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Lockhart warns Government of danger to the High Street

Carla Lockhart MP • March 5, 2025

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said that our High Streets will see tumbleweed rather than shoppers unless the Government steps back from its policies.

Speaking in Westminster today the DUP MP said, “Recent decisions by the Government are causing real fear and concern for many businesses. They are not just facing increases in employers National Insurance contributions, but will be hit by Business Property Relief changes. 

 

A joint survey has revealed that 65% of hospitality businesses will have to cut staff as a result. 55% will cancel planned investment and 22% face closure as a result of the Government’s actions. That is just in the hospitality sector alone, but our retailers face these alongside the threat from big online retailers who dodge taxation and contribute little or nothing to our public services.

 

It is vital there is action at a national level, combined with support from the Finance and Economy Ministers locally. These aren’t just businesses but they represent jobs and livelihoods of families right across the country. They deserve and need support and the future of our town centres depend on this.”

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Stormont ‘life-line’ crucial for local agricultural shows

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 3, 2025
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Westminster spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP is continuing to press the Stormont Assembly to deliver a scheme to provide financial assistance for local agricultural shows.

MP urging businesses and consumers to speak up against Windsor Framework

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has urged local businesses to speak up and highlight the ongoing problems that exist for trade within the UK internal market as a result of the Protocol/Windsor Framework.

Carla Lockhart Welcomes Progress on Pedestrian Crossing at Scarva Road, Banbridge

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed confirmation from the Department for Infrastructure that an assessment for a controlled pedestrian crossing at Scarva Road, outside St Patrick’s College, Banbridge, has been completed and is now under active consideration for inclusion in a future works programme. 

Carla Lockhart MP Calls for More Regulation of the Wild West of Social Media

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 2, 2025
Carla Lockhart, MP for Upper Bann, has spoken out about the relentless online abuse she faces, calling for urgent action to tackle the toxic culture of social media, particularly the targeting of women in public life.

Carla Lockhart, MP for Upper Bann, has criticised the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, calling it a missed opportunity to provide real support to hardworking people across the UK.

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 2, 2025
Speaking after the announcement in Parliament, Ms Lockhart highlighted key sectors that were ignored and warned that the government’s policies would place further strain on families, businesses, and local communities. 

Carla Lockhart MP Praises Donaghcloney Elim Church for its Growing Christian Witness

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 2, 2025
Carla Lockhart, MP for Upper Bann, has commended Donaghcloney Elim Church for its unwavering Christian witness and commitment to sharing the Gospel, as the church moves forward with plans for an extension. Speaking after attending a recent coffee morning, she highlighted the church’s growth as a sign of God’s blessing on the congregation. 

Carla Lockhart MP Urges Men Over 65 to Take Up Life-Saving NHS Screening

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 2, 2025
Carla Lockhart, MP for Upper Bann, is urging men aged 65 and over to take advantage of the NHS screening programme for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), a potentially life-threatening condition that often has no symptoms. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling in the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart. While most aneurysms do not cause immediate problems, there is a serious risk that they could burst, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.

Carla Lockhart MP Pays Tribute to the Royal British Legion in Westminster Debate

By Carla Lockhart MP • April 2, 2025
Carla Lockhart, MP for Upper Bann, has praised the invaluable work of the Royal British Legion (RBL) branches across Northern Ireland, highlighting their steadfast support for veterans and their families. Speaking in Westminster Hall during a debate on the contribution of the RBL across the UK, Ms Lockhart commended the dedication of local branches in her constituency and urged the organisation’s leadership in Great Britain to strengthen, rather than scale back, its engagement with Northern Ireland. 

Lockhart challenges government to step-up and fix horticultural trading barriers with GB

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 27, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has challenged the government to step-up and fix the problems caused by the EU-enforced de-facto border in the Irish Sea, in a bid to safeguard the future of Northern Ireland’s horticulture sector.

Chancellor has missed an opportunity to right the wrongs of her actions

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 27, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised the Chancellor for failing to use this week’s spring budget statement as an opportunity to right the wrongs of her previous actions.
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