NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2020

MP CARLAMember of Parliament LOCKHART for Upper Bann OCTOBER ISSUE

The Covid pandemic is continuing to focus the attention of us all. Aside from the obvious public health implications and messaging there is a drive to ensure all industries affected are correctly compensated. During the initial lockdown HM at 6pm. Whilst it has been hugely Government introduced a number frustrating for businesses we need to of financial support schemes to follow the guidelines and regulations. help many whose employment and There are many areas of local self-employment was affected by Government which need urgent COVID-19. However, there were attention particularly within the remit NEW BUSINESSES 3 million people across Northern of the Infrastructure Department. Ireland and GB who missed out. I am A lack of driving test appointments IN UPPER BANN continuing to lobby the Government and vehicle tests are of particular In the midst of a very challenging alongside #ExcludedUK to have the importance to many and priority climate for businesses it is great exclusions ended and support put in should be given to those who have to see new start ups in the area. place for those who missed out. had tests cancelled when they restart Over the past number of months As a result of HM Government support again. I have and will continue to lobby I’ve highlighted the ones I am businesses in Upper Bann were able to for them. aware of. This month there are benefit from £82,632,479 of Business I want to commend my colleague three new ones that I have been Interruption and Bounce Back Minister for the Economy Diane able to visit, GC Autos Armagh loans. This is very welcome and Dodds for quickly bringing forward Road, Portadown, OutHaus will hopefully see many businesses support packages for those Furniture and Homeware, survive this pandemic. businesses forced to close and those Portadown and the new Faith saw a tightening of affected within the supply chain. Mission Cafe, . Please restrictions mid October. The latest For anyone looking assistance with support all our local businesses closures will last for a four week accessing these financial packages especially at these tough times. period ending on 13th November feel free to get in touch. Their future is in our hands. Shop local and buy local. RECOGNITION BY THE PRIME MINISTER This month saw local author Mr Ryan Wilson receive the UK Points of Light recognition, awarded by The Prime Minister Boris Johnson, for a book he penned during lockdown entitled “The Year the World Got Sick.” Ryan is a classroom assistant in Carrick Primary School, Lurgan and when I initially heard of his book I brought him to Stormont to meet with the First Minister Arlene endorsed the book. I look forward Foster and Education Minister to Ryan’s next book which I am both of whom readily told is nearing completion.

028 3831 0088 or 07833 198008  www.carlalockhartmp.co.uk [email protected] Carla Condell Lockhart or Carla Lockhart MP @CarlaLockhart NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2020

MP CARLAMember of Parliament LOCKHART for Upper Bann

CLEANUP OPERATION BY TRANSLINK PARLIAMENTARY IN PORTADOWN CONTRIBUTIONS As the Agriculture spokesperson in Delighted that after lobbying on Westminster it is my responsibility this matter with Cllr Causby that to speak up for our Agri-Food Translink have worked hard to industry. I did so in the recent carry out a major clean up to the debate on the Agriculture Bill. The rear of Jervis Street houses that crucial point I made was in relation back onto the railway. There was a to trading standards and the need for the Government to ensure major build up of rubbish caused our markets are not flooded with by fly-tipping and signs of rodent cheap, sub standard products. activity. The rubbish has all been We have world class standards taken away and a major baiting Environmental Health at Armagh with high quality produce, high programme rolled out. A special City, Banbridge & Craigavon environmental standards and mention goes to Mr Andrew Lucas Borough Council. I managed to get exemplary animal welfare. Any and his team at Translink for their a walk of the deactivated tracks to products coming into the UK from work on this matter and also see the finished job. other countries should be subject those same standards. I also contributed to the Fisheries CLOSER FAMILY CONTACT IN CARE HOMES NEEDED Bill highlighting the resilient and It has been a challenging time for care innovative fishing industry we homes during the pandemic. Residents have in Northern Ireland and the opportunities afforded them by and families have felt the strain of not Brexit. The Bill being discussed having close contact with their loved will ensure that the U.K. takes ones, with many still getting limited back control of its waters and time, and all behind a glass screen. it protects the rights of all UK This is a source of much heartache fishermen to maintain equal particular for elderly people or those access within all UK waters. with Dementia. Having noted a scheme to be piloted in England to tackle this issue I wrote to the Health Minister to CANCELLATION OF adopt this for Northern Ireland. He has vital and humane step that needs to CANCER SERVICES agreed to consider this, which allows be taken. Many fear being alone and I was made aware by a number of one designated family member to visit this is only adding to their stress and constituents of the cancellation a friend or loved one. I believe this is a detrimental to their wellbeing. of cancer surgery in Belfast City Hospital with no future date in sight for the recommencement AGRI-FOOD MEETING WITH RT HON MICHAEL of operations. I made strong HOVE AND RT HON GEORGE EUSTICE representation to the Health I had the honour of hosting a meeting Westminster it is vital that I use Minister on this vital matter, and I welcome his announcement that between Agri-Food Industry these links so the voice of Northern he will review this situation and representatives and two senior Ireland business is heard at the very ensure that new appointment Govt figures, Chancellor of the heart of Government. The timing of dates are issued for all those Duchy of Lancaster Rt Hon Michael this meeting was very useful given affected as quickly as possible. Gove MP and DEFRA Minister Rt that we are nearing the end of the Cancer remains a deadly disease Hon George Eustice MP. As the transition period when the U.K. will and being diagnosed with it brings DUP Agriculture spokesperson at leave the European Union. a lot of physical and emotional turmoil. Cancer treatment needs to be made a priority. Cancer services should not suffer because of this pandemic. 028 3831 0088 or 07833 198008  www.carlalockhartmp.co.uk [email protected] Carla Condell Lockhart or Carla Lockhart MP @CarlaLockhart