Any cut to TB payments unacceptable

Carla Lockhart MP • September 29, 2023

Upper Bann MP and DUP Westminster EFRA Spokesperson Carla Lockhart has said any proposal coming from DAERA at the behest of the Secretary of State to cut the compensation payment level to farmers impacted by TB in their herd would be wholly unacceptable.

Carla Lockhart said:

 

“The Secretary of State sits behind a plush desk issuing diktats to local Departments to find cost saving measures, but in doing so he shows absolutely no understanding of the pressures people are facing.

 

This is obviously the case in his instruction to DAERA to explore cutting compensation payments to farmers who have instances of TB in their herd. I would encourage Mr Heaton-Harris to come with me to a farm, of which sadly there are many, on which TB has decimated the herd, and caused huge financial pressures to the farming family concerned. Let him look those farmers in the eye and tell them ‘the compensation payment you received was excessive’. He couldn’t be more wrong and yet he pursues this aggressive agenda of inflicting pain on those already facing huge pressures.

 

All this is done under the veil of addressing the public finance. We all know however that it was only a matter of weeks ago that the same Secretary of State indicated a blank cheque was available for Casement Park’s redevelopment. It does make you seriously question the priorities of the NIO – is a state of the art stadium/concert venue more important than farming families income and the future sustainability of those family farms?

 

The Secretary of State needs to step back from punishing farmers. Indeed, his Government would be better spending time and resource in tackling TB, and directly resources towards reducing the impact of TB on farms. No farmer wants to be in the position of getting compensation for TB outbreaks on farm, it is not through choice. The NIO should recognise this instead of adding to an already difficult situation.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP September 4, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP has written to the DAERA Minister requesting a prompt and comprehensive update on the membership, governance and remit of the time-bound Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) stakeholder task and finish group.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 4, 2025
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, is calling on DAERA Minister Andrew Muir to ‘Love Lamb’ and deliver a bespoke funding package for sheep farmers in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that Northern Ireland’s car retail sector faces a major cliff edge in January 2026, when EU type approval rules imposed by the Protocol and Windsor Framework will prevent vehicles approved for sale in Great Britain from being registered in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed proposals from DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to strengthen the powers available to housing providers to deal with anti-social tenants and protect law-abiding families.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the announcement of new funding from Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to support bands across Northern Ireland in showcasing their talent beyond our shores.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 1, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has written to the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, calling for an urgent meeting to discuss the escalating issue of asylum and illegal immigration in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 29, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned against the ongoing anti-farming agenda, coming from the department and Minister responsible for the promotion and growth of agriculture in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 29, 2025
Windsor Framework failures on agenda as MP invites London officials to Upper Bann.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 27, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has met with the Health Minister to press concerns about the ongoing crisis in ADHD and autism services across Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 27, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised George and Tommy, the young sons of William, owner of Gilfresh Produce, for their part in a special sunflower project at Ballytyrone Road, Loughgall.