Strangford MP Jim Shannon MP, speaking after a meeting with James Brokenshire Secretary of State for NI, said: “In a meeting that lasted for almost an hour, the issue of the PSNI and those who have been injured and the need for further allocation of monies to enable the recruitment of Police officers was also underlined.
“The police federation of Northern Ireland are keen to see the PSNI fully trained to deliver total policing with a team that is at full strength. Fuel fraud was the next item for discussion and Ian Paisley also in attendance also pushed the Secretary of State regarding new measures to deal with fuel fraud.
“The present positive steps have stifled the criminal element around the borders but evidence of these measures being side-stepped are seen with the HMRC coffers not being filled as they should. We need more officers helping with this issue.
‘I raised the issue of the electoral office in Ards and sough Secretary of State Intervention and support to have the office and staff retained. The Ards electoral office looks after the Strangford and North Down Constituencies and it is vital that those who live in the area have access to the local office. It is imperative that the general public don’t have to travel to Belfast as that would be a backwards step and instead of engaging voters. The move to Belfast will reduce voters engaging and this is not what we are after.
“Online registration and alteration doesn’t suit everyone and I urged the Secretary of State to personally intervene and make sure that the electoral office in Ards is retained, the lease is continued and that the people of Strangford and North Down can have an office that is easy and cheap to get to and can ensure that elderly relatives have face-to-face contact which is essential. We want better turn outs at elections and this is not what will encourage better registration and turnout and the secretary of state was left under no illusion as to what was needed.”
Mr Shannon added: “The issue of Brexit also was high in the agenda and I invited the Secretary of State to visit Strangford to meet those in the Agri-Food Sector and to hear first hand the cross border contact that is needed to continue thriving businesses and again the Secretary of state had said that he was happy to visit and that will happen in the near future.
“With the agri-food sector contributing almost 2000 jobs in Strangford is essential their views are taken into consideration at the highest level and this is what I intend ensure happens.
“This was a positive meeting and I look forward to seeing the action points being rolled out by the Secretary of State”.
