Sinn Féin MP Says DUP Are Blocking £70million Support For Farmers
Sinn Féin Chris Hazzard MP has said that the failure of the DUP to re-enter the Executive and unlock £70 million of support for farmers is grossly irresponsible.
Mr Hazzard said: “It is clear that farmers are caught in the middle of a storm with the spiralling cost of fuel and energy prices, fertiliser and feed in the midst of Brexit with the uncertainty this will bring for future funding.
“It is therefore reprehensible that the DUP is holding farmers here in South Down to ransom by refusing to form an Executive and get much needed support out to hard-pressed farmers”.
“Most farmers I meet broadly welcome the announcement that the Single Farm Payment will be issued earlier this year, however, this will also lead to a longer winter particularly if the DUP continue to drag their heels in getting the Executive up and running.”
“In March, the Minister made a bid for £70 million to help the agri-food sector in the short term. Sinn Féin supports this bid, but the funding remains locked until an Executive is put in place.
“The DUP portray themselves as a party which supports farmers, so now is the time for them to step up to the plate and get back round the Executive table with the other parties and get this much needed support to farmers without further delay.”
