“What price children’s safety?”

Carla Lockhart MP • March 28, 2023

DUP MP for Upper Bann Carla Lockhart has written to the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Infrastructure to request reconsideration of the decision to withdraw funding for the provision of cycling proficiency in schools.

Carla Lockhart said:

 

“The decision by the Department to do away with funding for paying teachers or instructors to deliver cycling proficiency is deeply regrettable.

 

The Department talk about encouraging Active Travel to school, yet they are taking away the means by which children are taught how to cycle to school safely. That is inconsistent and illogical.

 

We want to be encouraging safe active travel amongst our young people, and the best time to learn the basics is as a child. I remember doing my cycling proficiency at school and to pass the test gave a great deal of personal achievement. The Department is taking this away from children too.

 

I have written to the Permanent Secretary to urge the Department to reconsider this short-sighted decision. I know that difficult choices lie ahead, but we have to ask what price we put on children’s safety?”

Share

Pressure mounting on government to climbdown or pause inheritance tax plans

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 2, 2025
The Labour government is in crisis and facing mounting pressure to climbdown on its proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR).

Lockhart Calls for Parental Leave Review To Include Parents of Premature Babies

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the UK Government to ensure that parents of premature babies are properly supported through parental leave entitlements and has urged Northern Ireland to follow suit with legislative progress that reflects the unique challenges these families face.

Lockhart Slams Secretary of State Over “Out of Touch” Response to Protocol Problems

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has today issued a scathing criticism of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland following his dismissive response to serious concerns raised in Parliament about the impact of the Windsor Framework on local businesses.

Carla Lockhart MP Commends Community Support at Waringstown Vintage Cavalcade for Kidney Research

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has praised the organisers, volunteers, and local community following a highly successful Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund Vintage Cavalcade held in Waringstown.

Carla Lockhart MP Celebrates Culture and Community at Loughgall Mini 12th Parade

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has strongly criticised the Infrastructure Minister following the latest announcement of part-time 20mph speed limits outside schools with not a single school in Upper Bann included in the new tranche.

Carla Lockhart MP Commends Community Spirit at Coffee Morning in Memory of Mervyn Hall

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has paid tribute to the warmth and generosity of the Waringstown community following her visit to a special coffee morning hosted by Evelyn Hall in memory of her late husband, Mervyn, on what would have been his birthday.

Road Safety at Schools in Upper Bann Ignored

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 4, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has strongly criticised the Infrastructure Minister following the latest announcement of part-time 20mph speed limits outside schools with not a single school in Upper Bann included in the new tranche.

Pantomime Politics at its Best” with Vulnerable People Paying the Price

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 1, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has strongly condemned the Government’s handling of today’s welfare reform debate, describing the scenes in the House of Commons as “pantomime politics at its best.” The debate on the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit Bill was marked by confusion, with significant policy changes announced live from the despatch box, leaving MPs reacting to legislation that was changing before their eyes.

MP appeals for vigilance as Bluetongue threat increases

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 1, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is appealing to livestock farmers in Northern Ireland to remain vigilant as the threat from Bluetongue disease increases.

Lockhart tables Early Day Motion to challenge damaging EU red tape on NI machinery trade

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP and DUP Westminster Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons opposing the enforcement of burdensome EU regulations on the movement of used agricultural and forestry machinery from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
More Posts