Lockhart Tells Borders and Asylum Minister That Northern Ireland Has A Zero Tolerance for Illegal Entry

Carla Lockhart MP • November 25, 2025

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has pressed the Borders and Asylum Minister to ensure that Northern Ireland receives equal protection and enforcement measures in any forthcoming immigration legislation, highlighting the growing pressures on public services and local communities.

Speaking during her contribution, Carla Lockhart MP said:


“There must be zero tolerance for illegal entry into the United Kingdom and there must be swift removal of anyone who has no right to be here. I made it clear to the Minister that Northern Ireland deserves the same protection, stability and control as every other part of the UK in any new legislation. Fairness matters, but so does enforcing the law.


Illegal immigration is pushing Northern Ireland’s services to the limit and piling pressure on communities that are already stretched to capacity. Operating under different legal rules than the rest of the UK only makes the situation even more challenging.


This cannot be ignored any longer. I urged the Minister to ensure that Northern Ireland is treated fairly and that firm, consistent enforcement is applied across all four nations.”


Share

By Carla Lockhart MP February 5, 2026
Confirmation that the High Court has ordered an urgent judicial review into inheritance tax reforms has been welcomed by the DUP’s Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP.
By Carla Lockhart MP February 5, 2026
The DUP’s Westminster Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has accused Shared Environment Services (SES) of paralysing Northern Ireland’s planning system.
By Carla Lockhart MP February 4, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that shocking new figures on cancer treatment in Northern Ireland expose a health service struggling to deliver timely care and has called for urgent action including free travel support for patients and ring-fenced funding to address chronic delays.
By Carla Lockhart MP February 4, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the generosity of the local community after attending a retro 1980s fundraising event at Windsor Bakery in support of Luca’s Voice, a charity supporting families navigating speech and communication challenges.
By Carla Lockhart MP February 3, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed serious concern following confirmation that Santander intends to close its Banbridge branch in May 2026, warning that the decision risks leaving many customers, particularly in semi-rural areas, without access to essential face-to-face banking services. 
By Carla Lockhart MP February 3, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the completion of new access steps at Orchard Park in Loughgall, describing the works as a clear example of delivery in action and a significant improvement for local residents.
By Carla Lockhart MP February 3, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has marked Holocaust Memorial Day by joining colleagues at Westminster in remembrance of the millions of victims of the Holocaust, reaffirming the importance of education, vigilance and standing firmly against antisemitism and all forms of hatred in society today. The annual day of remembrance serves both to honour those who were murdered and to underline the responsibility placed on current and future generations, with the stark reminder that if a minute’s silence were held for every person murdered, the world would be silent for more than eleven years.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 27, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the Finance Minister to urgently release emergency financial support for businesses across towns and villages in the constituency that have been devastated by recent flooding.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 27, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons honouring and expressing gratitude for the British Armed Forces, in the wake of recent public commentary that caused deep concern and upset among serving personnel, veterans and their families.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 22, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has broadly welcomed the Westminster Government’s Water White Paper, outlined this week in the House of Commons by DEFRA Secretary Emma Reynolds, describing it as a balanced and informed approach to improving water quality.