Armed Forces Day Spectacular a fitting celebration

Carla Lockhart MP • June 20, 2022

Speaking at the Armed Forces Day event in Banbridge on Saturday, DUP MP Carla Lockhart has praised the organisers for a highly successful event, and paid tribute to the ongoing contribution of our armed forces to our nation.

Carla Lockhart said:


“This has been a fantastic day in Banbridge, with thousands of people descending upon the town to honour our armed forces community.


I want to pay credit to our local Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council for hosting this spectacular and for all the various community participants, not least Banbridge Rugby Club for opening their grounds to facilitate this wonderful community event.


This truly was a day that catered for all ages, and it was great to see so many people young and old enjoying the music, not least from the wonderful Band of the Royal Irish Regiment accompanied by bugles, pipes and drums of the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish. The Park was awash with colour and of course the famous Red Arrows filled the skies above us with red, white and blue as part of their dynamic display.


Our Armed Forces do so much for our nation, and Armed Forces Day is a day when the community can celebrate this contribution and show our support for our Armed Forces personnel. I know from speaking to some of those service men and women who attended that this is a special day for them, and that makes it all worthwhile.”

Share

DAERA must deliver ‘goodwill’ to farms impacted by bluetongue restrictions

By Carla Lockhart • December 12, 2025
As we enter the festive season, DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, is urging DAERA to deliver much-needed ‘goodwill’ to the herd and flock owners who are marooned as a result of the two Bluetongue control zones in County Down.

MP welcomes re-opening of essential GB export markets

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 9, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has welcomed DAERA’s announcement that some live animal exports from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, for slaughter, markets, breeding and production, are allowed to resume.

MP liaises with NI’s chief vet over unfolding BTV-3 concerns

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 7, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, is continuing to monitor the unfolding Bluetongue situation in Northern Ireland, describing it as a serious challenge for the farming industry.

MP expresses disappointment at Westminster’s farm taxation vote

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 4, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has expressed deep disappointment at the outcome of this week’s House of Commons vote on the Finance Bill’s Resolution 50, specifically the proposed measures affecting family farm taxation.

Chancellor’s budget deeply damaging and offers presentation rather than substance

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 4, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has described the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget as “deeply damaging”.

Government remains tone deaf on veterinary medicine concerns

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 3, 2025
The DUP’s Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has accused the government of “dragging its heels” and being “tone deaf” to the concerns of vets and the wider agri-food industry around the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland in the New Year.

MP expresses concern as BTV-3 crisis deepens

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 3, 2025
DUP Agriculture Spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has expressed deep concern following confirmation from DAERA that an additional 44 suspected cases of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) have been uncovered during tests on a County Down farm.

Carla Lockhart MP welcomes major progress for bereaved parents as Baby Loss Certificate Scheme moves forward

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the progress made this week at Stormont on the introduction of Baby Loss Certificates, bringing long-awaited recognition and comfort to families who have suffered the heartbreak of losing a baby before 24 weeks.

Carla Lockhart MP Praises Outstanding Community Generosity During Tesco Food Collection

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has commended local residents for their “unreal generosity” following visits to Tesco Banbridge and Tesco Craigavon for the Big Food Collection supporting Via Wings and the local Craigavon Food Bank.

MP urges vigilance as Bluetongue disease is confirmed in NI cattle

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 1, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, is urging farmers across Northern Ireland to remain vigilant, following confirmation that Bluetongue virus (BTV) has been detected in two cows originating from a herd in Bangor, County Down.