Any Protocol deal must stand up to our seven tests

Carla Lockhart MP • February 7, 2023

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said growing speculation around the prospect of a deal on the Protocol should be treated only as rumour, and that should an agreement emerge it will only be viable if it meets the seven tests outlined by the Democratic Unionist Party.

Carla Lockhart said:

 

“We will not be taking any decision on the basis of speculation. If and when an agreement emerges between the Government and the EU, we will study it and assess it against the seven key tests we have outlined and which the Government and EU are acutely aware of. These have been in the public domain for eighteen months, and ought to be no surprise to anyone.

 

The prize for the right deal is clear. It is the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive. This can only be achieved if an agreement is reached which commands the support of unionism, so that the foundation blocks on which the institutions are based are restored. Such an outcome is in everyone’s interests, to ensure stable devolution returns.

 

More than enough time has passed to find a deal within the parameters that have been outlined as acceptable. The Government and EU need to get on with it.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP March 18, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the strong sense of community across the constituency following a series of local events, including a fundraising initiative at Banbridge Fire Station.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 18, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has announced a dedicated Town Centre Business Engagement Day as part of her ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses and hearing directly from those operating in town centres. 
By Carla Lockhart MP March 18, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed confirmation that Portmore Street in Portadown is to be included in a resurfacing programme, following concerns raised with her by local residents.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 18, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, attended the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Tuesday, to support farmers and rural businesses, as a land-mark legal challenge got underway.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 16, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the announcement of additional UK Government support for households facing soaring heating oil costs, but has warned that Stormont must now act quickly to ensure the funding reaches families in need. 
By Carla Lockhart MP March 13, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised the DAERA Minister’s plans to introduce an Independent Environmental Protection Agency in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 13, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has urged the Labour Government to support agriculture rather than powering ahead with inheritance tax reforms and other bureaucratic burdens that could threaten the future of family farms.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 11, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart and her colleagues in the Democratic Unionist Party have voted against legislation which they say risks undermining the long-standing right to trial by jury.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 11, 2026
Churches and faith-based organisations across Northern Ireland are invited to attend the relaunch of an updated Church Funding Directory, hosted by Carla Lockhart MP, at the Oxford Island Discovery Centre on Thursday 19 March at 11:00am.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 11, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that Government plans to reopen proposals for Digital ID cards risk opening the door to increased state surveillance and represent a policy that the public clearly does not support.