The Official Site of Sammy Wilson MP
Bringing East Antrim’s Voice to the Centre of Decision-Making
Sammy Wilson has called for action on illicit tobacco and vape sales, which are now sold openly in town centres and in public markets in Northern Ireland, where the rate of illegal tobacco sales is the highest. 42.4% of all tobacco sales are illegal.
Apart from the loss of revenue to the Exchequer, this also represents huge funds for criminal gangs and the sale of unsafe products.
It also means that there is unfair and illegal competition for legitimate high street businesses, and many small shops do depend upon tobacco sales for an important part of their revenue.
Local authorities and other enforcement agencies must be funded and given the tools which they need to take effective action.
I intend to meet with representatives of the legitimate tobacco industry to discuss what action can be taken to deal with this increasingly illicit trade.
I am disappointed that Renewable Energy Systems have made another planning application for the Unshinagh wind farm proposal outside Carnlough turned down by the Department for Infrastructure in January 2024 and those who were concerned about the environmental impact of what would have been a blot on the pristine landscape on a very sensitive part of the Antrim Plateau.
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We were pleased with the decision which the Department had made and it is disappointing that RES, in pursuit of profit, have now resubmitted the application, albeit with a reduced number of wind turbines.
The whole point of the objections to this proposal was that wind turbines of any number were unacceptable in this area, having a visual impact on the landscape and also destroying this upland area of peat bog, which is the natural habitat for many birds.
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I remain committed to opposing this application.
I believe that it is not beneficial either to the local economy or to the environment and I hope that the Department will refuse it as they did with the original application.
I trust that all of those who objected before will be objecting again.
🩺 Help Shape the Future of Healthcare in Northern Ireland
Too often, diseases are only detected once symptoms appear. Yet conditions such as cancer, dementia, diabetes, heart disease and stroke can begin developing long before any symptoms are noticed.
That is why I am encouraging people to consider taking part in Our Future Health, the UK's largest health research programme.
Over 2.7 million volunteers across the UK have already joined, including more than 11,000 people from Northern Ireland. By taking part, volunteers are helping researchers discover new ways to prevent, detect and treat disease earlier and more effectively.
One of the most significant aspects of this programme is that mobile clinics are travelling throughout Northern Ireland, making it easier for people living in towns, villages and rural communities to take part without travelling long distances.
Participation is straightforward:
✅ Read and sign a consent form
✅ Complete a health and lifestyle questionnaire
✅ Attend a clinic appointment where a blood sample and some physical measurements are taken
Participants will receive information about aspects of their health, including blood pressure, and may have opportunities to take part in future research studies.
This research could help develop:
🔹 Earlier detection of serious illnesses
🔹 Better screening programmes
🔹 More personalised treatments
🔹 Improved understanding of disease risk
🔹 Better outcomes for future generations
Anyone aged 18 or over can join.
👉 Find out more and sign up today:
www.ourfuturehealth.org.uk
Together we can help build a healthier future for Northern Ireland.
#OurFutureHealth #NorthernIreland #HealthResearch #DiseasePrevention #CancerResearch #HealthierLives
Parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs often face a difficult and overwhelming journey. This is an excellent initiative from Cheryl Brownlee MLA, bringing together key organisations and support services in one place to help families access the advice and assistance they need.
If you or someone you know could benefit, I’d encourage you to find out more and register below.
www.facebook.com/share/1DNcVs29H7/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Every Child Matters: Supporting Your Child with SEN
The launch of our new information handbook – Every Child Matters
Coastguard Rescue Officers are frontline heroes.
Day and night, they carry out dangerous search and rescue missions, help people trapped in mud, respond to emergencies, and provide life-saving first aid.
It is deeply concerning that the Government is reportedly planning to stop paying Coastguard Rescue Officers for emergency callouts.
These dedicated volunteers deserve to be properly recognised and supported for the vital work they do to keep our communities safe.
If you agree, please join me in standing with our coastguards by signing the petition: 38d.gs/xk94