Kyle won’t condemn protests but urges farmers to stay within the law

The TUV party chairman continued: “I won’t condemn people who are standing up for their livelihood. But I would urge that all protests remain within the law.

“The spiralling cost of fuel continues to place enormous strain on the agricultural sector.

“Petrol prices are currently sitting between £1.55 and £1.58 per litre, with around 78–82p of that made up of tax. Diesel is even higher, ranging from £1.85 to £1.91 per litre, with tax accounting for approximately 83–88p.

“The Government is taking over half the price of every litre before you’ve even left the forecourt. They are squeezing the people who feed the nation.

“Red diesel, once around 65p per litre, has now climbed to over £1.10. As the industry enters a fuel-intensive period, contractors can burn through 2,500–3,000 litres per day.

“There simply isn’t the technology available yet to move tractors and machinery away from diesel,” he continued.

“Importantly, rising input costs are coming at a time when many sectors are already struggling. Milk and potato producers have faced a particularly difficult year, while beef prices remain under pressure.

“With agri-inflation sitting at 7.6% for March — well above general inflation — and farm output prices down 6.5% year-on-year, many producers are reaching breaking point.

“Increased production costs which flow from fuel prices will inevitably be passed on to consumers. If it costs more to produce milk and meat, there will be no other choice.

“The Ulster Farmers’ Union should be standing shoulder to shoulder with its members. Other unions like Unison, Unite and GMB would be actively supporting their members and encouraging action— not discouraging it and building links with GB farming organisations so as to coordinate action.

“Further demonstrations are likely in the coming weeks, with potential action already being discussed in different parts of the Province.

“As I said on Nolan, martyring honest, hardworking people will only add to the discontent.

“I reiterate my support for the right to protest, while encouraging organisers to follow legal processes such as submitting notification forms to the Parades Commission if necessary. This anger is not going away — and neither are the farmers.”