Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has called for greater recognition of military children in Northern Ireland as the Month of the Military Child draws to a close

Carla Lockhart MP • April 30, 2025

April is recognised across the UK as the Month of the Military Child – a time to honour the incredible strength, resilience and sacrifice of children whose parents serve in the Armed Forces. While the initiative is officially marked on 25th April in England and Wales, there is currently no formally designated date in Northern Ireland.

To mark the month, a special purple heart badge has been created by the Empire Poppy Store – purple symbolising the blend of all service colours, and the dandelion representing the ability of military children to thrive wherever they are rooted.


Carla Lockhart MP said:


“Throughout April, we’ve celebrated our military children, young people who quietly carry the weight of service life alongside their parents. Their ability to adapt, remain strong and support their families is nothing short of remarkable.


“I was delighted to receive my purple heart badge. A small but powerful way to show support and raise awareness. I’d encourage everyone to consider wearing one, not just during April, but throughout the year.


“Importantly, I have written to the Ministry of Defence to call for an official date to be designated in Northern Ireland. It’s essential that military children here are recognised equally and visibly across all parts of the UK.


“As this month of recognition ends, let’s carry its spirit forward. Let us continue to highlight the Military Child and ensure their voices are heard and their sacrifices remembered.”


To find out more, visit: https://www.asauk.org/military-child


To purchase a badge: https://empirepoppy.store/products/month-of-the-military-child-enamel-badge

Share

By Carla Lockhart December 12, 2025
As we enter the festive season, DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, is urging DAERA to deliver much-needed ‘goodwill’ to the herd and flock owners who are marooned as a result of the two Bluetongue control zones in County Down.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 9, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has welcomed DAERA’s announcement that some live animal exports from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, for slaughter, markets, breeding and production, are allowed to resume.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 7, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, is continuing to monitor the unfolding Bluetongue situation in Northern Ireland, describing it as a serious challenge for the farming industry.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 4, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has expressed deep disappointment at the outcome of this week’s House of Commons vote on the Finance Bill’s Resolution 50, specifically the proposed measures affecting family farm taxation.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 4, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has described the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget as “deeply damaging”.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 3, 2025
The DUP’s Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has accused the government of “dragging its heels” and being “tone deaf” to the concerns of vets and the wider agri-food industry around the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland in the New Year.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 3, 2025
DUP Agriculture Spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has expressed deep concern following confirmation from DAERA that an additional 44 suspected cases of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) have been uncovered during tests on a County Down farm.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the progress made this week at Stormont on the introduction of Baby Loss Certificates, bringing long-awaited recognition and comfort to families who have suffered the heartbreak of losing a baby before 24 weeks.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has commended local residents for their “unreal generosity” following visits to Tesco Banbridge and Tesco Craigavon for the Big Food Collection supporting Via Wings and the local Craigavon Food Bank.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 1, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, is urging farmers across Northern Ireland to remain vigilant, following confirmation that Bluetongue virus (BTV) has been detected in two cows originating from a herd in Bangor, County Down.