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 4, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP has written to the DAERA Minister requesting a prompt and comprehensive update on the membership, governance and remit of the time-bound Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) stakeholder task and finish group.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 4, 2025
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, is calling on DAERA Minister Andrew Muir to ‘Love Lamb’ and deliver a bespoke funding package for sheep farmers in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that Northern Ireland’s car retail sector faces a major cliff edge in January 2026, when EU type approval rules imposed by the Protocol and Windsor Framework will prevent vehicles approved for sale in Great Britain from being registered in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed proposals from DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to strengthen the powers available to housing providers to deal with anti-social tenants and protect law-abiding families.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the announcement of new funding from Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to support bands across Northern Ireland in showcasing their talent beyond our shores.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 1, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has written to the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, calling for an urgent meeting to discuss the escalating issue of asylum and illegal immigration in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 29, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned against the ongoing anti-farming agenda, coming from the department and Minister responsible for the promotion and growth of agriculture in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 29, 2025
Windsor Framework failures on agenda as MP invites London officials to Upper Bann.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 27, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has met with the Health Minister to press concerns about the ongoing crisis in ADHD and autism services across Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 27, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised George and Tommy, the young sons of William, owner of Gilfresh Produce, for their part in a special sunflower project at Ballytyrone Road, Loughgall.