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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.” 

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