Epilepsy High on the Agenda in Parliament Today

Carla Lockhart MP • May 20, 2025

Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has today placed a spotlight on the urgent challenges faced by those living with epilepsy during a visit to the Epilepsy Society’s exhibition in Westminster.

The exhibition brought together MPs, clinicians, campaigners and families to highlight the pressing need for increased investment in epilepsy research, improved care, and consistent access to life-saving medication. With epilepsy affecting 1 in every 100 people in the UK, the issue is deeply relevant to every constituency, including Upper Bann.


Commenting after the exhibition, Carla Lockhart MP said:


“Epilepsy affects around 1,000 people in Upper Bann alone, and many more when you include the loved ones who walk this journey alongside them. Today’s exhibition was a powerful reminder of just how urgent the need is for better support, better services, and better outcomes.”


“As I walked through the exhibition, one family from our own community was very much on my heart. Earlier this year, we lost a bright, beautiful young man, Steven Carson, to epilepsy. His family, Jock, Maedea and the entire circle of friends and loved ones, continue to carry an unimaginable grief. Their courage, their love for Steven, and their determination to raise awareness certainly inspires me to do more.”


“Whether it’s tackling dangerous medication shortages or pressing for greater research funding, I will continue to raise these issues in Parliament. Epilepsy must not be overlooked. Lives depend on it.”


The Epilepsy Society’s campaign calls on MPs to support a more strategic and well-resourced approach to tackling epilepsy in the UK, and to ensure that no family is left to suffer in silence.


Share

By Carla Lockhart MP June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the ABC Council Blitz Team after witnessing first-hand the positive impact their work is having across local communities.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the commencement of long-awaited improvement works by the Department for Infrastructure in the Mourneview area of Craigavon, particularly in and around the Spelga Park area.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed a positive outcome for Northern Ireland consumers after Uswitch agreed to change its approach following concerns she raised on behalf of a constituent.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has written to the Northern Ireland Health Minister calling for stronger protections, greater awareness and improved support for children living with severe allergies.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the final Assembly approval of regulations paving the way for the introduction of Baby Loss Certificates in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart will tomorrow lead a delegation to Westminster as part of the campaign to secure the inclusion of Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) in the UK newborn heel-prick screening programme.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 29, 2026
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has called on the PSNI and Stormont departments to do more to protect farmers and rural communities from escalating levels of crime across Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 28, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed concern at mounting pressures facing the UK bakery sector - a vital cornerstone of our food manufacturing industry and a key employer across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 27, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the Justice Minister’s decision to withdraw the consultation and go back to the drawing board on controversial proposed increases to firearms licensing fees, and changes to the banded system in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 25, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has welcomed confirmation that the 2026 BBC Food and Farming Awards will be held in Northern Ireland for the first time.