Robin Swann: One year in Westminster – and just getting started

Ulster Unionist Party MP Robin Swann (South Antrim)

Ulster Unionist Party MP Robin Swann has told party members that “the Ulster Unionist Party is back in Westminster” as he reflected on his first year representing South Antrim in the House of Commons.

Speaking at the party’s annual conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast on Saturday, Mr Swann said his determination to “deliver for my constituents, for this Party, and for Northern Ireland” had not faded since his election last year.

“When I stood here last year, as the recently elected Ulster Unionist Member of Parliament for South Antrim, it was with an expectation and determination to deliver for my constituents, for this Party, and for Northern Ireland – and I can tell you now, that has not faded – we are only just getting started,” he told delegates.

Mr Swann, a former Health Minister and MLA, described the pace and scale of debate in Westminster as “nothing quite comparable” to his experience in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

“Even after spending thirteen years in the Assembly as an MLA, nothing quite compares to the House of Commons. The speed of the place and the vast breadth and depth of issues discussed – it truly is the ‘Mother of Parliaments’,” he said.

Challenges Under Labour Government

Reflecting on the past year, Mr Swann criticised the Labour government for what he described as “short-sighted decisions” that have negatively affected small businesses, family farms, and the most vulnerable.

“‘Things can only get better.’ Or so they said,” he remarked.

“Despite a decade and a half of opposition to prepare, it’s now clear that Labour did not come into government with a plan that will make the average person, business or farmer better off – quite the opposite.”

He said the Ulster Unionist Parliamentary Party — including Lord Elliott, Lord Empey and Lord Rogan — had “worked as a small but effective team” to ensure the party’s voice was heard “loud and clear” across both Houses of Parliament.

“We have engaged with the Secretary of State, with the Veterans Minister, with Labour and the Conservatives, on the priorities of this Party and the people of Northern Ireland,” he said.

Key Issues and Campaigns

Outlining his priorities since taking his seat, Mr Swann said he had championed several local and regional issues including rail expansion between Antrim and Lisburn, improved connectivity to Belfast International Airport, and urgent action on Lough Neagh’s environmental crisis.

“Championing rail expansion between Antrim and Lisburn, with a connection at Belfast International Airport, stressing the need for urgent action to address the ecological disaster we’re seeing each summer at Lough Neagh,” he said.

“Providing practical proposals and solutions to tackle the high cost of motor insurance. Greater support for local business and entrepreneurship. These are some bread-and-butter issues that will make a real impact on the day-to-day lives of my constituents and I’m proud to champion them.”

Mr Swann also emphasised his work supporting veterans, noting that he secured a Westminster Hall debate on the role of the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner just 102 days after being elected.

“Too many victims are without justice, too many victim-makers have gotten away scot-free, and too many of our servicemen feel the country they defended has turned its back on them,” he said.

“We will not let this continue – it cannot go on.”

Windsor Framework and the Union

The South Antrim MP reiterated his opposition to the Windsor Framework, arguing that it was “harming businesses, farmers and Northern Ireland consumers.”

“The Windsor Framework simply is not working, and the Government need to stop tinkering around the edges and make meaningful reforms to address the issue,” he told the conference.

He said the Ulster Unionist Party was determined to present a “positive and pragmatic” form of unionism in Westminster — one focused on solutions, not division.

“For too long the voice of unionism in Westminster has been dominated by a perpetually negative Party, a Party that has not delivered for Northern Ireland,” he said.

“In this Parliament, unionism – and Northern Ireland – has positive and pragmatic representation on the green benches once again.”

Defending Family Farms and Rural Communities

Mr Swann also attacked the government’s proposed Family Farm Tax, which he warned could “put the future of too many farms in question.”

“The Family Farm Tax is putting the future of too many farms in question and risks seeing farms sold in pieces to pay the tax man,” he said.

“I have used the Parliamentary tools at my disposal – questioning the Prime Minister, presenting a petition to Parliament in partnership with the Ulster Farmers Union, meeting with DEFRA, and writing to the Chancellor – to highlight the devastating impact this could have.”

Health, the NHS and the Future of Unionism

Describing health as a “cornerstone” of the Ulster Unionist Party’s legacy, Mr Swann said he remained proud of the reforms initiated during his time as Health Minister and emphasised the importance of maintaining a “truly national NHS.”

“The Ulster Unionist Party remains the Party of Health, and since 2020 we’ve built a legacy in health that we can be proud of,” he said.

“As new technologies and systems are rolled out in GB, and key lessons are learned, it’s vital that we have a truly national NHS – and I am very happy to remind the government of this point.”

Looking ahead, Mr Swann said the UUP would continue to build on its representation in Westminster and prepare for upcoming local and Assembly elections.

“With only one MP, the Ulster Unionist Party is delivering – and I’m excited to think about what we can do with one, two, or three more,” he said. “If the work starts now, nothing’s out of the question.”

“Conference, we have work ahead of us, but if we do it, at every level – council, Stormont and Westminster – we can continue to deliver and we can make Northern Ireland work.”