| spouse = Glynis Poots{{cite web | url = https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2018/09/05/news/dup-councillor-luke-poots-add-himself-to-controversial-planning-application-for-his-home-made-in-mother-s-maiden-name-1424807/ | publisher = Irish News | website = irishnews.com | title = Luke Poots adds his name to a planning application made in his mother's name | date = 5 September 2018 | accessdate = 20 July 2021 | archive-date = 20 July 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210720113500/https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2018/09/05/news/dup-councillor-luke-poots-add-himself-to-controversial-planning-application-for-his-home-made-in-mother-s-maiden-name-1424807/ | url-status = live }}

| children = 4

| alma_mater = College of Agriculture

| occupation = Farmer

| website = [http://www.mydup.com/our-team/edwin-poots Edwin Poots MLA]

| footnotes = {{note|ch|a}}Gordon Lyons served as Acting Agriculture Minister from 2 February 2021 to 8 March 2021 while Poots temporarily stood aside for health reasons.
{{note|ch|b}}Poots announced that he had requested a new leadership contest on 17 June 2021, but remained in office until a successor was elected.

}}

Edwin Poots (born 27 May 1965) is a British{{cite news |title=► VIDEO: Poots: 'We are British people whose forefathers made this country' |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/poots-we-are-british-people-whose-forefathers-made-this-country-1.4577740 |access-date=9 February 2022 |work=www.irishtimes.com |date=28 March 2021 |language=en}} politician from Northern Ireland, serving as Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly since February 2024. He served as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) from May to June 2021.{{Cite web|title=Edwin Poots officially ratified as leader of the DUP|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2021/0527/1224330-dup-poots-latest/|access-date=28 May 2021|website=rte.ie|publisher=RTÉ|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213857/https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1224330/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url = https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-northern-ireland-57532712 | work = BBC News | title = The timeline of Edwin Poots' leadership of the DUP | date = 18 June 2021 | accessdate = 30 January 2024 }} He was first elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in 1998.

In 2007, First Minister Ian Paisley appointed Poots to the Northern Ireland Executive as Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure. Poots left office after Peter Robinson became First Minister in 2008. In 2009, Poots returned to the Executive as Minister of the Environment, before being promoted to Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in 2011. He was removed as Health Minister in 2014. In January 2020, he was reappointed to the Executive by First Minister Arlene Foster as Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, a position that he held until October 2022.{{Cite web|url=http://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/mlas/details.aspx?&aff=13374&per=90&c=2|title=Mr Edwin Poots|website=Northern Ireland Assembly|access-date=9 June 2021|archive-date=8 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608233233/http://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/mlas/details.aspx?&aff=13374&per=90&c=2|url-status=live}}

After Foster resigned as DUP leader in 2021, Poots was elected as her successor, defeating Sir Jeffrey Donaldson. However, less than three weeks later, on 17 June, following controversy over his decision to nominate Paul Givan to be First Minister, Poots announced that he had requested a new leadership contest and that he would remain in post until a successor was appointed. Donaldson succeeded Poots on 30 June 2021.{{Cite news |date=30 June 2021 |title=DUP leadership: Sir Jeffrey Donaldson ratified as party leader |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-57644499 |access-date=1 July 2021 |archive-date=1 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701085404/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-57644499 |url-status=live }}

Following the death of his friend Christopher Stalford, it was announced on 7 March 2022 that Poots would be co-opted to fill the Belfast South Assembly seat, and run in the 2022 Assembly election,{{Cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/edwin-poots-confirmed-to-replace-christopher-stalford-for-south-belfast-seat-41419681.html |title=Edwin Poots confirmed to replace Christopher Stalford for south Belfast seat |first=Amy |last=Cochrane |date=7 March 2022 |newspaper=Belfast Telegraph |issn=0307-5664 |location=Belfast |language=en}} leaving a vacancy in Lagan Valley.

