Latest news with #CarlaLockhart
Belfast Telegraph
06-07-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
DUP's Lockhart hits out after Orange bunting stolen in Portadown in ‘sectarian hate crime'
The decorations were on an Orange arch that was installed in the Water Street area of the town. On Thursday, the bunting was 'removed and stolen', the DUP's Carla Lockhart said. Police said they are treating the incident as a sectarian hate crime. In a post on social media, Ms Lockhart said: 'This targeted act of vandalism, clearly sectarian in nature, was carried out with the intent to provoke and divide. 'The Parkmount Arch committee and local residents invested their own time, energy, and money to prepare for the 12th celebrations. Their efforts reflect pride in tradition and a desire to celebrate culture respectfully. 'I want to commend Parkmount L.O.L 127 for their calm and dignified response. As they mark their 135th anniversary actions like this I know strengthen their resolve and determination as opposed to silencing it. 'I will be meeting with the PSNI to ensure this is not filed as a minor misdemeanour, but is given the attention it rightly deserves. 'I also call on all political representatives from the area, particularly those who chunter on about tolerance and inclusion, to publicly condemn this disgraceful act.' Vigil takes place in Donaghadee for Sarah Montgomery A PSNI spokesperson said: 'Police received a report of a theft from a display in the Water Street area of Portadown. 'It was reported at around 10pm on Thursday 3rd July that bunting had been torn down and taken. 'Officers are treating this report as a sectarian hate crime and appeal to anyone with information, to contact police on 101, quoting reference 1722 03/07/25.'
Belfast Telegraph
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Equality Commission: ‘Supreme court ruling on gender has legal uncertainties for NI'
A paper released by the Commission today claims that the judgement will be 'highly persuasive' in certain aspects of Northern Ireland's courts, but there are still uncertainties of what effects it will have on NI law. In April the country's highest court unanimously ruled that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act "refer to a biological woman and biological sex" following a dispute centred on whether someone with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) recognising their gender as female should be treated as a woman under the UK 2010 Equality Act – which does not apply in Northern Ireland. The judgement was made by the Supreme Court after campaigning group For Women Scotland, who wanted to overturn Scottish legislation which said 50% of members on public boards should be female, with the definition of female including transgender women. The decision made headlines across the UK, however questions remained over what the ruling meant for transgender people in Northern Ireland. The DUP's Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart welcomed the judgment calling it 'clear and a victory for common sense', while the Ulster Unionist Party's Justice spokesperson Doug Beattie said the ruling 'has major implications for the application of the Equality legislation in Northern Ireland' which he said affirmed that 'transgender women are not women.' NI based organisation The Rainbow Project acknowledged the decision at the time. saying on a social media statement that the 'ruling is not good news' and that they watched the ruling with 'significant concern'. The paper also states that the Supreme Court Judgement didn't consider article 2 of the Windsor Framework. Article 2 of the Framework concerns the rights that are written in the Good Friday Agreement, including protections against discrimination. Geraldine McGahey, Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland says the Commission will be seeking a Declaration from the courts to address questions regarding legal uncertainties, adding that the commission's approach towards the issues will be in the 'best interests of everyone in Northern Ireland' 'To achieve greater long-term certainty and clarity for all involved, the Commission will be seeking a Declaration from the courts to address several questions regarding the significant legal uncertainties.' 'Our equality laws do not sit in isolation; they interact with other laws and regulations for which the Commission does not have a remit. We believe other bodies and organisations will also require clarification on the legal position in relation to their own areas of work and may join the Commission in its legal proceedings.' McGahey also said that the commission hopes to avoid 'toxicity' around the debate around biological sex. The paper also contains interim information for employers and service providers. In a poll by the Belfast Telegraph in May, almost three-quarters of people in Northern Ireland agree with the Supreme Court's ruling. The LucidTalk poll found that 72 per cent of people here agreed with the Supreme Court's ruling, with 20 per cent disagreeing and 8 per cent unsure.
