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

By Carla Lockhart MP January 22, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has broadly welcomed the Westminster Government’s Water White Paper, outlined this week in the House of Commons by DEFRA Secretary Emma Reynolds, describing it as a balanced and informed approach to improving water quality.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 21, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is encouraging farmers to familiarise themselves with DAERA’s ‘new look’ direct farm support package, the Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP) – its £330m purse will be divided across a number of schemes.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 21, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the completion of repair works to the damaged bridge wall adjacent to 41 Tullylish Road, Gilford, following concerns raised by local residents.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 21, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has reacted to the news that 338 jobs are at risk at the ABP Linden facility in Dungannon.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 15, 2026
The Redhouse Open Day, held in conjunction with dairy genetics company World Wide Sires, has been praised by Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 15, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has challenged the Labour Government to do the honorable thing regarding its immoral inheritance tax reforms.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has questioned the Alliance Party’s sudden interest in farming.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 14, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has renewed her call for the proposed puberty blockers trial to be halted and cancelled by the UK Health Minister, urging both the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Health Minister to act decisively to protect children from irreversible harm.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 14, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that road conditions across the constituency have deteriorated sharply following the recent cold snap, as she renewed calls on the Roads Minister to urgently “Fix Our Roads”.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 14, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) in Parliament to recognise and celebrate the 70th anniversary of Waringstown Women’s Institute and its longstanding contribution to community life in the village and surrounding area.