Robin Swann disappointed as Government blocks ‘swift brick’ amendment to protect native birds

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has voiced disappointment after the UK Government blocked a proposed amendment that would have required new homes to include swift bricks – small, low-cost nesting spaces designed to help protect and restore the UK’s declining swift population.

The amendment, known as the ‘swift brick amendment’, was debated in Westminster on Monday night and would have applied to new homes in England and Wales that are more than five metres in height.

However, the Government imposed a three-line whip to oppose the proposal.

Mr Swann said he was deeply frustrated by the decision, describing it as a missed opportunity for affordable environmental action.

“This is an inexpensive and practical idea that could have made a real difference to conserve one of our native birds. It’s hard to understand why the Government felt the need to go to such lengths to stop it,” said Mr Swann.

Highlighting the balance between development and environmental protection, he added:

“Across the UK there’s a need for new housing and development, but we also have a duty to protect the natural world around us. Small changes like swift bricks show that development and conservation can go hand in hand.”

Local Support and Conservation Efforts in Antrim

Mr Swann also praised his Ulster Unionist Party colleague, Lord Reg Empey, for speaking and voting in favour of the measure during the House of Lords debate.

Lord Empey drew attention to local conservation work in South Antrim, commending community groups working to protect the swift population.

“In the Antrim area, a significant number of people are part of a swift group trying to help the native species recover. We should encourage that. I see no downside to the measure, and I support it,” Lord Empey said.

He noted that the declining insect population remains one of the biggest challenges facing swifts, but said the amendment was a meaningful step in the right direction.

“Their food source, insects, being fewer and farther between is always the biggest challenge for any native animal. But there is enough in this proposal to make it worthwhile, and I support it. I hope the House will do so.”

Following the vote, Lord Empey said he was “shocked” by the Government’s resistance to what he described as a “simple and inexpensive measure”.

“Having tried to persuade the Government to amend building regulations to require new build properties above five metres to install a swift brick, I was shocked to see the extent to which they went to block this simple and inexpensive measure.

“The Government says it supports the environment and wants to protect wildlife, but if it is prepared to go to such lengths to block a minor change like this, it really casts doubt on that claim. I am very disappointed.”

Background

Swifts, once a familiar sight across the UK’s summer skies, have seen dramatic population declines in recent decades due to habitat loss and modern building designs that leave little space for nesting.

Conservationists argue that swift bricks offer a simple, low-cost solution by providing secure nesting cavities within the walls of new homes.

Environmental groups have widely supported the initiative, noting that the cost per brick is minimal and installation can be easily integrated into new building projects without significant structural change or expense.