Belfast Telegraph
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Anti-racism rally to take place in Belfast as PSNI officers are attacked with petrol bombs during riot
Live | MP and MLA slam trouble as images show police officer surrounded by flames A rally against racism will take place in Belfast city centre this afternoon. It follows five nights of violence on the streets of Northern Ireland. The rally is due to start at City Hall at noon. Last night, police were attacked as violence flared in Portadown. Images show one officer surrounded by flames after a petrol bomb was thrown. Others were pelted with fireworks and missiles including masonry, bricks and bottles as unrest continued past midnight. At one stage water cannon was deployed. Carla Lockhart, the DUP MP for the area, said: 'It is deeply disheartening to see a small minority resort to violence and unrest. I unequivocally condemn these actions and appeal once again for calm, restraint, and respect. 'Let me be clear: violence has never solved anything, and it never will. It leaves scars not just on communities, but on the lives of those who engage in it. The consequences can last a lifetime.' PSNI say Portadown riots had 'more co-ordination' as mutual aid to be deployed this weekend Alliance deputy leader Eoin Tennyson slammed the scenes as 'racist thuggery". He said today: "Those attacking police and terrorising our community have nothing to offer but fear, division and hate. "Let me be clear: it is not protest, it is not legitimate. It is an assault on the rule of law and those who put themselves in harms way to keep us safe.' Violence erupted in Ballymena on Monday after a peaceful protest over an alleged sexual assault, with unrest spreading to other towns. Last night's trouble in Portadown was centred on the West Street area, but on a lower level to the previous evening. One PSNI officer was directly in the impact of a petrol bomb that landed behind a line of police vehicles during a sustained standoff with rioters. Shortly before midnight, the PSNI used a water cannon on the crowd in an effort to disperse those gathered on West Street into other areas. The water cannon was used again at around 12.30am this morning. Elsewhere, there were reports of disruption and damage to public property as riot police responded to another protest in the Tullyally area of Londonderry. It came after a senior officer said there would be a "scaled-up" policing presence across Northern Ireland in anticipation of further disorder over the weekend. Key updates DUP are realists, not racists on migration says leader Gavin Robinson as he attacks 'sneering' critics 'It's one of NI's most deprived areas – it's poverty more than religion and ethnicity': Ballymena locals reflect on disorder Violence monetised: How livestreamers on TikTok turned Ballymena's unrest into odd viral and profitable spectacle Sam McBride on DUP's 'incoherent' stance after lobbying for more migration 13 minutes ago DUP are realists, not racists on migration says leader Gavin Robinson as he attacks 'sneering' critics The DUP's call for 'honest action" on illegal immigration does not make the party racist or far right, its leader has insisted. Gavin Robinson also hit out at 'sneering commentary' from those in 'leafy suburbs' unaffected by the issue. His comments follow five nights of violence in towns across Northern Ireland, culminating in police being attacked with petrol bombs last night. DUP are realists, not racists on migration says leader Gavin Robinson as he attacks 'sneering' critics The DUP's call for 'honest action" on illegal immigration does not make the party racist or far right, its leader has insisted. Today 09:28 AM 'It's one of NI's most deprived areas – it's poverty more than religion and ethnicity': Ballymena locals reflect on disorder As scenes of unruly mobs, burnt-out homes and terrified families made headlines around the world this week, Ballymena found itself in the spotlight. Several nights of rioting saw the Co Antrim town make the news for all the wrong reasons. It's an area that already has its share of problems, from the closure of several large factories and sources of employment, to being in the grip of a drugs crisis. Now, one locally based social worker believes 'intense social and economic deprivation' is fuelling the violence. 'It's one of NI's most deprived areas – it's poverty more than religion and ethnicity': Ballymena locals reflect on disorder As scenes of unruly mobs, burnt-out homes and terrified families made headlines around the world this week, Ballymena found itself in the spotlight. Today 08:30 AM Violence monetised: How livestreamers on TikTok turned Ballymena's unrest into odd viral and profitable spectacle Behind every burst of violence, someone is chasing engagement. For the past week, Ballymena - along with pockets of unrest in east Belfast, Portadown, Newtownabbey, Larne and Coleraine - has become the latest flashpoint in Northern Ireland's uneasy social terrain. The trouble has filled days of TV news bulletins and newspaper column inches. But for many, the frontline hasn't been the Six O'Clock News - it's TikTok Live. One prolific user, who spoke on condition of anonymity, admits he purposely attended the protest because of the 'hype' and 'people making money from the streams'. Violence monetised: How livestreamers on TikTok turned Ballymena's unrest into odd viral and profitable spectacle It could be the opening sequence of a Netflix dystopian drama: smoke curling through a housing estate in Ballymena, voices rising in anger, a dozen phone screens glowing like lanterns against the dark. Today 08:16 AM DUP MLA: Concerns 'deserve to be heard' Jonathan Buckley has been reacting to last night's violence in Portadown. The DUP MLA for Upper Bann said the trouble was "utterly senseless and reckless". In a social media post, Mr Buckley said there are concerns in communities, but warned these must be addressed through democratic means. He said: "I understand that many in our community have deeply held concerns about the impact of uncontrolled and illegal immigration. I feel it too, and I have expressed those concerns on your behalf. These issues must not be dismissed; they