Shannon Addresses Food Security In Westminster Debate

Jim Shannon MP speaks on Domestic Farming and Food Supply in Westminster Hall debate

In a world with increasing uncertainties in trade, food security is no more a given. The debate continues how the UK can address this issue and maintain its resilience in the face of the many arising challenges economically, politically and environmentally.

Could the UK be walking blindly into a perfect storm where in a global emergency, food simply becomes scarce ?

Strangford MP Jim spoke on the 27^th of October 2026 in a Westminster Hall debate which largely focused on supporting British farmers, strengthening food security, addressing rising production costs and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the UK farming industry.

Jim Shannon has long been an advocate for farmers in his constituency and has often declared his interest as a keen supporter of the Ulster Farmers Union.

He said: “Our national food security relies inherently on the economic viability of our local family farms. For the agri-food capital that is Strangford, domestic farming is more than just an industry.”

He continued asking fellow members whether they shared his concerns that “the family farm inheritance tax could well be the death knell for family farms in Northern Ireland ?”

The Undersecretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs acknowledged the concerns surrounding inheritance tax reforms and said that the Government had listened and acted to protect more farms and businesses.

He further emphasised that “Up to £5 million can still be passed on free of inheritance tax, depending on people’s individual circumstances. Farming families will be able to pass the family farm down to their children, just as previous generations have done.”