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 October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has tabled Early Day Motion 2028 in the House of Commons, calling on the Government to reject any proposals to introduce mandatory digital identification (ID) cards across the United Kingdom.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the strength and determination of those living with Parkinson’s following her attendance as guest speaker at the County Armagh Parkinson’s Group.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the strong sense of community across the area following a busy Saturday spent visiting local events in support of two fantastic causes.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the pupils, staff, and community of Hart Memorial Primary School, Portadown, following a special 90th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving held in St Columba’s Church, Portadown.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed a series of decisive steps announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA to tackle the growing impact of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across Northern Ireland, including here in Upper Bann.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed news that three local bands have been awarded a total of £26,514 under the Department for Communities’ Funding for Marching Bands Scheme. 
By Carla Lockhart MP October 21, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has once again voiced her strong support for the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, standing with women from across the United Kingdom who continue to seek justice after being unfairly impacted by changes to the State Pension age.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 19, 2025
New Title
By Carla Lockhart MP October 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart was honoured to join the McKeever family from Long Meadow Farm, during this week’s Royal visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 15, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed deep concern following confirmation that an invasive Asian Hornet was discovered recently in the Dundonald area.