, there were no press interviews, publicly released minutes or full attendee list; no specific sectors or agreements…
Hansard · 24 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
Middle East23 Jun 2025
RS
Robin Swann
This House has agreed that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon, but former Russian premier Dmitry Medvedev has said that a number of countries will now be considering supplying nuclear warheads to Iran. What is the Foreign Secretary’s assessment of that statement, and what are the Government doing to prevent it?
Hansard · 23 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
UK Military Base Protection23 Jun 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The statement speaks of enhanced security measures across the whole of defence, so will the Minister review the recent decision to downgrade some of the security measures at Northern Ireland bases, including removal from the permanent base? On the strategic defence review, to allow our RAF personnel to respond quickly and effectively, are we looking…
Hansard · 23 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
Points of Order23 Jun 2025
RS
Robin Swann
On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. On Friday, many colleagues in this House spoke of compassion, sympathy and understanding. Unfortunately, the same compassion, sympathy and understanding were not extended to the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Adam Jogee) . His father-in-law, my constituent Mr Adrian Lawther, was nearing the end of a very full…
Hansard · 23 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
Access to GPs23 Jun 2025
RS
Robin Swann
This is a debate about GP access across the United Kingdom, but one issue in Northern Ireland is GPs’ ability to access indemnity insurance, whereas in England and Wales there is a Government-provided scheme. Does the hon. Member agree that if the Government worked with the Department of Health in Northern Ireland to allow our…
Hansard · 23 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
New Clause 13 - Regulation of approved substances and devices for self-administration13 Jun 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I rise to speak in support of amendment (a) to amendment 77, which is in my name. I should also refer to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests about my involvement with the Royal College of Psychiatrists. New clause 13, we are told, is a replacement for clause 34; I hope that…
Hansard · 13 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
Spending Review 202511 Jun 2025
RS
Robin Swann
An NHS fit for the future—I congratulate the Chancellor and the Health Secretary on the investment in the health service in England. Given the money that has been allocated to Northern Ireland, will the Chancellor encourage the Executive to provide the same investment in the health service in Northern Ireland? The Executive have been working…
Hansard · 11 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories10 Jun 2025
RS
Robin Swann
A two-state solution requires all sides to see it as achievable, desirable and sustainable, so what practical steps have the Government taken with international partners to rebuild and support the Palestinian Authority, and how will they ensure that Hamas have no role in Palestinian governance, as the Minister said in his statement?
Hansard · 10 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
Leasehold Reform9 Jun 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Developers are now creating facility and management companies, with new homeowners and tenants finding themselves as shareholders without their consent. Will the Minister look at that issue across the country to protect those homeowners?
Hansard · 9 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
Winter Fuel Payment9 Jun 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The Northern Ireland Executive is to receive a consequential budget adjustment. May I ask the Minister when it will receive that adjustment, so that we can ensure that our Northern Ireland pensioners get a winter fuel payment in the coming winter?
Hansard · 9 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
Business of the House5 Jun 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The right of an elected representative to challenge the Executive is a core tenet of our democracy and something we are fortunate to have defended here by Mr Speaker. However, on Tuesday night in Fermanagh and Omagh district council, the Sinn Féin group moved a motion to silence an Ulster Unionist councillor—one of my party…
Hansard · 5 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
Regional Growth4 Jun 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The statement says that stronger transport links are crucial, and the Department for Transport has already paid, through the Union connectivity fund, for a feasibility study on the reopening of the Lisburn-Antrim rail line, which would connect to Belfast International airport in my constituency. Unfortunately, they have already told me that they cannot allocate funding…
Hansard · 4 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
New Clause 1 - Country of origin marking for ceramic products: assessment4 Jun 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I am sure the Minister will come back on that point and say, “You can trust us, and you can trust this Government.” Does the shadow Minister agree, however, that this Government may not always be in power, and that the powers they are creating for themselves may be handed down to someone less responsible…
Hansard · 4 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
Before Clause 138 - Statement and bringing forward of a draft Bill: copyright infringement, AI models, and transparency over inputs3 Jun 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I know that the Minister does mean it in this case. He talks about the speed of moving this legislation on to the statute book. I note that legislative consent motions are in from the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly, but as yet there is not one from the Northern Ireland Assembly. Can he…
Hansard · 3 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
UK-EU Summit20 May 2025
RS
Robin Swann
In an earlier answer, the Prime Minister said that he would continue with the implementation of the Windsor framework. That will see more bureaucracy and red tape introduced between Great Britain and Northern Ireland before an SPS deal can be delivered. If the Prime Minister’s partnership with the EU is so positive, does he not…
Hansard · 20 May 2025 · parliament.uk
New Clause 10 - No obligation to provide assistance etc16 May 2025
RS
Robin Swann
On the right hon. and learned Gentleman’s point about the panel, the Royal College of Psychiatrists said in point 5 of its concerns: “It is not clear what a psychiatrist’s role on a…panel would be”.