In February 2024, Poots was elected as the 7th Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly.{{Cite web |title='Poacher turned game-keeper': Edwin Poots elected Speaker of the Assembly |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/video/video/2024/02/03/poacher-turned-game-keeper-edwin-poots-elected-speaker-of-the-assembly/ |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=The Irish Times |language=en}}

Early life

Poots was educated at the Wallace High School, Lisburn, and then studied at Greenmount Agricultural College.{{cite web | url = https://www.newsletter.co.uk/country-and-farming/edwin-poots-social-media-trolls-were-abusive-and-nasty-1889383 | publisher = News Letter | title = Edwin Poots: Social media trolls were 'abusive and nasty' | date = 25 February 2020 | accessdate = 20 July 2021 | archive-date = 20 July 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210720113500/https://www.newsletter.co.uk/country-and-farming/edwin-poots-social-media-trolls-were-abusive-and-nasty-1889383 | url-status = live }} He is a farmer and is married with four children.{{cite news |last1=McNeilly |first1=Claire |title=DUP's Poots could have become involved with paramilitaries 'but for Ian Paisley's influence' |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/features/dups-poots-could-have-become-involved-with-paramilitaries-but-for-ian-paisleys-influence/36508893.html |access-date=14 March 2023 |work=Belfast Telegraph |date=22 January 2018}}

His father, Charles Poots, was also a DUP politician, having stood in the 1969 Northern Ireland general election for the Protestant Unionist Party.{{cite web | url = https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/dups-edwin-poots-mourns-death-of-politician-father-at-the-age-of-90-39152786.html | publisher = Belfast Telegraph | title = DUP's Edwin Poots mourns death of politician father at the age of 90 | date = 24 April 2020 | accessdate = 20 July 2021 | archive-date = 11 June 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210611104707/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/dups-edwin-poots-mourns-death-of-politician-father-at-the-age-of-90-39152786.html | url-status = live }}

One of Edwin Poots's sons, Luke Poots, was a councillor with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council,{{cite web|url = https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2019/07/31/news/watchdog-probe-against-dup-s-luke-poots-ongoing--1674140/ | publisher = | website = irishnews.com | title = Watchdog probe against DUP's Luke Poots 'ongoing' | date = 31 July 2019 | accessdate = 14 May 2021 | quote = The former Lisburn and Castlereagh councillor, whose father is DUP MLA Edwin Poots }} but he did not seek reelection in the 2019 Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council election.{{cite web | url = https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2020/10/03/news/dup-s-edwin-poots-wrote-to-attorney-general-about-son-s-driving-case-2086186/ | website = irishnews.com | title = DUP's Edwin Poots wrote to Attorney General about son's driving case | date = 23 October 2020 | accessdate = 14 May 2021 | quote = Luke Poots did not stand for re-election to Lisburn and Castlereagh council last year, saying that "opportunities have arisen for me outside politics" | archive-date = 14 January 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210114102545/https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2020/10/03/news/dup-s-edwin-poots-wrote-to-attorney-general-about-son-s-driving-case-2086186/ | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/local-elections-2019/dups-luke-poots-says-he-will-not-be-standing-in-may-election-37824513.html | publisher = Belfast Telegraph | website = belfasttelegraph.co.uk | title = DUP's Luke Poots says he will not be standing in May election | date = 18 February 2019 | accessdate = 14 May 2021 | archive-date = 14 May 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210514022309/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/local-elections-2019/dups-luke-poots-says-he-will-not-be-standing-in-may-election-37824513.html | url-status = live }}

Career

=Local and regional politics=

Poots served as a local government councillor on Lisburn City Council before being elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in the 1998 election.{{cite web | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/edwin-poots-dup-leader-arlene-foster-b1840053.html | website = independent.co.uk | publisher = The Independent | title = Who is Edwin Poots, frontrunner to replace Arlene Foster? | date = 30 April 2021 | accessdate = 14 May 2021 | archive-date = 14 May 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210514022838/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/edwin-poots-dup-leader-arlene-foster-b1840053.html | url-status = live }}

During 2003 to 2024, Poots served on multiple Assembly committees.{{Cite web |title=Mr Edwin Poots |url=https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/mlas/details.aspx?&per=90&sel=1&ind=0&prv=0 |website=Northern Ireland Assembly}}

