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Written Question
UK East-West Council
Thursday 16th July 2026

Asked by: Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party - South Antrim)

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when the last meeting of the East-West Council established under the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper was; and who attended.

Answered by Hilary Benn

The Government is continuing to implement the Safeguarding the Union command paper and to support Northern Ireland's place in the Union.

Part of that commitment is regular meetings of the East-West Council. The Council last met in January 2026, with representatives from the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive in attendance.

Written Question
UK East-West Council
Thursday 16th July 2026

Asked by: Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party - South Antrim)

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when the next meeting of the East-West Council established under the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper is due to take place.

Answered by Hilary Benn

The Government is continuing to implement the Safeguarding the Union command paper and to support Northern Ireland's place in the Union.

Part of that commitment is regular meetings of the East-West Council. We intend that the Council will next meet in autumn 2026.

Scheduled Event - 15 Jul 2026, 4 p.m. - Add to calendar
View Source
Commons - Westminster Hall debate - Westminster Hall
Potential merits of a VAT reduction pilot for hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland
MP: Robin Swann
Division Vote (Commons)
15 Jul 2026 - Trade Unions - View Vote Context
Robin Swann (UUP) voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 1 Ulster Unionist Party No votes vs 0 Ulster Unionist Party Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 330 Noes - 109
Division Vote (Commons)
15 Jul 2026 - Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) - View Vote Context
Robin Swann (UUP) voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 1 Ulster Unionist Party No votes vs 0 Ulster Unionist Party Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 330 Noes - 109
Speech in Westminster Hall - Wed 15 Jul 2026
Northern Ireland Hospitality Sector

"I beg to move,

That this House has considered the potential merits of a VAT reduction pilot for hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland.

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Dr Murrison. I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of a pilot scheme to reduce VAT for …..."
Robin Swann - View Speech

View all Robin Swann (UUP - South Antrim) contributions to the debate on: Northern Ireland Hospitality Sector
Speech in Westminster Hall - Wed 15 Jul 2026
Northern Ireland Hospitality Sector

"I agreed with the hon. Member until his last point. The McKeever group owns the hotel in which he was married. I had my wedding reception at the group’s Dunsilly hotel, and it is just celebrating the 40th anniversary—[Interruption.] Of the hotel, not my marriage, just to …..."
Robin Swann - View Speech

View all Robin Swann (UUP - South Antrim) contributions to the debate on: Northern Ireland Hospitality Sector
Speech in Westminster Hall - Wed 15 Jul 2026
Northern Ireland Hospitality Sector

"I thank the hon. Member for raising that point, because we do share a land border with another jurisdiction. In the Republic of Ireland, hospitality businesses already benefit from a significantly lower VAT rate of 13.5%, but the Irish Government have gone further by moving towards a 9% rate for …..."
Robin Swann - View Speech

View all Robin Swann (UUP - South Antrim) contributions to the debate on: Northern Ireland Hospitality Sector
Speech in Westminster Hall - Wed 15 Jul 2026
Northern Ireland Hospitality Sector

"I agree with the hon. Member. That is why many representative organisations think that VAT reduction would be a key enabler. It would not solve all those problems, but it would definitely help.

With regard to the cross-border imbalance, a family deciding where to spend their money, a couple booking …..."
Robin Swann - View Speech

View all Robin Swann (UUP - South Antrim) contributions to the debate on: Northern Ireland Hospitality Sector
Written Question
Knives: Scotland
Wednesday 15th July 2026

Asked by: Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party - South Antrim)

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on making the wearing of a sgian dubh illegal.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The wearing of the sgian dubh is permitted where it is being worn as part of a national costume. There are no plans to change this.

However, we are clear that if any bladed or pointed article is used to threaten or harm others, this will be met with the full force of the law.

This strikes the balance between protecting public safety and protecting freedoms.