12/08/2025
UUP MLA Calls For Urgent Review Of Costly Border Control Posts
Ulster Unionist Party Deputy Leader and Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs spokesperson Robbie Butler MLA has called on the DAERA Minister to urgently reassess the scale, cost, and necessity of the Border Control Posts (BCPs) at Belfast, Larne, Foyle, and Warrenpoint.
Mr Butler stated that with a recent 'reset deal' between the UK Government and the EU having eased some trade friction, it is time to question if the large, "resource-hungry" border posts are still justified at their current scale. He described the infrastructure as a "huge drain on public finances," and said that if the case for them has weakened, the funding should be redirected to other areas.
The MLA has formally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what engagement the department has had with DEFRA to halt, slow, or scale back these projects. He stressed the need for fiscal responsibility at a time of stretched budgets, and concluded by urging the DAERA Minister to "stand up for common sense, ensure value for taxpayers' money, and 'Stop The BCP White Elephants'."
Mr Butler stated that with a recent 'reset deal' between the UK Government and the EU having eased some trade friction, it is time to question if the large, "resource-hungry" border posts are still justified at their current scale. He described the infrastructure as a "huge drain on public finances," and said that if the case for them has weakened, the funding should be redirected to other areas.
The MLA has formally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what engagement the department has had with DEFRA to halt, slow, or scale back these projects. He stressed the need for fiscal responsibility at a time of stretched budgets, and concluded by urging the DAERA Minister to "stand up for common sense, ensure value for taxpayers' money, and 'Stop The BCP White Elephants'."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.