On 8 May 2007, he was appointed Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure in the Northern Ireland Executive, a post he held until 9 June 2008, when a cabinet re-shuffle saw this post being reassigned to Gregory Campbell.{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7444742.stm |title=Poots dropped as culture minister |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=9 June 2008 |access-date=23 March 2017 |archive-date=12 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212142401/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7444742.stm |url-status=live }} He was subsequently made Deputy Mayor of Lisburn on 23 June 2008.{{cite web |url=http://www.lisburncity.gov.uk/news-and-events/press-releases/?id=503 |title=New Mayor and Deputy Mayor | website = lisburncity.gov.uk | publisher = Lisburn City Council | date = 8 July 2008 | access-date=2008-07-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001162942/http://www.lisburncity.gov.uk/news-and-events/press-releases/?id=503 |archive-date=1 October 2011}}

On 1 July 2009, Poots was returned to the Executive as Minister of the Environment, in charge of the Department of the Environment. In May 2011, he was appointed as Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-13408394 |title=New Stormont ministers announced |work=BBC News |date=16 May 2011 |access-date=23 March 2017 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130211321/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-13408394 |url-status=live }}

In June 2011, Poots fired his legal shotgun twice from his upstairs window as a warning to intruders on his property in Lisburn, who then fled. His family called the police and an investigation began.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19009586|title=Edwin Poots fired warning shots to scare intruders|work=BBC News|date=27 July 2012|access-date=2017-03-23|archive-date=29 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529235824/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19009586|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0727/330830-probe-into-firing-of-shots-at-ni-ministers-home/ |title=NI minister fired shots to warn off intruders |website=Rte.ie |date=2012-07-27 |access-date=2017-03-23 |archive-date=20 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320143542/https://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0727/330830-probe-into-firing-of-shots-at-ni-ministers-home/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.4ni.co.uk/northern-ireland-news/148085/ni-minister-fires-warning-shots |title=NI Minister Fires Warning Shots |website=4ni.co.uk |date=2012-07-27 |access-date=2017-03-23 |archive-date=20 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320144349/http://www.4ni.co.uk/northern-ireland-news/148085/ni-minister-fires-warning-shots |url-status=live }} A DUP spokesman said "Given the risk to Mr Poots and his family, a legally held shotgun was safely discharged into the air by Mr Poots from within his house to alert the intruders that their presence was known."{{Cite web |url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/shotgun-poots-government-health-minister-opened-fire-with-weapon-to-warn-off-intruders-16190585.html |title= Shotgun Poots: Government Health Minister opened fire with weapon to warn off intruders | website = belfasttelegraph.co.uk |access-date=20 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022044641/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/shotgun-poots-government-health-minister-opened-fire-with-weapon-to-warn-off-intruders-16190585.html |archive-date=22 October 2012 |url-status=dead}}

Image:Edwin Poots, 2013 (cropped).jpg

On 23 September 2014, Poots was replaced by Jim Wells as Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/peter-robinson-announces-major-dup-reshuffle-edwin-poots-and-nelson-mccausland-out-30609545.html|title=Peter Robinson announces 'major' DUP reshuffle: Edwin Poots and Nelson McCausland out|work=Belfast Telegraph|access-date=23 September 2014|archive-date=16 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216033026/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/peter-robinson-announces-major-dup-reshuffle-edwin-poots-and-nelson-mccausland-out-30609545.html|url-status=live}}

When devolution was restored on 11 January 2020, First Minister Arlene Foster appointed Poots as Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs. Gordon Lyons served as the acting Agriculture Minister from 2 February to 8 March 2021 after Poots stood down temporarily for health reasons.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-55896873|title=Edwin Poots steps down for 'surgery and recuperation'|work=BBC News|date=2 February 2021|access-date=11 June 2021|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429171100/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-55896873|url-status=live}}

=DUP leadership=

On 29 April 2021, Poots announced his candidacy in the party leadership election in May to succeed Arlene Foster as DUP leader, the day after Foster declared she would be resigning.{{Cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/edwin-poots-announces-candidacy-for-dup-leadership-40371323.html|title=Edwin Poots announces candidacy for DUP leadership|work=Belfast Telegraph|last1=Young|first1=David|last2=Black|first2=Rebecca|date=29 April 2021|access-date=29 April 2021|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429174812/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/edwin-poots-announces-candidacy-for-dup-leadership-40371323.html|url-status=live}}

