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 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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 20, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has criticised DAERA Minister Andrew Muir for ignoring widespread public and industry concerns, and pressing ahead with what she has described as a “flawed review” into the Fivemiletown cattle cull.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 20, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s decision to pursue a review of Shared Environmental Services (SES), describing it as an important and necessary step towards restoring accountability and confidence within Northern Ireland’s planning system.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 14, 2026
Following this week’s AERA meeting in Stormont, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said many serious questions remain unanswered in the aftermath of the Fivemiletown cattle cull conducted by DAERA.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 14, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has strongly welcomed the stand taken by the Ulster Farmers’ Union.