Epilepsy High on the Agenda in Parliament Today

Carla Lockhart MP • May 20, 2025

Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has today placed a spotlight on the urgent challenges faced by those living with epilepsy during a visit to the Epilepsy Society’s exhibition in Westminster.

The exhibition brought together MPs, clinicians, campaigners and families to highlight the pressing need for increased investment in epilepsy research, improved care, and consistent access to life-saving medication. With epilepsy affecting 1 in every 100 people in the UK, the issue is deeply relevant to every constituency, including Upper Bann.


Commenting after the exhibition, Carla Lockhart MP said:


“Epilepsy affects around 1,000 people in Upper Bann alone, and many more when you include the loved ones who walk this journey alongside them. Today’s exhibition was a powerful reminder of just how urgent the need is for better support, better services, and better outcomes.”


“As I walked through the exhibition, one family from our own community was very much on my heart. Earlier this year, we lost a bright, beautiful young man, Steven Carson, to epilepsy. His family, Jock, Maedea and the entire circle of friends and loved ones, continue to carry an unimaginable grief. Their courage, their love for Steven, and their determination to raise awareness certainly inspires me to do more.”


“Whether it’s tackling dangerous medication shortages or pressing for greater research funding, I will continue to raise these issues in Parliament. Epilepsy must not be overlooked. Lives depend on it.”


The Epilepsy Society’s campaign calls on MPs to support a more strategic and well-resourced approach to tackling epilepsy in the UK, and to ensure that no family is left to suffer in silence.


Share

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.
By Carla Lockhart MP • September 10, 2026
Responding to recent online comments and media reports concerning the use of halal-certified meat in Northern Ireland school meals, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart MP has confirmed that she raised concerns about this issue with Stormont Assembly departments in March.
By Carla Lockhart MP • September 8, 2026
MP responds to Sinn Fein on the Garvaghy Road
By Carla Lockhart MP • September 8, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has accused the Government of ignoring the economic damage being inflicted on Northern Ireland by the Windsor Framework after it offered no solution to businesses facing 50% EU tariffs when purchasing steel from Great Britain.
By Carla Lockhart MP • September 6, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart's response to John O'Dowd
By Carla Lockhart MP • September 4, 2026
DUP agriculture spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has challenged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to turn his promise of a new direction for the UK into meaningful action, particularly when it comes to farming, food security and protecting British industry.
By Carla Lockhart MP • September 4, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that the Government’s latest plant health regulations expose the serious constitutional and democratic consequences of the Windsor Framework.
By Carla Lockhart MP • September 4, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has warned that public patience is running thin, as DAERA Minister Andrew Muir and his Department, continue to stall and fail to provide answers over the barbaric slaughter of 51 cattle as they grazed farmland on the outskirts of Fivemiletown, County Tyrone.
By Carla Lockhart MP • September 1, 2026
Speaking following the SOS announcement for a Judge-led review