Poots was announced as leader of the DUP on 14 May 2021, beating Sir Jeffrey Donaldson by 19 votes to 17.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-57121825 |title=Edwin Poots elected DUP leader |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=14 May 2021 |access-date=14 May 2021 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514154412/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-57121825 |url-status=live }} He was ratified as the party's leader on 28 May. Some DUP members spoke of their "disgust" at the way in which Foster had been ousted. There were claims that Poots' supporters engaged in bullying and intimidation during the leadership election, and some party members walked out before his speech. Poots admitted party members are "bruised" but denied claims of intimidation. Several party members resigned, including councillors.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-57257426 "DUP members ratify Edwin Poots as party leader"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602230100/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-57257426 |date=2 June 2021 }}. BBC News, 27 May 2021.{{Cite news|date=2021-06-08|title=DUP Stormont team: Little sign of healing, say outgoing ministers|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-57391692|access-date=2021-06-08|archive-date=8 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608091318/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-57391692|url-status=live}}

The First Minister had always been the leader of the largest party, but Poots said he did not want to be First Minister if he became DUP leader.{{cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/edwin-poots-doesnt-want-to-be-northern-ireland-first-minister-he-plans-to-split-dup-posts-and-concentrate-on-party-40377786.html|title=Edwin Poots doesn't want to be Northern Ireland First Minister, he plans to split DUP posts and concentrate on party|last=Barnes|first=Ciaran|date=2 May 2021|work=Belfast Telegraph|access-date=2 May 2021|archive-date=2 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502173103/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/edwin-poots-doesnt-want-to-be-northern-ireland-first-minister-he-plans-to-split-dup-posts-and-concentrate-on-party-40377786.html|url-status=live}} On 8 June, Poots unveiled his ministerial team, which included Paul Givan as First Minister.{{Cite news|title=Edwin Poots announces first changes in DUP Stormont reshuffle|language=en-GB|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/edwin-poots-announces-first-changes-in-dup-stormont-reshuffle-40514672.html|access-date=2021-06-08|issn=0307-1235|archive-date=8 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608120127/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/edwin-poots-announces-first-changes-in-dup-stormont-reshuffle-40514672.html|url-status=live}}

On 17 June 2021, a letter from the DUP party chairman and other senior party members asked Poots to delay Givan's nomination as First Minister to oppose the British government's decision to introduce Irish language legislation in the Westminster Parliament.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0617/1228654-northern-ireland-latest/|title=Givan, O'Neill installed as NI First and Deputy First Ministers|publisher=RTÉ News and Current Affairs|first=Vincent|last=Kearney|date=17 June 2021|accessdate=17 June 2021|archive-date=17 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617144839/https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0617/1228654-northern-ireland-latest/|url-status=live}} However, Poots nominated Givan as First Minister and Sinn Féin re-nominated Michelle O'Neill as deputy First Minister, restoring the Northern Ireland Executive. Prior to this nomination DUP MLAs had voted 24 to four against the decision to nominate Givan for the role.{{Cite news|last1=Kelpie|first1=Colm|last2=Colhoun|first2=Ciara|date=17 June 2021|title=DUP revolt over first minister confirmation|language=|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-57507176|access-date=17 June 2021|archive-date=16 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616233920/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-57507176|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=DUP leader Edwin Poots quits after revolt in party |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/edwin-poots-dup-resign-stormont-b1868150.html |publisher=Independent |date=18 June 2021 |access-date=27 June 2021 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624231432/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/edwin-poots-dup-resign-stormont-b1868150.html |url-status=live }}

