Carla Lockhart Sets Out DUP’s Determined Fight Against Starmer’s Government in Stirring Conference Speech
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart delivered a powerful address at DUP annual Conference in Belfast over the weekend, outlining the party’s ongoing efforts to promote Northern Ireland’s interests at Westminster while holding the newly-elected Labour government to account. Carla highlighted the positive results the DUP has achieved for Northern Ireland and strongly criticised the damaging policies being implemented by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Opening her speech, Ms. Lockhart expressed gratitude to voters in Upper Bann for her re-election:
"It really is an absolute honour to speak to you, returned as the Member of Parliament for Upper Bann. 21,642 people placed their faith in me to stand strong for Upper Bann and Northern Ireland. Thank you to every voter across Northern Ireland who supported DUP candidates."
However, the DUP MP also acknowledged the challenges facing Unionism following the election, calling for a united front:
"The message we received loud and clear is that Unionism needs uniting. Unionism needs a renewed vision. We must rebuild people’s trust."
The Upper Bann MP spoke of the DUP’s successes at Westminster, pointing to victories in securing funding, better pay for public sector workers, and ensuring Northern Ireland benefits from the Levelling Up agenda:
"We must stand tall, even when the government and the bureaucratic machine of the European Union is stacked against us. At Westminster, we will continue to fight—every single day—for Northern Ireland."
She reaffirmed the party’s commitment to fighting for Northern Ireland’s place in the UK and against the Northern Ireland Protocol and Windsor Framework:
"We have, and will, keep battling against arrangements in the Protocol and Windsor Framework which diminish our place in this United Kingdom.
DUP candidates stood on a manifesto pledge that said we will continue to fight to fully restore Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom, including removing the application of EU law in our country and the internal Irish Sea border it creates.”
Holding Labour to Account
Lockhart criticised the Starmer-led Government’s policies, particularly their impact on pensioners:
"People who built this nation are now facing a choice between heating or eating this winter. Labour’s abolition of the Winter Fuel Payment is not just bad policy—it’s an insult to our older people."
She made it clear the DUP will continue to stand up for workers and families:
"We are fighting for a needs-based funding model to ensure Northern Ireland is funded fairly, like Scotland and Wales."
Backing Northern Ireland’s Farmers
Carla Lockhart, DUP Agri-food spokesperson at Westminster, emphasised the DUP’s commitment to supporting the agri-food sector, calling it the "backbone" of Northern Ireland’s economy:
"Our farmers aren’t just producing food—they are feeding over 10 million people across the UK and supporting thousands of jobs. We are working to ensure farm payments are clear, accessible, and effective. Remember: No Farmers, No Food"
She also called for action to tackle Bovine TB and to improve animal welfare and food standards for pets.
Standing with Israel
Reflecting on international issues, Lockhart reiterated the DUP’s support for Israel:
"Israel has every right to defend itself against Hamas and Hezbollah. Terrorism—whether in Northern Ireland or the Middle East—must be condemned. There always was and always is an alternative to terrorism"
A Renewed Promise
The Member of Parliament for Upper Bann closed with a promise to continue fighting for Northern Ireland at Westminster:
"The DUP will continue to fight for Northern Ireland, stand strong for our Union, and ensure Northern Ireland remains a proud, strong, and equal part of the United Kingdom."
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