Hansard · 16 May 2025 · parliament.uk
Sanctions14 May 2025
RS
Robin Swann
On the regulations, does the Minister agree that work also needs to be done on the shadow oil fleet, which is out there supplying money and support to Putin?
Hansard · 14 May 2025 · parliament.uk
UK-EU Summit13 May 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The Minister has spoken about UK deals with India and the United States, and next Tuesday there will be a UK deal, or a reset, with the European Union. Where is Northern Ireland’s place in that? When the hon. and learned Member for North Antrim (Jim Allister) and I have asked where the benefit is…
Hansard · 13 May 2025 · parliament.uk
Personal Independence Payment Assessments12 May 2025
RS
Robin Swann
What steps her Department is taking to help increase the accuracy of personal independence payment assessments.
Hansard · 12 May 2025 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions12 May 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Carers UK reports that unpaid carers are still receiving debt notices over carer’s allowance. Between May 2024 and February 2025, the number of notices increased by 9,000, so we are now talking about 144,000 people. Will the Secretary of State halt the creation of those overpayment debts until her independent review has taken place and…
Hansard · 12 May 2025 · parliament.uk
Protection of Prison Staff12 May 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Thirty-two prison staff were killed in Northern Ireland by terrorists and their criminal associates. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that our prison officer staff are safe both inside and outside prisons, as we see an escalation in terrorist activity across this United Kingdom? Will he raise that issue at the five nations…
Hansard · 12 May 2025 · parliament.uk
US-UK Trade Deal: Northern Ireland12 May 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I thank the Secretary of State for his extended answers. In his original answer, he said that he had spoken with the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister twice. Were they supportive of the Government’s approach? Did they raise any concerns? How were those concerns mitigated? Did they agree to the final deal? With…
Hansard · 12 May 2025 · parliament.uk
Foot and Mouth Disease8 May 2025
RS
Robin Swann
What steps he is taking to help prevent foot and mouth disease entering Northern Ireland.
Hansard · 8 May 2025 · parliament.uk
United States Film Tariff7 May 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The uncertainty of President Trump’s comments puts an unsettledness in the industry, especially in Northern Ireland, where we have the Titanic Studios and Northern Ireland Screen working away. Titanic Studios is already working on “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”, which is a prequel to “Game of Thrones”, so there is a lot of activity…
Hansard · 7 May 2025 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions6 May 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Getting It Right First Time is a clinician-led programme that leads on improvement and transformation. Can the Secretary State give reassurance that in any restructuring of NHS England, that programme will not just be continued, but expanded and still available to the devolved Administrations?
Hansard · 6 May 2025 · parliament.uk
Irish Republican Alleged Incitement29 Apr 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The phrase, “Kill your local MP,” carries a sincerely sinister connotation right across this House. To my party, which has lost councillors, Members of the Northern Ireland Parliament and Members of this House to republican terrorists, those words are not clever or smart; they are an incitement to terrorist activity, which this band have glorified…
Hansard · 29 Apr 2025 · parliament.uk
Apprenticeship Funding28 Apr 2025
RS
Robin Swann
What steps she is taking to ensure that non-levy paying employers receive apprenticeship funding.
Hansard · 28 Apr 2025 · parliament.uk
Headingley Incident28 Apr 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I join all the other Members in wishing the victims of this horrific crime a speedy recovery. I note that Counter Terrorism Policing has been involved in intelligence-gathering, and that there is concern about online incitement to violence. Will the Minister join me in condemning the recent statement by the so-called Irish rap band Kneecap,…
Hansard · 28 Apr 2025 · parliament.uk
Plant and Seed Nurseries: Northern Ireland23 Apr 2025
RS
Robin Swann
What assessment he has made of the adequacy of support available to Scottish plant and seed nurseries to sell products to Northern Ireland.
Hansard · 23 Apr 2025 · parliament.uk
Engagements23 Apr 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I and my party join the Prime Minister in his condolences for the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. The Prime Minister has often referred to his time working in Northern Ireland, and I have spoken to one of his bosses, who speaks of his diligence. In that vein, could he speak to his Northern…
Hansard · 23 Apr 2025 · parliament.uk
Hospitals23 Apr 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The motion starts by referring to “hospitals across the country”, but most of the debate today has been about England. I want to highlight the situation that has arisen from the decisions made in this House on capital investment and changes to fiscal rules, and how that affects Northern Ireland and the capital investment there.…
Hansard · 23 Apr 2025 · parliament.uk
Prison Capacity: Northern Ireland22 Apr 2025
RS
Robin Swann
What recent discussions she has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on trends in levels of prison capacity.