Within hours of Givan being sworn in as First Minister, DUP officials convened a party meeting to oust Poots as the leader of the party.{{cite news |last1=Kelpie |first1=Colm |last2=Colhoun |first2=Ciara |date=18 June 2021 |title=Northern Ireland: DUP looking for new leader as Edwin Poots quits |publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-57521972 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618070414/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-57521972 |archive-date=18 June 2021}} Poots was forced to resign only 21 days into his tenure as DUP leader, announcing that he had requested a new leadership contest but that he would stay in post until a successor was elected.{{Cite web|date=17 June 2021|title=Edwin Poots MLA statement|url=https://mydup.com/news/edwin-poots-mla-statement|url-status=live|access-date=17 June 2021|website=mydup.com|language=|archive-date=17 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617201709/https://mydup.com/news/edwin-poots-mla-statement}}{{cite news |title=Edwin Poots is to stand down as DUP leader |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/edwin-poots-is-to-stand-down-as-dup-leader-1.4595941 |agency=Irish Times |access-date=27 June 2021 |archive-date=18 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618014117/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/edwin-poots-is-to-stand-down-as-dup-leader-1.4595941 |url-status=live }} Sir Jeffrey Donaldson succeeded Poots in the role on 30 June 2021.

=Assembly politics=

In January 2022, Poots unsuccessfully sought to switch constituencies for Northern Ireland Assembly elections.{{cite web|url = https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/edwin-poots-fails-in-bid-switch-constituencies-for-assembly-elections-1.4789013 | publisher = Irish Times | website = irishtimes.com | title = Edwin Poots fails in bid switch constituencies for Assembly elections | date = 29 January 2022 }}

=Northern Ireland Protocol=

On 6 June 2021, Poots announced he would legally challenge the Northern Ireland Protocol and insisted he would not build any permanent infrastructure to help implement it, stating that he would also be "commencing the process to remove what has already been imposed using the courts and politics to make the case. Every unionist is not just opposed to the economic burdens but reject the implications for our sovereignty as part of the UK".{{cite news |url=https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2021/06/07/news/edwin-poots-to-use-courts-to-remove-ni-protocol-2346410/ |title=Edwin Poots to 'use courts' to remove NI Protocol |work=Irish News |location=Belfast |date=7 June 2021 |access-date=15 December 2022}}

On 21 December 2021, Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson (on behalf of the Unionist Voice Policy Studies think tank) served a pre-action letter on Poots, stating an intention to commence judicial review proceedings if he did not declare an intent to refer decisions on the checks and inspections to his Executive colleagues for approval.{{cite news |url=https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2021/12/21/news/edwin-poots-facing-jamie-bryson-legal-action-over-northern-ireland-protocol-checks-2541863/ |title=Edwin Poots facing Jamie Bryson legal action over Northern Ireland Protocol checks |work=Irish News |location=Belfast |date=21 December 2021 |access-date=15 December 2022}} Under Stormont rules, issues deemed 'significant and controversial' should be dealt with by Northern Ireland's power sharing executive as a whole. Issues that cut across the responsibilities of multiple departments should also be brought to the Executive under the terms of the ministerial code. In Bryson's view, Poots would therefore have had to seek Executive approval pursuant to section 28A (5) of the NI Act 1998 in relation to the continuing, and any future, implementation of the Protocol.{{cite web |title= Vetoing The Protocol: Restoring Cross-Community Consent Protections |url=https://unionistvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Vetoing-The-Protocol-UVPS-Report-5-January-2022-2.pdf |editor-first=Jamie |editor-last=Bryson |date=5 January 2022 |access-date=15 December 2022}} On 25 January 2022, Poots confirmed his intention to ask the Executive for retrospective approval for carrying out checks from the date the protocol came into effect in January 2021 and ongoing permission to continue doing them.{{cite web |url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/dup-minister-seeks-executive-approval-for-continuing-ni-protocol-checks-3541757 |title=DUP minister seeks Executive approval for continuing NI Protocol checks |first=David |last=Young |work=News Letter |location=Belfast |date=25 January 2021 |access-date=15 December 2022}}

