Latest news with #NutrientsActionProgramme
Agriland
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Agriland
Ag Committee chair calls for withdrawal of NAP public consultation
The chairperson of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee, Robbie Butler has called for the withdrawal of the current Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) public consultation in Northern Ireland. Butler did so courtesy of his contribution to a Stormont Assembly debate on the matter earlier this week. Butler said in his address: 'There is no doubt that improving water quality in Lough Neagh and in our rivers is essential. 'No one in this chamber, and certainly no one in our rural communities, denies the scale of the problem.' NAP public consultation The AERA committee chair went on to explain why he felt the NAP public consultation should be withdrawn. ' But we must be honest: the proposals currently on the table risk alienating the very people whose buy-in, expertise and practical action are essential to achieving real, lasting change,' Butler said. 'Over 3,500 farms face the prospect of stricter phosphorus limits, compulsory buffer strips, and mandatory investment in low-emission slurry equipment. 'These NAP proposals are not being introduced into a vacuum. They come at a time of immense financial pressure, workforce stress, and a growing sense of disconnect between policy-makers and those working the land.' The AERA committee chairperson went on to confirm his attendance at a recent service of remembrance to honour those who have died on farms, whether by tragic accident or by suicide. He said: 'That reality is a sobering reminder of the toll these pressures are already taking. 'With serious and very real pressures growing on family farms in Northern Ireland, we must without doubt face up to our environmental responsibilities: but we must not break our farmers to do so. 'That's why I support the call for the withdrawal of the NAP consultation: not to abandon progress, but to create space for a better, fairer, more joined-up approach. One that is evidence-based, co-designed, and genuinely multi-sectoral.' Threats to water quality But the Lagan Valley-based Ulster Unionist Party politician feels that simply to end the NAP public consultation process does not go far enough. He said he wants to ensure that agriculture is not seen as the only source of pollution affecting Lough Neagh. Nor is it the only sector in need of reform. Butler explained: 'Water quality in our rivers and lakes is being degraded not just by nutrient runoff, but also by inadequate wastewater treatment infrastructure, industrial discharge, urban runoff, and rising temperatures driven by climate change. 'Invasive species like zebra mussels have altered the very ecology of the lough. 'The question of whether to dredge or not to dredge remains contentious. These wider factors must be part of the conversation too : not pushed to the sidelines.' Butler outlined the type of strategy he felt should replace the current NAP public consultation. 'If we isolate agriculture while ignoring these other pressures, we risk making the same mistakes again. Worse still, we risk losing the confidence of rural communities; communities who want to be part of the solution but too often feel they are treated as the problem.' 'That's why we need a reset. A strategy that respects farmers, rewards best practice, and reflects the collective responsibility we all share for protecting our environment. 'That includes collaboration between the minister for agriculture, environment and rural affairs and the minister for infrastructure — particularly around the chronic underinvestment in wastewater infrastructure that continues to contribute to pollution across the region.'
Agriland
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Agriland
NI ag minister receives death threat
Northern Ireland's Minister for Agriculture, Enterprise and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir has received a death threat, that has been reported to the Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI). Minister Muir said that a comment was posted during a Zoom call he was attending, which threatened to 'have (the minister) shot'. The PSNI said it has received reports of threats, and has launched an investigation. Minister Muir said: 'I'm disappointed to see some of the online comments posted in recent times, both in terms of myself and also officials. 'This does not reflect the vast majority of people in farming, I have been welcomed into many farmers' homes and I'm grateful for the warm and respectful welcome since I took up ministerial office.' The minister also believes it is important to 'lower the tone' in wider public discourse on the draft Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) proposals. He said: 'This is a public consultation – there's no need to issue death threats against me, nor make discriminatory comments about anyone. 'We have a critical challenge in terms of improving water quality in Lough Neagh, and also giving financial stability and certainty for farming here. 'That will not change via death threats or anything else. I have a job to do for the people of Northern Ireland and I will continue to do that,' the minister added. Minister Andrew Muir The deputy leader of the Alliance Party, Eóin Tennyson has described the death threat as 'deplorable and unacceptable'. Tennyson said: 'I am proud of the leadership Andrew has offered on Lough Neagh and the protection of our environment. Whilst there must always be space for honest, open and robust political debate; there can be no place for intimidation or threat of violence. 'Threats against any politician are an attack on the democratic process.' The chief superintendent of the PSNI, Stephen Murray said that the PSNI will do all it can to ensure that politicians are supported, and that they can undertake their role 'free from fear and intimidation'. Murray said: 'It is totally unacceptable that anyone should face abuse or threats simply for carrying out the duties of their office. We will thoroughly investigate any such incident. 'We regularly engage with our elected representatives in order to provide information on personal safety, how the police service can support them and, crucially, when to report an incident to police.' 'We regularly engage with assembly and parliamentary officials, and the electoral commission, in regard to elected representative safety,' Murray added.
