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Government Politics Stormont Westminster

TUV Welcomes General Election

Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister: “TUV welcomes today’s announcement of a general election. Having run away from debating the issues, there will be no place for those who embraced the division of the United Kingdom by returning to Stormont as Protocol implementors to hide now that the issues go to the people. “This election […]

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Agriculture Business Community Constituency Government Lurgan Politics Upper Bann Westminster

Lockhart Welcomes Extension to Seasonal Workers Scheme

The Government’s recent announcement confirming an extension to the Seasonal Workers Scheme has been welcomed by Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart. “The five-year extension is welcome news for agriculture and horticulture in Northern Ireland. Both sectors have been severely impacted by a shortage of labour in recent years. The announcement from DEFRA Secretary of State […]

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Business Community Constituency Government Lurgan Politics Upper Bann Westminster

Calls on UK Government to Lower VAT for Hospitality Businesses

Carla Lockhart MP has called on the Westminster Government to lower the VAT rate for hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland. This move, she argues, is crucial to support an industry that is still recovering from the impact of COVID-19 as well as dealing with current economic challenges, leading to growing uncertainty in the sector.. The […]

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Community Constituency Government Infrastructure South Down Stormont Warrenpoint Westminster

Local Councils Must Seize Narrow Water Bridge Opportunity – Hazzard

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has called on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Louth County Council to collaborate with local agencies on developing projects around the Narrow Water Bridge. The South Down MP emphasised that the bridge will be much more than an infrastructure project, highlighting the need to enhance community amenities to […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Government Lurgan Politics Upper Bann Westminster

Carla Lockhart MP Presses Government on Rocketing Fuel Costs 

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has highlighted the significant issue of escalating fuel prices in Parliament, focusing on the severe impact these costs have on drivers, particularly in rural areas like Upper Bann. During Treasury question time, the DUP MP urged the Government to tackle the burdensome fuel costs, which have seen a sharp increase […]

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Business Dáil Éireann Government International Politics Seanad Éireann Westminster

High Court Decision That Rwanda Bill Breeches Brexit Deal, Demands Immediate British Irish Cooperation – Aontu

Aontú Leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín has called on the Irish Government to engage more closely with the British Government on the Common Travel Area following what could be a landmark ruling on a migration case today in Belfast. The High Court found that the Illegal Migration Act 2023 which gives new powers […]

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Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Newry Politics South Down Stormont Warrenpoint Westminster

Narrow Water Bridge Another Step Closer – Hazzard

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed the announcement that a contract has been awarded for the Narrow Water Bridge. The South Down MP has said the delivery of this project is key to ‘unlocking South Down’s potential’. Chris Hazzard said: “It is welcome that a €60 million contract has been awarded to BAM for […]

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Community Constituency Crime Downpatrick Government South Down Westminster

Tribunal Revelations That PSNI Withheld Key Information on Loughinisland ‘Deeply Disturbing’ – Hazzard

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said recent revelations from the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in London has again revealed the extent of British state collusion in denying families truth and justice. Following the release of documents at yesterday’s tribunal which revealed there had been routine surveillance of journalists and the PSNI sought to cover-up the […]

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Agriculture Community Constituency Crime Government Lurgan Upper Bann Westminster

MP Concerned By Rise In Rural Crime

The DUP’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Westminster spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP is urging farmers to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity in a bid to combat rural crime in Northern Ireland. Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart expressed her concerns at the rising incidence of crime in rural communities. “Criminals are very active in our […]

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Community Government Health Stormont Westminster

Ban on Sale and Supply of Single Use Vapes By April 2025

Northern Ireland is set to ban the sale and supply of single use vapes by April 2025, in a bid to stop five million single use vapes being thrown away or littered every week across the UK. Environment Minister Andrew Muir MLA has announced his intention to prohibit the sale and supply of single use […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government South Down Westminster

Talks to Commence on Extending ‘Ancient East’ Into South Down – Hazzard

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed confirmation from Stormont’s Economy Minister Conor Murphy today that he is to commence discussions with tourism bodies about the potential of extending ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ into the north – including South Down.  The South Down MP said: “Sinn Féin have been calling for the extension of Ireland’s Ancient […]

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Community Constituency Education Government Health Lurgan Politics Upper Bann Westminster

Parties Need to be Clear on “Gender-Affirming Healthcare”

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said parties need to spell out their stance on “gender affirming healthcare” and that the Health Minister should spell out more clearly what stance will be taken by the Department of Health in light of the publication of the Cass Report. The DUP MP said, “The publication of the Cass […]