As the minister responsible for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), having "issued a similar instruction [in 2021]",{{cite web|url = https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/0202/1277443-ni-checks/ | publisher = RTÉ News | website = rte.ie | title = Poots orders halt to NI Protocol checks at ports from midnight | date = 2 February 2022 | quote = Stormont's Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots [..] issued a similar instruction last year, but the checks continued after civil servants were told they were legally obliged to carry them out}} Poots unilaterally "ordered all Brexit checks on food and farm products to be stopped" from midnight on 2 February 2022.{{cite news |url = https://www.thejournal.ie/northern-ireland-brexit-checks-edwin-poots-5671186-Feb2022/ | publisher = Journal Media Ltd | work = thejournal.ie | title = Protocol dispute: NI minister Edwin Poots orders Irish Sea border agri-checks to end at midnight | date = 2 February 2022 | quote = Poots sought the legal advice on unilaterally ending agri-checks from GB-to-NI after trying to secure the wider approval of all ministers }}{{cite news |url = https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/feb/02/northern-ireland-minister-orders-halt-to-brexit-agri-food-checks | work = The Guardian | title = Northern Ireland minister orders halt to Brexit agri-food checks | date = 2 February 2022 | quote = Northern Ireland's agriculture minister has ordered all Brexit checks on food and farm products to be stopped from midnight in a unilateral move [..] after he failed to get the backing of other parties in Stormont}} Several commentators, including the Minister of Justice, questioned the legality of Poots' instruction and whether DAERA officials could lawfully comply.{{cite web|url = https://news.sky.com/story/brexit-northern-ireland-minister-says-he-has-ordered-halt-to-agri-food-checks-at-nations-ports-12531285 | publisher = Sky News | title = Brexit: Northern Ireland minister accused of breaching international law after he orders halt to agri-food checks at ports by midnight | date = 2 February 2022 }}

On 15 December 2022, the High Court of Northern Ireland declared that the Poots decision to halt Irish Sea border checks were unlawful and "politically motivated".{{cite web |url=https://www.judiciaryni.uk/sites/judiciary/files/decisions/Summary%20of%20Judgment%20-%20Rooney%20%20Others%20.pdf |title=Court Delivers Decision on the Challenge to the Instruction of the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to Cease OCR Checks |publisher=Judicial Communications Office |date=15 December 2022 |access-date=15 December 2022}}{{cite news |title=NI Protocol: Poots' suspension of Brexit checks unlawful, court rules |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-63983399 |work=BBC News (Northern Ireland) |date=15 December 2022 |access-date=15 December 2022}} Formally quashing Poots's order to DAERA staff, Mr Justice Colton stated: "By issuing the instruction on February 2, 2022 the Minister was in breach of his legal obligations. The instruction was unlawful and of no effect". The judge also said that it was "difficult to draw conclusion other than the decision under challenge was an overtly political one, taken for political reasons, and as part of a political campaign directed in opposition to the Protocol".{{cite news |title=Edwin Poots' decision to halt border control checks unlawful and politically motivated, High Court rules |url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/edwin-poots-decision-to-halt-border-control-checks-unlawful-and-politically-motivated-high-court-rules-3955068 |first=Alan |last=Erwin |work=News Letter |location=Belfast |date=15 December 2022 |access-date=15 December 2022}}

In January 2023, the UK government passed legislation to allow the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to direct the construction and manning of permanent border posts in Northern Ireland.{{Cite news |date=13 January 2023|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-64251554 |title=NI Protocol: UK legislation published for border posts at ports |newspaper= BBC News}}{{Cite news |date=13 January 2023|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2023/17/regulation/3/made |title=The Official Controls (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2023 }} DUP member of parliament Sammy Wilson stated he believed the legislation was published over the heads of the Northern Ireland Assembly to ensure that there was compliance with the NI Protocol and so that "unionists are unable to thwart such compliance".{{Cite news |date=12 January 2023|url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/unionists-alarmed-at-new-legislation-to-impose-eu-border-posts-3985172 |title=Unionists alarmed at new legislation to impose EU 'border posts' |newspaper=News Letter}}{{Relevance inline|reason=Where is the subject of this article, Edwin Poots, mentioned in any of these sources? What's the overlap with the subject here?|date=January 2023}}

