Speaking from Westminster, Carla Lockhart said:

“I think what most people are looking from the Government is help to address the cost of living – what is the plan to reduce the income tax burden, address inflation, to help people pay their mortgages or get on the housing ladder, to help pay for childcare? This is what this Government will be judged on over the next 6-9 months, and so far its record has not been one that sides with hard pressed families. We got warm words in the speech, but actions will need to back that up.

Whilst a significant number of the new bills are on devolved issues and therefore will have limited impact on Northern Ireland, I welcome the legislative moves in relation to our criminal justice system – around compulsory attendance at sentencing hearings, around parole, offensive weapons and of course around whole life orders. These bills indicate a Government response to what I believe is a general view that our criminal justice system has become too soft in how it manages criminals, and these Bills should set a tone right across the UK.

Constituents will also welcome the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill. This is another important piece of legislation in protecting the public from unscrupulous trading practices online. All of us hate those added charges for flying, around seat choice for example – even with children costs more - or if your bag is slightly too big. This does need addressed as does the various other forms of drip pricing and fake reviews.

I also welcome the new North Sea oil and gas licences being confirmed. We have seen that being so dependent on energy supplies from volatile parts of the world leaves households and businesses here paying a heavy price. We need to become more energy dependent, but that should also extend to areas such as food production and I want to see more action from Government to support our agri-food industry. We need to look more to grown here food, not flown here food.

Whilst there was no specific reference to Northern Ireland, we did hear the King state that his Government would protect the Union. This is vital, and must be backed up with actions that address our concerns around the Windsor Framework and internal border within the UK. The DUP continues to engage with the Government to bring about solutions in this regard that’s restores the economic Union. This is vital if we want to see devolution restored and should be a priority for the Government.”