MP expresses sympathy at passing of Edgarstown stalwart
Carla Lockhart MP • August 8, 2023
Local MP Carla Lockhart has expressed her sadness at the passing of Derek Cooke, who was a long standing and much respected member of the Edgarstown community.
Carla Lockhart said:
“First and foremost my thoughts are very much with Derek’s family and friends. It is such a huge loss, and my sympathy is very much with them at this difficult time.
It was an absolute privilege to know Derek for many years. He had a great heart for the community in Edgarstown, and that was reflected in the amount of work he did for the area and his dedication to the Edgarstown Residents Association. Around the area the impact of Derek’s work can be seen. Many people can testify to the positive influence he has been in the area.
As we mourn Derek’s passing, we do so recognising this was a man who lived his family and friends, and his community. He will be sorely missed.”
Share
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.
The DUP’s Westminster Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has accused Shared Environment Services (SES) of paralysing Northern Ireland’s planning system.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.