Views

Poots is a young earth creationist, rejecting the Big Bang theory and theory of evolution.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ni/2007/12/are_religious_politicians_nutt.html|title=Will & Testament: Are religious politicians "nutters"?|last=Crawley|first=William|date=2 December 2007|publisher=BBC|access-date=23 March 2017|archive-date=22 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822084507/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ni/2007/12/are_religious_politicians_nutt.html|url-status=live}} In an interview with BBC presenter William Crawley, when asked how old the Earth was, Poots replied: "My view on the earth is that it's a young earth. My view is 4,000 BC". Young earth creationism is accepted by the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, of which Poots is a member, and other conservative evangelicals in Northern Ireland.{{cite web | url = https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/politics/2012/07/creationism-and-political-power-northern-ireland | work = New Statesman | title = Creationism and political power in Northern Ireland | date = 6 July 2012 | accessdate = 28 April 2021 | archive-date = 28 April 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210428190117/https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/politics/2012/07/creationism-and-political-power-northern-ireland | url-status = live }} In a 2012 Belfast Telegraph article, which discussed lobbying by the creationist bible group the Caleb Foundation, Poots stated that, while not a member of the group, "Some of my views coincide with the Caleb Foundation".{{cite news | url = https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/caleb-foundation-the-creationist-bible-group-and-its-web-of-influence-at-stormont-28787760.html | work = Belfast Telegraph | title = Caleb Foundation: The Creationist Bible group and its web of influence at Stormont | date = 1 September 2012 | accessdate = 28 April 2021 | archive-date = 28 April 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210428190117/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/caleb-foundation-the-creationist-bible-group-and-its-web-of-influence-at-stormont-28787760.html | url-status = live }}

Poots faced criticism for banning blood donations from gay people,{{cite web | url = https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2021/05/01/news/frequently-outspoken-edwin-poots-is-no-stranger-to-controversy-2306910/ | publisher = Irish News | website = irishnews.com | title = Frequently outspoken Edwin Poots is no stranger to controversy | date = 1 May 2021 | accessdate = 3 May 2021 | archive-date = 14 May 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210514171810/https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2021/05/01/news/frequently-outspoken-edwin-poots-is-no-stranger-to-controversy-2306910/ | url-status = live }} saying: "I think that people who engage in high-risk sexual behaviour in general should be excluded from giving blood".{{cite news|title=Edwin Poots criticised over African blood donation remark|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18497159|work=BBC News|access-date=23 March 2017|archive-date=28 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170528000550/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18497159|url-status=live}} In June 2012, Poots said he wanted to extend the ban to people who have sex "with somebody in Africa or sex with prostitutes", stating that, in his view, this was also high-risk sexual behaviour.

In September 2013, as Health Minister for Northern Ireland, he fought the ruling that would bring laws around LGBT adoption in Northern Ireland into line with other parts of the United Kingdom.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-24081255 |title=Gay and unmarried adoption battle set for Supreme Court |work=BBC News |access-date=2017-03-23 |archive-date=21 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421222042/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-24081255 |url-status=live }}

