During exchanges in the House of Commons, the Democratic Unionist Party representative highlighted the mounting pressures facing farmers, hospitality businesses, small employers and childcare providers, as well as the continued injustice experienced by WASPI women. She also challenged the Government’s presentation of funding for Northern Ireland, arguing that it falls far short of what is required to address long-standing infrastructure and public service pressures.

Speaking after the statement, Mrs Lockhart said:

“The Chancellor describes this as the right plan, but many families and businesses across Upper Bann will be asking, right for who?

“It is not right for our farmers who are being taxed to the brink while dealing with rising input costs and ongoing uncertainty. It is not right for hospitality businesses and small firms fighting to survive amid soaring energy bills, increased National Insurance contributions and relentless overheads.

“It is not right for WASPI women still waiting for justice, nor for hard-working childminders who are facing the loss of vital tax allowances that help keep childcare affordable and accessible.

“The Chancellor referenced funding for Northern Ireland, but this is not new money. It was previously announced in the Budget. Repackaging existing allocations does not address the scale of the challenges we face.

“When you consider the condition of our roads, the immense pressures on our hospitals, and the ongoing needs within our schools, it is clear this funding is a drop in the ocean compared to what is required to deliver real improvement.

“At a time when global instability is once again driving up energy prices, families are anxious about heating their homes and filling their cars. They needed decisive action to ease the cost-of-living burden. Instead, they were offered very little that will make a tangible difference.

“Hard-working taxpayers deserve a Government that prioritises them. I will continue to press for fair funding for Northern Ireland and for policies that genuinely support working families and the sectors that sustain our local economy.”