PM should take time to get the right deal

Carla Lockhart MP • February 21, 2023

As speculation around an agreement between the Government and the European Union on the Northern Ireland Protocol continues, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said that the Prime Minister and EU should be in no doubt that unless the seven tests set out by the DUP are met in any new agreement, then Stormont will not return.

Carla Lockhart said:

 

“The Prime Minister may be in a rush to seal a deal with the EU, but only the right agreement will be supported by the Democratic Unionist Party.

 

We have always been clear and consistent in our position. We set our the requirements of any new agreement in our seven tests. It is against these tests that we will study any text that emerges between the Government and EU. We have a mandate based on this position and we have no intention of betraying the trust of the electorate.

 

It is worth the Prime Minister and the EU taking the time to get the agreement right. At stake is the very foundation of our political process, the principle of cross community consent. Only by reaching an agreement that commands the agreement of all communities in Northern Ireland will the basis of power sharing be restored, and the devolved institutions restored.

 

We want to see such an agreement emerge. We want to restore the devolved institutions. But we will only do so if our seven tests are met.”

Share

Carla Lockhart MP Meets Health Minister to Champion Improvements in Palliative and End of Life Care Services

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 30, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has met with the Minister for Health, Mike Nesbitt, alongside senior representatives from Marie Curie, to highlight the urgent need for strategic investment and reform in palliative and end of life care across Northern Ireland.

Carla Lockhart MP Tables Motion in Parliament to Mark 160 Years of the Salvation Army

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 30, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament to mark the 160th anniversary of The Salvation Army, and to commend the vital and compassionate work of its teams across the Upper Bann constituency.

Walking in Memory of a Lifelong Friend: Philip Robinson’s 200-Mile Tribute to Jim Archer

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 30, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the powerful friendship between Philip Robinson and the late Jim Archer, as Philip undertakes a 200-mile walk in memory of his best friend of 40 years.

Resurfacing Works Begin at Mill Hill

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 30, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has welcomed the commencement of long-awaited resurfacing works on Mill Hill, Waringstown, following sustained lobbying efforts on behalf of local residents.

Celebrating 60 Years of Local Excellence at Gilfresh Produce

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 30, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has praised the commitment and innovation of family-run business Gilfresh Produce following a recent visit to mark their 60th anniversary.

MP welcomes fully funded ATV training for farmers

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 24, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has welcomedan initiative offering free industry-accredited ATV training for farmers in GBand Northern Ireland.

Failures of Windsor Framework exposed in Westminster debate

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart seized an opportunity in Parliament on Tuesday to speak powerfully on behalf of the people and businesses of Northern Ireland, laying bare the daily impact of the post-Brexit Protocol and Windsor Framework.

MP outraged by Finance Bill’s draft legislation on inheritance tax reforms

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 24, 2025
Publication of the government’s draft legislation for the 2025-26 Finance Bill confirms that the Labour government is set to press ahead with its crippling inheritance agenda next year.

£3 Million Secured for Major M1 Upgrade

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed a significant infrastructure investment of £3 million for the M1, secured after sustained pressure on the Department for Infrastructure to prioritise road upgrades in the local area.

Carla Lockhart MP Promotes Access to Public Toilets for Disabled Constituents Through RADAR Key Scheme

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is urging greater awareness of the RADAR key scheme, which provides people with disabilities secure and independent access to locked public toilets across the UK. This renewed call comes after she was contacted by a local constituent struggling to access public facilities due to their disability.