In January 2016, Poots was criticised by gender equality advocates, political commentators and other politicians for saying that the newly elected First Minister, Arlene Foster's, most important job was as a "wife, mother and daughter".{{cite web | url = https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/father-ted-writer-graham-linehan-says-edwin-poots-sexist-praise-of-arlene-foster-shows-challenge-facing-northern-ireland-abortion-campaigners-34355364.html | publisher = Belfast Telegraph | website = belfasttelegraph.co.uk | title = Father Ted writer Graham Linehan says Edwin Poots 'sexist' praise of Arlene Foster shows challenge facing Northern Ireland abortion campaigners | date = 12 January 2021 | accessdate = 3 May 2021 | quote = The remarks prompted accusations of sexism on social media. Former DUP member Deirdre Nelson wrote: The party is a cold house for women. Bullying of competent women remains rife | archive-date = 3 May 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210503094414/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/father-ted-writer-graham-linehan-says-edwin-poots-sexist-praise-of-arlene-foster-shows-challenge-facing-northern-ireland-abortion-campaigners-34355364.html | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-politics-35290537 | publisher = BBC | website = bbc.com | title = DUP's Edwin Poots: Remarks on Arlene Foster 'not sexist' | date = 12 January 2016 | accessdate = 3 May 2021 | archive-date = 3 May 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210503095135/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-politics-35290537 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.thejournal.ie/sexist-edwin-poots-arlene-foster-first-minister-2542756-Jan2016/ | publisher = Journal Media Ltd | website = thejournal.ie | title = 'Her second most important job': One politician's take on the North's first female leader | date = 11 January 2016 | accessdate = 3 May 2021 | archive-date = 3 May 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210503094416/https://www.thejournal.ie/sexist-edwin-poots-arlene-foster-first-minister-2542756-Jan2016/ | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.irishnews.com/news/2016/01/13/news/opinion-poots-comments-misplaced-sexist-and-outdated-380602/ | publisher = Irish News | website = irishnews.com | title = Edwin Poots' comments misplaced, sexist and outdated | date = 13 January 2016 | accessdate = 3 May 2021 | archive-date = 3 May 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210503094415/https://www.irishnews.com/news/2016/01/13/news/opinion-poots-comments-misplaced-sexist-and-outdated-380602/ | url-status = live }} Poots defended himself saying his statement was "not sexist" and that he considered his most important job to be that of a "husband, father and son".{{cite news | url = https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/arlene-foster-appoints-mervyn-storey-to-finance-in-first-day-reshuffle-1.2494435 | work = Irish Times | website = | title = Arlene Foster appoints Mervyn Storey to finance in first-day reshuffle | date = 13 January 2016 | accessdate = 28 April 2021 | archive-date = 29 April 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210429171048/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/arlene-foster-appoints-mervyn-storey-to-finance-in-first-day-reshuffle-1.2494435 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/features/dups-poots-could-have-become-involved-with-paramilitaries-but-for-ian-paisleys-influence-36508893.html | work = Belfast Telegraph | title = DUP's Poots could have become involved with paramilitaries 'but for Ian Paisley's influence' | date = 22 January 2018 | accessdate = 28 April 2021 | archive-date = 28 April 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210428190137/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/features/dups-poots-could-have-become-involved-with-paramilitaries-but-for-ian-paisleys-influence-36508893.html | url-status = live }}

In October 2020, he was criticised by members of Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party after saying coronavirus was more common in nationalist areas. He stated: "There is a difference between nationalist areas and unionist areas – and the difference is around six to one".{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-54598528 |title=Coronavirus: Call for DUP's Edwin Poots to apologise |work=BBC News |date=2020-10-19 |archive-date=29 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429165302/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-54598528 |url-status=live }} The Department of Health stated that "data on Covid infections is not collected according to religious or political affiliation".

Personal life

In December 2020, it was reported that while recovering from surgery, Poots had tested positive for COVID-19, the first Executive minister to do so.{{Cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus/dup-minister-edwin-poots-tests-positive-for-covid-19-39866073.html|title=DUP Minister Edwin Poots tests positive for Covid-19|work=Belfast Telegraph|last=Cross|first=Gareth|date=15 December 2020|access-date=16 December 2020|archive-date=15 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215165110/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus/dup-minister-edwin-poots-tests-positive-for-covid-19-39866073.html|url-status=live}} In January 2021 he revealed to BBC television presenter Stephen Nolan that he had cancer,{{Cite news|title=DUP's Edwin Poots reveals cancer battle|first=Jonathan|last=Bell|work=Belfast Telegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/dups-edwin-poots-reveals-cancer-battle-39988690.html|date=2021-01-19|issn=0307-1235|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119233740/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/dups-edwin-poots-reveals-cancer-battle-39988690.html|url-status=live}} and on 2 February 2021 he temporarily stood down for health reasons, returning to work several weeks later.{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-55896873 | publisher = BBC News | website = bbc.co.uk | title = Edwin Poots steps down for 'surgery and recuperation' | date = 2 January 2021 | accessdate = 28 April 2021 | archive-date = 29 April 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210429171057/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-55896873 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/edwin-poots-returns-to-assembly-three-weeks-after-receiving-surgery-following-a-cancer-diagnosis-3143809 | publisher = The News Letter | website = newsletter.co.uk | title = Edwin Poots returns to Assembly three weeks after receiving surgery following a cancer diagnosis | date = 23 February 2021 | accessdate = 28 April 2021 | archive-date = 27 April 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210427212740/https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/edwin-poots-returns-to-assembly-three-weeks-after-receiving-surgery-following-a-cancer-diagnosis-3143809 | url-status = live }}