Andy Allen MBE MLA

Yesterday saw an engagement meeting with @AndyAllen88 MLA as well as work on both days focused on a consultation response and working through recent polling research on public attitudes to identity.

𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐢𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann has hit out at the lack of direct support for Northern Ireland households as home heating oil prices more than double following the escalation of conflict in Iran. Speaking after a high level meeting between Northern Ireland MPs and Treasury officials, the Ulster Unionist MP warned that government process is failing to help families facing rocketing fuel costs. With Northern Ireland uniquely reliant on heating oil, Mr Swann pressed the government on the need for action, not words. @RobinSwann_MP said: "The government is currently pointing to 'crisis resilience funds' as a safety net for vulnerable consumers. The problem is that these funds don’t actually apply in Northern Ireland. I have asked the Treasury for an answer on what the equivalent support will be for my constituents. Northern Ireland cannot be left with a shortfall just because of how our energy market is structured. "I also raised the huge cost of 'crisis drums' of oil. It is a sizeable burden on the most vulnerable and the government needs to step in. "The default answer from London has been to wait for the Competition and Markets Authority to look at the numbers. My message to the Treasury today was that my constituents don’t need a report on the process, they need action on the price. Waiting on a watch-dog report offers no comfort to a constituent sitting in a cold house today." Robin will continue to press the Treasury for a bespoke support package that reflects Northern Ireland’s heavy dependence on the oil market.

NI relies on maritime transport for ~90% of our trade and passenger movement 🚢 That’s why we opposed the extension of the ETS to domestic maritime routes. It’s effectively a carbon tax that won’t decarbonise shipping and the costs will simply be passed on to consumers and businesses 💷 Deeply regret that SF, SDLP and Alliance voted together to support it. Northern Ireland deserves policies that support real decarbonisation not measures that just increase costs. ❌🌍

The 70/30 split of the Local Growth Fund isn't working. Our voluntary sector needs the revenue funding to run services, keep staff and delivery for the communities who need them - they're not asking for more buildings. The lack of action by the NIO is incredibly disappointing.

Thank you to all who came along to today's APG on #FuelPoverty meeting with Minister Lyons to discuss the recently published Warm Healthy Homes 2026-2036 strategy. It's an ambitious Executive strategy that needs the co-operation of all Departments to deliver lasting change.

Thinking about nominating someone for this year's Awards? Our 'Who Do You Know?' virtual session takes place on 04 March at 15:00, and it’s your chance to get all the advice you need. 👉 Reserve your place now: bit.ly/4kWiPCu #thearmedforcescommunityawards

Who do you keep talking about but haven’t yet nominated? ✔️ A colleague who always goes the extra mile. ✔️ A volunteer who never seems to stop. ✔️ A team quietly changing lives behind the scenes. Head to bit.ly/4qVXfzx and nominate them for #soldieringon2026

Many thanks to the 110 P7 students & staff from Strandtown PS (East Belfast) who joined us today and yesterday to learn more about the role of the Assembly. This afternoon’s group had the opportunity to have a Q&A with @AndyAllen88

⚽️ “More Than a Game” – showcasing the social value of the Northern Ireland Football League. Football goes far beyond the pitch 👇 🏘️ Community – clubs at the heart of towns & villages 💙 Wellbeing – belonging, purpose & connection 🏃 Health – promoting active lifestyles 🧠 Mental Health – safe spaces & support networks 🤝 Community Spirit – powered by volunteers 🏆 Community Identity – pride in place Great to attend with Alistair & Ellie-Mae Dickson and Nigel Farr from Lisburn Rangers, alongside colleague Andy Allen MLA. Truly more than a game. 🌟 #MoreThanAGame #NIFL #CommunityFootball

The scrapping of the UK Shared Prosperity Funding is set to impact 11,000 service users and put at risk 400 jobs - this is completely unacceptable. I'm pleased the Prime Minister has committed to secure a meeting for me & the organisations impacted with the relevant Minister.

Delighted to be back on the Community engagement trail 2026 (more than breakfast 🫣) with Alan Martin Thanks to the brilliant Brookhill team! Not new. Not sudden. Just consistent. Brookhill Orange Hall this morning 💪 #MakeNiWork #UnionOfPeople

🎥 “A school meal isn’t something which should be seen as a luxury or a treat for children.” 🧒 Children’s charity raises concerns as rise in school meal prices takes effect in Northern Ireland 🗣️ Dearbhla Holohan from Barnardo’s speaks to our reporter @TaraGriff

Some recent Qs on key issues facing NI's housing market... ❓@petermartindup on reform of Planning Act (NI) 2011 ❓@AndyAllen88 on changes to Housing Association Grant rates ❓@MarkHDurkan on Social Housing Development Prog., no. new builds started and completed in last 12 months

Getting an increasing number of phishing (scam) emails and texts, such as this. Please be vigilant.

And like clock work they revert to form #Manu

Change is good, but it’s got to be the right change #manu

Hope all involved are ok and all the residents safely back in their homes asap. 🙏

Education Authority page lists school closures due to severe weather or other unexpected events in Northern Ireland. List is updated every 10 minutes. nidirect.gov.uk/services/schoo…

EA's Transport Service plans to operate as normal on Monday. However, there may be some disruption or delays to routes as a result of road conditions. For transport queries, contact the Transport Helpline: Tel: 028 9598 5959 [Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm]

Thank you to @mikenesbittni for your leadership and service to modern & positive Unionism and vision to make Northern Ireland work for everyone. It was your brand of Unionism that convinced me to pack up my career fighting fires & climbing ladders and to help build a better NI through politics. It's been a pleasure and I look forward to working closely with you in the coming months and year. #UnionOfPeople #MakeNIWork