NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2021

MP CARLAMember of Parliament LOCKHART for Upper Bann FEBRUARY 2021 ISSUE

Much of the month has been focused on the problems with the Northern WORLD CANCER DAY Ireland Protocol alongside the ongoing Covid situation. Unlike some other parties this in the House of Commons and from who sit highlighted the importance of the in Westminster, the DUP has East/West trade as it is the bulk of consistently opposed it. On a trade for Northern Ireland. continual basis I am hearing from The Covid pandemic is still on businesses who are negatively going although we are seeing very affected by bureaucracy imposed positive signs with vastly reduced at the demand of the EU. It numbers of positive results and On the 4th February we marked doesn’t help these businesses World Cancer Day. Every when we have childish stunts deaths. There were a number of people locally who passed family in Northern Ireland has by elected representatives who been touched by this dreaded belittle the problems faced by both away during February and their disease. With 4000 “red flag” businesses and consumers. Many presence will be very sadly missed procedures having been missed ordinary items simply aren’t being in the community. My thoughts and throughout the pandemic, it is delivered to Northern Ireland. I prayers are with all those families costing lives. One of the most had the opportunity to speak on who have lost loved ones. important roadmaps will be the return to routine procedures and treatments. I have called on the Health Minister to outline a BANBRIDGE PUBLIC Cancer catch-up strategy and I REALM WORK hope we see this soon. PROGRESSING For many years I have been pressing for the upgrade of the streets in Banbridge. We have seen some progress but there have been many delays. I am delighted that it is now been consulted on and I hope that and I want to see all our towns and gives us the basis for the scheme villages being supported by both to advance. This is long overdue the Council and the Executive. 69 YEARS AS OUR BANNVIEW MEDICAL PRACTICE MONARCH 6th February marked 69 years There is rightly concern at the website bannviewmedicalpractice. since the ascension to the rumoured closure of Bannview com where there is an option to order throne of our Queen, Elizabeth Medical Practice but the practice repeat prescriptions. Patients who II. What a shining example she remains open and patients should need urgent care will, at present, be has been of grace and dignity make contact as normal. The redirected to the Trust’s Phone First throughout her reign. We wish telephone number is 028 3835 1497 service. Arrangements are in place her many more years as our option 3 to speak with the admin for patients with particular medical Monarch and wish Prince Philip team. For repeat prescriptions 028 conditions and Covid vaccinations well during his time of ill health. 3756 0101, alternatively access the will continue as planned

028 3831 0088 or 07833 198008  www.carlalockhartmp.co.uk [email protected] Carla Condell Lockhart or Carla Lockhart MP @CarlaLockhart NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2021

MP CARLAMember of Parliament LOCKHART for Upper Bann

UPPER BANN BUSINESS UPDATE REOPENING OF SCHOOLS The reopening of schools should be a top priority for the Executive. Whilst there were good reasons for closing them, with the much lower infection rate and rollout of the vaccine program we are in a different place. It is my view that teachers, classroom assistants So good to see progress of the and supporting local produce. and nursery staff, alongside application by The Range coming On the 8th March click and collect other essential workers, should to Banbridge and M&S Foodhall. services will resume which is a be prioritised when the vaccine These will be very welcome very welcome change for many is being offered. Young minds businesses to the local area. local retailers who had been have lost so much invaluable learning time and this is It is also further validation for disadvantaged with the lockdown damaging to both their physical Irwins Bakery who have secured restrictions. and mental well-being. I look a multi million pound deal with If anyone would like to sign up forward to this being remedied. retailer Lidl. Lidl have invested in for my regular business update the area and it is so assuring to please get in contact. see them sending a clear message NEW ROLE AT VICTIMS PENSION WESTMINSTER Over my years as a political representative I have met many people who were injured or who lost loved ones as a result of the terrorist campaign. The same terrorists who inflicted such pain are now free to come and go as they please and it is deeply insulting to victims that a I am honoured to have been convicted terrorist is now holding appointed as Co-Chair of up funding of a victims pension. be considered victims as some the All Party Pro-Life group The DUP have fought for real would say. We now need to see this at Westminster. I will serve victims to ensure those injured as pension paid without further delay alongside my friend and a result of terrorist actions cannot for those who really deserve it. colleague The Rt Hon Fiona Bruce MP (Co-Chair) party colleague Sir BURGLARIES IN THE LOCAL AREA (Vice Chair) and other parliamentarians. Very concerning that we have I have been liaising with them and Everyone will know my passion seen a rise in burglaries across the been assured they are doing all in for protecting the unborn, the local area. I would urge everyone their power with as many patrols most vulnerable in our society. to be vigilant and to report as they can manage within their I am deeply humbled by this anything suspicious to the police. manpower limitations. appointment. It is a mammoth and sobering task as we seek to restore life affirming laws across the United Kingdom. 028 3831 0088 or 07833 198008  www.carlalockhartmp.co.uk [email protected] Carla Condell Lockhart or Carla Lockhart MP @CarlaLockhart