Irish Independent
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Police launch investigation after Northern Ireland's agriculture minister says he received a death threat
Speaking about threats against those in public office, Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said it is 'totally unacceptable' for elected representatives to face abuse or threats for doing their job. Last week Mr Muir told the Assembly that he and officials in his department had been the target of 'vile' homophobic, racist and misogynistic comments on social media over his department's proposed Nutrients Action Programme (NAP). However, speaking today the minister said that the situation had 'taken a disturbing turn' in recent days after he received a death threat. It comes during heated opposition from the farming community to Mr Muir's NAP proposals which are currently out for consultation. Mr Muir has been urged to scrap the proposals which are aimed at improving water quality and the wider environment by reducing and preventing pollution caused or induced by nutrients from agricultural sources. Opponents say the proposals could devastate agriculture, reduce livestock numbers and undermine food security. In a statement on Monday Mr Muir revealed details of the threat which he said did 'not reflect the farming community in Northern Ireland'. 'I'm disappointed to see some of the online comments posted in recent times, both in terms of myself and also officials,' Mr Muir said. "This does not reflect the vast majority of people in farming, I have been welcomed into many farmers' homes and I'm grateful for the warm and respectful welcome since I took up Ministerial office. 'Online commentary sadly took a disturbing turn last week when someone posted a comment during a Zoom call which threatened to have me shot. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'That has been reported to police, who are taking it seriously. It is important people lower the tone in wider public discourse on the draft NAP proposals. 'This is a public consultation - there's no need to issue death threats against me, nor make discriminatory comments about anyone. 'We have a critical challenge in terms of improving water quality in Lough Neagh, and also giving financial stability and certainty for farming here. That will not change via death threats or anything else. I have a job to do for the people of Northern Ireland and I will continue to do that.' A spokesperson for the PSNI confirmed that an investigation had been launched adding that any reports of abuse, harassment or criminality directed at elected representatives would be thoroughly investigated. Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray added: 'It is totally unacceptable that anyone should face abuse or threats simply for carrying out the duties of their office. We will thoroughly investigate any such incident. 'We will continue to do all we can to ensure that all of our politicians are supported, and that they can undertake their role free from fear and intimidation. 'We regularly engage with our elected representatives in order to provide information on personal safety, how the Police Service can support them and, crucially, when to report an incident to police. 'We regularly engage with Assembly and Parliamentary officials, and the Electoral Commission, in regard to elected representative safety.' The Department for Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs said: ''The Department can confirm that, last week, it received a report of a threatening comment made against Minister Muir. The matter was reported to the Police Service of Northern Ireland for investigation. Due to the ongoing investigation the Department cannot comment further.'
Belfast Telegraph
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Police launch investigation after agriculture minister says he received a death threat
Speaking about threats against those in public office, Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said it is 'totally unacceptable' for elected representatives to face abuse or threats for doing their job. Last week Mr Muir told the Assembly that he and officials in his department had been the target of 'vile' homophobic, racist and misogynistic comments on social media over his department's proposed Nutrients Action Programme (NAP). However, speaking today the minister said that the situation had 'taken a disturbing turn' in recent days after he received a death threat. It comes during heated opposition from the farming community to Mr Muir's NAP proposals which are currently out for consultation. Mr Muir has been urged to scrap the proposals which are aimed at improving water quality and the wider environment by reducing and preventing pollution caused or induced by nutrients from agricultural sources. Opponents say the proposals could devastate agriculture, reduce livestock numbers and undermine food security. Speaking to Cool FM on Monday Mr Muir revealed details of the threat which he said did 'not reflect the farming community in Northern Ireland'. 'As minister I have been out and about, I've been welcomed into the homes of many farmers and (had) very respectful engagement around what is a consultation,' he said. 'But things have really taken a disturbing turn last week when there was a zoom call to discuss the NAP proposals and consultation, someone decided to post a comment which essentially is threatening to have me shot.' He added: 'I'm very disappointed, I know this does not reflect the farming community in Northern Ireland, and I think it is really important that I say that. "I know the police are taking this very seriously and it's important that when we are engaging in what is a consultation about draft proposals, people lower the tone a bit." News Catchup - Monday 9th June 2025 He urged people to take a 'step back' adding there 'is no need to issue death threats against me' or for discriminatory comments aimed at officials in his department and people working in the agri-food sector. A spokesperson for the PSNI confirmed that an investigation had been launched adding that any reports of abuse, harassment or criminality directed at elected representatives would be thoroughly investigated. Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray added: 'It is totally unacceptable that anyone should face abuse or threats simply for carrying out the duties of their office. We will thoroughly investigate any such incident. 'We will continue to do all we can to ensure that all of our politicians are supported, and that they can undertake their role free from fear and intimidation. 'We regularly engage with our elected representatives in order to provide information on personal safety, how the Police Service can support them and, crucially, when to report an incident to police. 'We regularly engage with Assembly and Parliamentary officials, and the Electoral Commission, in regard to elected representative safety.'
Belfast Telegraph
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Agriculture minister says death threat has been made against him with someone ‘threatening to have me shot'
Last week Mr Muir told the Assembly that he and officials in his department had been the target of 'vile' homophobic, racist and misogynistic comments on social media over his department's proposed Nutrients Action Programme (NAP). However, speaking today the minister said that the situation had 'taken a disturbing turn' in recent days after he received a death threat. It comes during heated opposition from the farming community to Mr Muir's NAP proposals which are currently out for consultation. Mr Muir has been urged to scrap the proposals which are aimed at improving water quality and the wider environment by reducing and preventing pollution caused or induced by nutrients from agricultural sources. Opponents say the proposals could devastate agriculture, reduce livestock numbers and undermine food security. Speaking to Cool FM on Monday Mr Muir revealed details of the threat which he said did 'not reflect the farming community in Northern Ireland'. 'As minister I have been out and about, I've been welcomed into the homes of many farmers and (had) very respectful engagement around what is a consultation,' he said. 'But things have really taken a disturbing turn last week when there was a zoom call to discuss the NAP proposals and consultation, someone decided to post a comment which essentially is threatening to have me shot.' He added: 'I'm very disappointed, I know this does not reflect the farming community in Northern Ireland, and I think it is really important that I say that. "I know the police are taking this very seriously and it's important that when we are engaging in what is a consultation about draft proposals, people lower the tone a bit." News Catchup - Monday 9th June 2025 He urged people to take a 'step back' adding there 'is no need to issue death threats against me' or for discriminatory comments aimed at officials in his department and people working in the agri-food sector. The PSNI and the Department for Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs have been contacted for comment