Hansard · 22 Apr 2025 · parliament.uk
EU Tariffs: United States and Northern Ireland Economy8 Apr 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The Government’s advice to Northern Ireland businesses seems to be, “Keep calm and carry on.” Well, that creates an awful lot of uncertainty for small and medium-sized enterprises in Northern Ireland. Will the Secretary of State put a little more meat on the bone in relation to what the Government are doing? As he said,…
Hansard · 8 Apr 2025 · parliament.uk
Defence committee8 Apr 2025
RS
Robin Swann
One of the report’s recommendations is that the covenant should be applied consistently across the United Kingdom. The hon. and gallant Member will be aware of my party’s submission, which pointed out that Op Fortitude, which is designed to support homeless ex-service personnel, is effectively non-existent in Northern Ireland and that veterans in Northern Ireland…
Hansard · 8 Apr 2025 · parliament.uk
Blair Mayne: Posthumous Victoria Cross8 Apr 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I rise to support the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) in his call for a posthumous VC for Blair Mayne. We are speaking about a man whose courage and leadership helped shape one of the best fighting forces in the world. Although the name of Lieutenant Colonel Blair “Paddy” Mayne of the SAS is…
Hansard · 8 Apr 2025 · parliament.uk
UK Industrial Strategy2 Apr 2025
RS
Robin Swann
With regard to international trade, as mentioned by the hon. Member for North Down (Alex Easton) , what assessment has made been made of the UK industrial strategy and the impact of US tariffs that may come on goods manufactured in Northern Ireland?
Hansard · 2 Apr 2025 · parliament.uk
Clause 1 - Determination of additional multipliers31 Mar 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Does the shadow Secretary of State agree that there seems to be a disjointed approach, where the Health Secretary is asking for more healthcare in the community, whereas we will be asking anybody who moves from a central location into the community to pay these additional taxes and rates?
Hansard · 31 Mar 2025 · parliament.uk
Spring Statement26 Mar 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The Chancellor’s statement referred to people who were listening. The president of the Ulster Farmers Union was in the Public Gallery to hear her statement, which did not reference agriculture or farming at all. It talked about the country’s security and safety, but there was nothing on food safety. It spoke of not writing off…
Hansard · 26 Mar 2025 · parliament.uk
New Clause 11 - Age verification in relation to tobacco and vaping products etc26 Mar 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I echo the words of the hon. and learned Member for North Antrim (Jim Allister) with regard to the importance of this Bill applying to all four nations: I want it to cover the entirety of the United Kingdom. Some 2,200 people in Northern Ireland die every year from a smoking-related illness. One in four…
Hansard · 26 Mar 2025 · parliament.uk
Disruption at Heathrow24 Mar 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The Secretary of State said in her statement that the review by the National Energy System Operator will seek to learn wider lessons for energy resilience and critical national infrastructure. Will that review include the infrastructure in Northern Ireland, specifically Belfast international airport in my constituency and Belfast City airport?
Hansard · 24 Mar 2025 · parliament.uk
St Patrick’s Day: UK Bank Holiday18 Mar 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on securing the debate. We have already heard the Scottish claim St Patrick—I say that in response to the last intervention—we have heard, I believe, the Welsh try to claim him as well, and we know he is our patron saint. Perhaps that is why the hon. Gentleman is proposing…
Hansard · 18 Mar 2025 · parliament.uk
North Sea Vessel Collision11 Mar 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I join the Minister in paying tribute to all those emergency services that responded, but the unknown—the cargo of the Solong—is a major concern to many in the Chamber, and many who are working to deal with the incident. What engagement on this issue has the Minister had with the UN’s International Maritime Organisation, which…
Hansard · 11 Mar 2025 · parliament.uk
European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism11 Mar 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Let me briefly mention that motion that has just taken been debated in the Assembly, which was secured by the Ulster Unionist party and amended by the DUP. We often hear in this place that when all parties stand together in the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Government will react. Will the right hon. Gentleman join…
Hansard · 11 Mar 2025 · parliament.uk
Trade Diversion and Windsor Framework4 Mar 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Will the hon. and learned Gentleman give way?
