Senior Ulster Unionist challenges Prime Minister on rural crime

Speaking in a House of Lords debate on the rural economy, Lord Rogan said Northern Ireland “is highly dependent on a healthy and expanding rural economy for its prosperity,” with 58% of the Province’s businesses located in rural areas.

He continued: “On taking power, the Labour Government chose to pause the growth deals - designed for predominantly rural areas - in the Mid South West and Causeway Coast and Glens, with Ministers resorting to the now familiar excuse of a hole in the public finances.

“That situation was rectified by the Chancellor in her Autumn Budget Statement, but the level of uncertainty, disappointment and worry felt in those rural areas was palpable and did nothing to build confidence that the new government have either understanding of or empathy with those seeking to grow the rural economy in the Province.”

The former Ulster Unionist president said the government’s lack of understanding was underlined by its decision to impose an inheritance tax on farms worth more than £1 million which, he said, “has placed the future of many farms, and indeed a way of rural life, under grave threat.”

In a wide-ranging speech, Lord Rogan told peers that rural crime was currently costing the Northern Ireland economy £2 million a year.

“As well as people falling victim to petty crime, a sad reality in many parts of society, is that rural communities are regularly targeted by organised crime groups,” he said.

“This criminality takes various forms, including waste crime, animal and machinery theft, and illegal puppy breeding and smuggling, and the proceeds are funnelled back into further criminality.”

He asked Rural Affairs Minister Baroness Hayman: “Given the organised nature of these activities, is there is scope for police and security forces across the United Kingdom to work more closely together to tackle this rural crime?”

Lord Rogan added: “Our Prime Minister is fond of telling us about his previous role in taking down gangs. This might present an ideal opportunity to show the country what our Prime Minister is made of.”