Any Protocol deal must stand up to our seven tests

Carla Lockhart MP • February 7, 2023

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said growing speculation around the prospect of a deal on the Protocol should be treated only as rumour, and that should an agreement emerge it will only be viable if it meets the seven tests outlined by the Democratic Unionist Party.

Carla Lockhart said:

 

“We will not be taking any decision on the basis of speculation. If and when an agreement emerges between the Government and the EU, we will study it and assess it against the seven key tests we have outlined and which the Government and EU are acutely aware of. These have been in the public domain for eighteen months, and ought to be no surprise to anyone.

 

The prize for the right deal is clear. It is the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive. This can only be achieved if an agreement is reached which commands the support of unionism, so that the foundation blocks on which the institutions are based are restored. Such an outcome is in everyone’s interests, to ensure stable devolution returns.

 

More than enough time has passed to find a deal within the parameters that have been outlined as acceptable. The Government and EU need to get on with it.”

Share

LOCKHART PRAISES ABC BLITZ TEAM FOR TRANSFORMING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 3, 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.

LOCKHART WELCOMES LONG-AWAITED DFI IMPROVEMENTS IN MOURNEVIEW

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.

LOCKHART SECURES FAIRER DEAL FOR NORTHERN IRELAND CONSUMERS AFTER USWITCH REVIEW

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.

LOCKHART CALLS FOR STRONGER PROTECTIONS FOR CHILDREN LIVING WITH SEVERE ALLERGIES

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.

LOCKHART WELCOMES FINAL APPROVAL OF BABY LOSS CERTIFICATES SCHEME

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.

LOCKHART LEADS WESTMINSTER DELEGATION IN PUSH FOR LIFE-SAVING MLD SCREENING

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.

NI’s farming community deserves protection from rural crime

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.

MP urges government to support UK bakery sector

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.

Lockhart welcomes U-turn on firearms fees

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.

MP encouraging local producers to enter BBC Food and Farming Awards

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.