Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said that Irish government hypocrisy on a so-called ‘hard border’ must be called out

Carla Lockhart MP • May 8, 2024

She was speaking after the Prime Minister confirmed to her that the Secretary of State is seeking clarification from the Irish authorities about continued free movements across the border. 

Speaking after Prime Minister’s Questions the DUP MP said, “The former Taoiseach infamously waved a picture of a bombed customs post in front of EU leaders warning that any imposition of a so-called ‘hard border’ would threaten a return to violence. The Irish Government also helped build up claims that even the erection of a camera on the border would provoke an eruption of civil disobedience. 


After countless claims about the United Kingdom’s supposed disregard for the Belfast Agreement the Irish Government has now tasked Gardai to police immigration issues. This arises from an unsubstantiated claim that 80% of asylum seekers coming to the Republic are doing so via Northern Ireland.


This issue brings into stark focus the hypocrisy of the Irish Government when it comes to the border. The Republic of Ireland should respect the United Kingdom and our borders, just as they were so keen to demand for themselves. The UK Government must not only challenge that hypocrisy but also request that the Irish Government provides some evidence for their claims about the origin of illegal migrants in the Republic.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP September 28, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP has expressed her deep sadness following the sudden passing of Ian Milne.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised the UK government for rubber-stamping and implementing EU red tape which is strangling the trade of used farm machinery between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer for recognising Palestine without securing safeguards for hostages, minorities, or assurances that such recognition would promote peace.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has congratulated the staff and volunteers at the USPCA Charity Store in Lurgan after it was named Shop of the Year 2025 at the Charity Retail Awards in London. The store has also been shortlisted for the prestigious title of UK’s Favourite Charity Shop 2025. 
By Carla Lockhart MP September 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the organisers of the hugely popular Country Comes to Town event in Portadown, which once again brought thousands of people into the town centre for a day of music, entertainment, and family fun. 
By Carla Lockhart MP September 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has presented her “Fix Our Roads” petition directly to the Minister for Infrastructure, calling for urgent action to address the poor state of Northern Ireland’s road network. 
By Carla Lockhart MP September 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has congratulated Miss Muriel Mehaffey on reaching the wonderful milestone of her 100th birthday.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that the unrestricted flow of illegal meat and dairy products into the UK is an existential threat to human and animal health.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the suspension of parking charges at Iceland’s Banbridge store, following problems with faulty payment machines that had resulted in shoppers receiving unfair fines.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed progress on the Northern Ireland Football Fund, which has seen four local clubs from Upper Bann move forward to the next stage of the process.