MP had a busy October

It has been a busy month representing South Antrim both in Westminster and across the constituency. It has also been a month of significant developments on public finances, legislation and local engagements.

My work in Westminster this month has included speaking and voting on amendments to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill as it finished its Commons stages, focusing in particular on my amendment concerning Troubles-related sexual offences which entitle victims of these offences to access a Legacy Commission investigation. I look forward to meeting with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State in the coming weeks to progress this point as the Bill enters the House of Lords.

I also had the opportunity to ask the Prime Minister a question at Prime Minister Question Time, where I stressed the vital role of our healthcare workers and the urgent need for an agreed Northern Ireland Executive budget so my party colleague and Health Minister Robbie Butler MLA can deliver the pay settlements these essential workers are due. I asked him to work directly with us and the Executive to deliver a budget that properly funds our public services.

This month also saw Chancellor John Healey deliver his first Autumn Budget – the first of the Burnham Government. Unfortunately, the overarching funding settlement falls significantly short of what is required to stabilise public services and support local business in Northern Ireland. The £270 million delivered via the Barnett formula will not meet the needs of the Northern Ireland Executive, pushing the possibility of a sustainable local budget further away, while it is also deeply frustrating to see business rate support measures announced for Great Britain not extending to Northern Ireland alongside disappointing increases to Air Passenger Duty.

Back in South Antrim, it was a privilege to celebrate several major local milestones including marking the 75th anniversary of the Antrim Area St John Ambulance by joining their celebrations and tabling an Early Day Motion in Parliament, as well as attending the 300th anniversary Songs of Praise celebration at First Antrim Presbyterian Church to learn more about their fantastic history and work within the local community.

Promoting investment into the area and working closely with local business remains a core focus of mine. Alongside our UUP Airport DEA representative Ryan Kirkpatrick, I met with senior management at Belfast International Airport to discuss their upcoming investment at the site, the need for rail connections and the condition of local roads. I was also very pleased to have officially opened the new Hannon Steel site in Nutts Corner after supporting the firm through their continued investment in South Antrim.

We have a brilliant community across South Antrim, and it is always a privilege to be invited to get in involved and to support them. This was highlighted recently when opening the Antrim Art Club exhibition at Antrim Library – a fantastic showcase by a wonderful group with a real sense of community spirit.

Finally, as we approach Remembrance Sunday, I attended the launch of this year's Poppy Appeal with the Antrim Royal British Legion alongside Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick. Poppies and poppy badges are available from my constituency office.