DUP MP Celebrates Court Victory For Woman Arrested For Praying

Carla Lockhart MP • August 28, 2024

Carla Lockhart, Member of Parliament for Upper Bann, has expressed her strong support for Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, following her successful legal challenge after being twice arrested for silently praying outside an abortion clinic. Vaughan-Spruce received a £13,000 payout in acknowledgment of the wrongful arrests, marking a significant victory for religious freedom.

Speaking Carla said, "Well done to my good friend Isabel Vaughan-Spruce. It should never be illegal to pray, and in this case, pray silently! We are a country founded on Christian values, and it is alarming to see these values being suppressed and challenged.”


Carla is a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Freedom of Religion or Belief, emphasised the importance of defending the right to religious expression, particularly in a society built on principles of faith. "This case is a reminder of the need to protect everyone’s religious freedoms, including the right to pray. Isabel's courage in standing up for her beliefs is highly commendable."



This outcome reinforces the importance of upholding fundamental rights, including the freedom to express one's faith peacefully and publicly.


Share

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 9, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has accused DAERA Minister Andrew Muir of side-stepping his responsibilities and totally ignoring the concerns of the farming community he is supposed to represent.
By Carla Lockhart MP • October 9, 2026
Lockhart urges DAERA to adopt timely Lockhart urges DAERA to adopt timely bTB review conducted by AgriSearch
By Carla Lockhart MP • October 7, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised the lengthy backlog for MOT appointments at test centres across Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP • September 25, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has expressed concern following confirmation that Shamonda virus has been detected in cattle on the island of Jersey.
By Carla Lockhart MP • September 25, 2026
MP welcomes speculation that Burnham is set to revisit farm inheritance tax reforms
By Carla Lockhart MP • September 25, 2026
Lockhart urges livestock farmers to respond to Red Tractor consultation
By Carla Lockhart MP • September 24, 2026
SPeaking on the threat to mobilise Carla Lockhart MP said, “It was inevitable that when Sinn Fein don’t get their own way that the threats of violence and unrest would be rolled out.
By Carla Lockhart MP • September 17, 2026
Lockhart welcomes long-awaited Drumcree mediation and warns Irish Prime Minister against meddling
By Carla Lockhart MP • September 11, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the defeat of the Assisted Dying Bill in the House of Commons, describing the result as “a great day for the protection of life.” MPs rejected the Bill by 286 votes to 270.
By Carla Lockhart MP • September 11, 2026
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has called on the Labour Government to match its words with action, following this week’s Back British Farming Day event in the House of Commons.