Hansard · 4 Mar 2025 · parliament.uk
Ukraine3 Mar 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I thank the Prime Minister for his leadership over the weekend. In the statement, he talks about UK jobs, UK skills and UK finance pulling together for our national interest, so may I also welcome the announcement of the £1.6 billion investment in Thales in Belfast in regards to the procurement of those 5,000 air…
Hansard · 3 Mar 2025 · parliament.uk
Public Services26 Feb 2025
RS
Robin Swann
What steps his Department is taking with the Northern Ireland Executive to help improve public services in Northern Ireland.
Hansard · 26 Feb 2025 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions25 Feb 2025
RS
Robin Swann
In January, a Minister in the Foreign Office said that they would challenge the Northern Ireland Executive to be more robust in their reporting of international affairs and meetings. At the start of this month, the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister met again with the Chinese consul, but still no details of that…
Hansard · 25 Feb 2025 · parliament.uk
Defence and Security25 Feb 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I thank the Prime Minister for his very strong statement. He has talked of a national security position, a whole-society response and a time for us all to pull together. May I ask him to ensure that Northern Ireland businesses are part of that national response? May I also ask the Government to recognise and…
Hansard · 25 Feb 2025 · parliament.uk
Ukraine24 Feb 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The Prime Minister said this morning that Russia does not hold all the cards. I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s announcement of further sanctions. Will he work at national and international level to ensure that President Putin does not get a new hand that allows him to proceed with bluff, bluster and bullying that could bring…
Hansard · 24 Feb 2025 · parliament.uk
Waiting Lists: Devolved Administrations11 Feb 2025
RS
Robin Swann
What steps he is taking to help devolved Administrations reduce waiting lists.
Hansard · 11 Feb 2025 · parliament.uk
Clonoe Inquest11 Feb 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Much has been made in recognising the service of our armed forces, including the members of the RUC and the PSNI, because not only did they defend our communities, they lived among them. Does the Secretary of State agree that the soldiers acted inside the rules of engagement in that they believed their lives were…
Hansard · 11 Feb 2025 · parliament.uk
Scrutiny of European Statutory Instruments11 Feb 2025
RS
Robin Swann
In regard to that, as the hon. and learned Member for North Antrim (Jim Allister) asked, if there is such a low number of instruments and the Committee is not to meet so regularly, why not give Northern Ireland a place on it?
Hansard · 11 Feb 2025 · parliament.uk
National Cancer Plan4 Feb 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I thank the Minister for making his statement on World Cancer Day, and I do not doubt his sincerity on this issue. On 22 March 2022 , the then Northern Ireland Health Minister launched a 10-year cancer strategy and funding plan. It was co-designed, co-produced and co-chaired by Professor Charlotte McArdle, the then chief nursing…
Hansard · 4 Feb 2025 · parliament.uk
Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill3 Feb 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Bearing in mind the money that has been claimed back from unpaid carers and our concerns about the DWP, does the hon. Member agree that this legislation would see more unpaid carers or their like come under far harder and harsher penalties?
Hansard · 3 Feb 2025 · parliament.uk
Crime Prevention29 Jan 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Rural crime is a scourge across the entirety of the United Kingdom. What discussions has the Secretary of State had with her Cabinet colleagues on ensuring a consistent approach to tackling rural crime across the UK?
Hansard · 29 Jan 2025 · parliament.uk
Welfare Cap29 Jan 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The hon. Member has talked eloquently about the challenges of getting into the workplace. Does he realise that a large number of people across our society who are economically inactive have the desire to look for work and have welfare payments to support them getting into work, but sometimes through no fault of their own…
Hansard · 29 Jan 2025 · parliament.uk
Storm Éowyn27 Jan 2025
RS
Robin Swann
I add my tribute and thanks to the emergency services, core workers and care workers who were on the ground over the weekend, and to those providing welfare in our churches and halls of all creeds—the Orange halls and the Gaelic Athletic Association centres—which opened their doors for our local communities. The Chancellor of the…
Hansard · 27 Jan 2025 · parliament.uk
Russian Maritime Activity and UK Response22 Jan 2025
RS
Robin Swann
The Secretary of State said in his statement that we are strengthening our response to ensure that Russian ships cannot operate in secrecy near UK territory. He will be aware of an occasion just over a year ago when a Russian submarine was chased from the harbour in Cork by the British Navy, because the…
Hansard · 22 Jan 2025 · parliament.uk
New Clause 1 - Applicability to prospective recruits21 Jan 2025
RS
Robin Swann
Does the hon. and learned Gentleman share the concern that the staff of the Northern Ireland veterans commissioner are appointed by the Northern Ireland Office, as is the commissioner? Does he agree that the commissioner having the freedom, independence and ability to challenge the Government with force and vigour, and without having to continually look…
Hansard · 21 Jan 2025 · parliament.uk
Robin Swann — Hansard Social