DUP Leader in Upper Bann as DUP MP declares party ‘election ready’

Carla Lockhart MP • November 1, 2022

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart was joined by DUP Leader Rt. Hon. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP on a visit to the constituency last week, as uncertainty remains over the possibility of an election to the Northern Ireland Assembly before Christmas.

Commenting, Carla Lockhart said:

 

“For weeks now we have had the Secretary of State claim that he will announce the date of an election, with much speculation over 15th December as a potential polling day.

 

Many commentators have said this was a tactic to ramp up pressure on the DUP to re-enter the Northern Ireland Executive. If this was the goal, the Secretary of State has missed it. We are quite clear – the DUP received a mandate on the basis of the Protocol being replaced prior to a return to Stormont. We will not renege on our commitments to our electorate.

 

Threats of elections are not something we fear. We are election ready, prepared to go to the people to reinforce our mandate. An election will not change a thing, so if the Secretary of State persists with this it is for him to explain the merit of bringing people to the polls ten days before Christmas.

 

It was good to have Sir Jeffrey in the constituency today to engage with local community representatives. Jeffrey has shown strong leadership in ensuring the Government recognise the need for action on the Protocol, and despite the pressure being placed on him he has shown the resolve needed to face down threats. I know that, should the Secretary of State continue with an election, Jeffrey’s stance will receive a resounding endorsement not least here in Upper Bann.”

Share

MP warns Mercosur deal could threaten NI’s agri-food sector

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 18, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has issued renewed warnings about the EU’s Mercosur trade agreement, describing it as a potential serious threat to Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector.

Anti farming government must STOP immoral and unjust tax grab

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 18, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart continues to condemn the Labour Government, describing its controversial Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) reforms as immoral, unjust and fundamentally wrong.

Lockhart challenges Government on Windsor Framework in final Commons intervention of 2025

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has used her final speaking opportunity in Parliament in 2025 to challenge the Government over the continued damage being caused to Northern Ireland by the Windsor Framework.

Lockhart supports community initiatives across Upper Bann in busy pre-Christmas weekend

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 17, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP has spent a busy Saturday engaging with community groups, churches and residents across Upper Bann as local organisations step up to support families in the lead-up to Christmas.

Lockhart Welcomes Completion of New Footpath in Oak Grange

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the completion of a new footpath in Oak Grange, Waringstown, describing it as a positive and long awaited improvement for local residents.

Lockhart Congratulates Harold Henning on Election as Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has congratulated Harold Henning following his election as the new Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, describing the appointment as a significant moment for the Institution and a fitting recognition of long standing commitment and service.

Royal Mail Delays Causing Serious Concern Across Upper Bann and Northern Ireland

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns with Royal Mail following a growing number of reports of delayed and unreliable postal services across Upper Bann and wider Northern Ireland.

Lockhart Demands Action Not Excuses After Raising Serious Case With Justice Secretary

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 16, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has hit out at what she described as a wholly inadequate response from the Justice Secretary after she raised a deeply troubling case involving a migrant convicted of a serious sexual offence.

Lockhart MP hosts SEFF Memorial Quilts Exhibition at Westminster

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 21, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart hosted and sponsored an exhibition of SEFF’s Memorial Quilts at the Palace of Westminster, ensuring that the voices of innocent victims of terrorism from Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland were placed at the heart of Parliament.

DAERA must deliver ‘goodwill’ to farms impacted by bluetongue restrictions

By Carla Lockhart • December 12, 2025
As we enter the festive season, DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, is urging DAERA to deliver much-needed ‘goodwill’ to the herd and flock owners who are marooned as a result of the two Bluetongue control zones in County Down.