Support measures for autism must be invested in

Carla Lockhart MP • November 28, 2023

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised the need for additional support for those in preschool and nursery settings to support children in their care who have autismUpper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised the need for additional support for those in preschool and nursery settings to support children in their care who have autism or other additional needs.The DUP representative raised the issue in Westminster last week. or other additional needs. The DUP representative raised the issue in Westminster last week.

Carla Lockhart said:

 

“My Party colleague Pam Cameron MLA has done a huge amount of work alongside Autism NI in raising the issue of autism training for teachers. It is vital that this training is invested in by Government.

 

However, we must not forget the vital importance of preschool provision. Training for those in preschool and nursery environments is vital, not only to ensure that kids are supported in that environment, but also to identify autism in children at the youngest age. This is essential to allow for assessment and support measures to be in place for going to primary school.

 

We have so much need in our society to ensure children have the support networks in place to support them through their education pathway. The sooner those needs are identified, the earlier that framework of support can be provided.

 

I will continue to champion this issue in Parliament and ensure the needs of those with autism are heard loud and clear by Government.”

Share

Sinn Fein refusal to engage exposes who is really blocking progress at Drumcree

By Carla Lockhart MP • August 30, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said Sinn Fein’s outright rejection of mediation on Drumcree exposes a stark contrast between a Portadown District determined to find a peaceful resolution and a Sinn Fein position which refuses meaningful engagement.

MP encouraging farmers to engage with DAERA’s online consultations

By Carla Lockhart MP • August 28, 2026
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP is urging farmers across Northern Ireland to engage with two significant DAERA consultations, warning that the deadlines for both are fast approaching.

MP urging Prime Minister to revisit farm tax changes ahead of autumn budget

By Carla Lockhart MP • August 28, 2026
As MPs return to Westminster next week following the summer recess, Carla Lockhart has vowed to press the Prime Minister to listen to farmers and revisit the deeply damaging farm inheritance tax changes imposed by his predecessor.

Sinn Fein must clarify its rhetoric over Drumcree and commit to no violence or disorder

By Carla Lockhart MP • August 28, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has challenged Sinn Fein to make clear that there will be no violence or disorder from within nationalism or republicanism, should a future Parades Commission determination permit Portadown District LOL No: 1 to complete its church parade at Drumcree.

Let us shine some light into the dark corners of the Parades Commission

By Carla Lockhart MP • August 26, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has revealed she has received a formal written apology from the Chair of the Parades Commission, over misleading evidence given to the High Court concerning her involvement in the Drumcree case.

Parades Commission assurances will not suffice warns Carla Lockhart MP

By Carla Lockhart MP • August 26, 2026
The DUP’s member of Parliament for Upper Bann, Carla Lockhart MP, has responded to the Secretary of State’s statement, saying “Parades Commission assurances will not suffice”.

SEISMIC DRUMCREE VICTORY MUST LEAD TO RESIGNATIONS OF ALL MEMBERS OF THE PARADES COMMISSION

By Carla Lockhart MP • August 25, 2026
Carla Lockhart MP has described the outcome of the Drumcree legal challenge as a “seismic victory” after 28 years, and says the revelations surrounding the Parades Commission now demand urgent scrutiny at Westminster.

MP accuses AFBI of ‘marking own homework’ in wake of serious whistleblowing allegations

By Carla Lockhart MP • August 21, 2026
DUP Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has accused the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) of marking its own homework, following a series of whistleblowing allegations centred on its Hillsborough site.

MP demands answers after abandoned dogs found dead in Lurgan property

By Carla Lockhart MP • August 20, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has secured an urgent multi-agency meeting following the horrific discovery of two dogs found dead inside a property in Lurgan.

Salmonella outbreak – a wake-up call for UK Government

By Carla Lockhart MP • August 20, 2026
Confirmation that imported eggs have been linked to a series of Salmonella Enteritidis outbreaks in the UK has been described by DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, as a timely wake-up call for the Westminster Government.