Carla Lockhart MP continues to advocate for Northern Ireland's Inclusion in Future Legislation Amid Horizon Scandal

Carla Lockhart MP • April 2, 2024

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has recently met with Matthew Walker, Postmaster of Portadown Post Office and Walker's to discuss the importance of Northern Ireland being included in the forthcoming, Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill.  Carla has also at a reading of the Bill taken the opportunity to lobby the Minister in Westminster on the need for action. 

Commenting after the meeting, The DUP MP said: ‘The Horizon scandal, has shocked the nation.  It has cast a shadow over the integrity of the UK's postal system and has prompted widespread concerns regarding accountability and fairness during this period. I recognise the urgency of addressing these concerns and ensuring that Northern Ireland's 28 sub-postmasters are treated equitably with their counterparts in GB.  During the most recent Parliamentary debate on this matter I outlined the fact that Northern Ireland’s 28 sub-postmasters have experienced the same turmoil as those in GB.  I expressed the fact that there is political agreement in NI to have Westminster legislate, there is political agreement across the opposition benches in Westminster to have NI included, now is the time for the Government to do the right thing!


I also took the opportunity recently in Westminster to learn from Matthew a local postmaster, the ripple effect this has had and the need to restore confidence in the Postal Service.  Matthew runs a superb post office in West Street, Portadown but when advocating for the service he recognises the reputational damage this has caused throughout the UK. 


I would like to thank Matthew Walker in particular for his advocacy of sub-postmasters in Northern Ireland and be assured that I alongside party colleagues will do everything we can to have this legislation extended to Northern Ireland.” 

Share

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.
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.