deserve to be heard and addressed through proper democratic channels. "Recent events have shown how quickly protests can descend into disorder, undermining the very message they aim to convey. "Last night was particularly hard for the residents of Edgarstown, who had to endure the disruption. "As we've seen across Northern Ireland over the past few days, it is utterly senseless and reckless to destroy the very community we are trying to protect." Today 07:54 AM Sam McBride on DUP's 'incoherent' stance after lobbying for more migration "The monstrous fury unleashed in Ballymena this week before infecting other towns is a problem for all of society - but it is a particular crisis for the DUP," Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride writes. "The DUP is being grossly hypocritical on immigration - claiming now that it's highly sceptical about immigration when for years it lobbied the Government to make it easier for more low-skilled foreigners to come to Northern Ireland as cheap labour for big business." He adds: "The DUP has also lobbied to relax immigration rules for migrant fishermen and more broadly argued in favour of migration to help the economy. "All of this is perfectly reasonable; what's incoherent is then decrying the impact of such policy choices." Incoherent DUP vulnerable if voters realise it lobbied for more migration while presenting very different message The monstrous fury unleashed in Ballymena this week before infecting other towns is a problem for all of society — but it is a particular crisis for the DUP. Today 07:53 AM ' Racist thugs are terrorising our community' Alliance deputy leader Eoin Tennyson has said he "utterly condemns the racist thuggery" seen in Portadown over the last two nights. He said today: "Those attacking police and terrorising our community have nothing to offer but fear, division and hate. "Let me be clear: it is not protest, it is not legitimate. It is an assault on the rule of law and those who put themselves in harms way to keep us safe. "This mindless minority does not speak for the majority of people in our town." Today 07:32 AM Water cannon deployed in Portadown This was the moment water cannon was fired at rioters in Portadown last night. Today 06:36 AM Youths and riot police in Portadown. Brian Lawless/PA MP Carla Lockhart condemns Portadown disorder: 'Violence never solved anything' Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has condemned last night's trouble in Portadown. She said: "I want to pay tribute to the tireless efforts of community representatives who have worked diligently to de-escalate tensions. I've witnessed the very best of our community representatives and people on the ground, stepping up, engaging constructively and standing by their areas with courage and commitment. "It is deeply disheartening to see a small minority resort to violence and unrest. I unequivocally condemn these actions and appeal once again for calm, restraint and respect. "Let me be clear: violence has never solved anything, and it never will. It leaves scars not just on communities, but on the lives of those who engage in it. The consequences can last a lifetime. "We will be continuing to work with the community and liaise with the police to try and restore peace." Today 06:27 AM Calm restored in Portadown Trouble broke out in Portadown last night after a protest, with sporadic violence around the West Street area. PSNI officers were targeted with petrol bombs, fireworks and other missiles. Locals say the violence was at a lower level than the previous night, and calm was restored overnight. Yesterday 09:47 PM Another night of trouble in Portadown Petrol bombs have been thrown at riot police deployed in Portadown tonight after a senior officer said there would be 'scaled up' policing presence across Northern Ireland in anticipation of further disorder over the weekend. Yesterday 09:07 PM Several projectiles thrown at police, including a beer keg, in Portadown Tensions flare for a second night in the Co Armagh town with a number of missiles hurled at police in the last hour Kevin Scott on Twitter / X A number of missiles and a beer keg have been thrown at police in comes as a protest is underway in the town for a second from the scene show a large police presence including officers in riot gear.I understand police have also come under attack in… Kevin Scott (@Kscott_94) June 13, 2025 Yesterday 06:16 PM Protests expected in Portadown as Translink diverts several bus routes Translink on Twitter / X #GLE Due to expected protests in #Portadown this evening, the 251c services at 18:35 & 20:05 from #Belfast to #Armagh will not serve Church St.ℹ️ These services will now operate from the Portadown Train Station bus stop instead.— Translink (@Translink_NI) June 13, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Yesterday 05:03 PM PSNI release images as part of investigation into riots Yesterday 03:34 PM PSNI update on arrests, injuries and charges so far 63 officers injured over the course of the week 17 people arrested to date 13 charged with criminal offences 9 held overnight for court today Yesterday 03:30 PM PSNI 'still no intelligence' regarding paramilitary involvement ACC Ryan Henderson said there has been much speculation to who has been involved. "Those arrested in Ballymena have all been local people." "No intelligence as of yet to paramilitaries" ACC Henderson said there was "more coordination" in Portadown on Thursday night "in comparison to previous days". Yesterday 03:27 PM Weekend police presence ACC Ryan Henderson says the weekend will see a "large police presence around the country" Yesterday 03:26 PM Latest PSNI press conference on riots Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson: "Those posting hate on social media are being actively investigated by police" Full repairs at Larne Leisure Centre 'will take many months and come at a significant cost' It has been revealed that it will take "many months" to repair Larne Leisure Centre after it was vandalised and set alight on Wednesday evening, and at a "significant cost". UUP MLA John Stewart met with Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Jackson Minford, at Larne Leisure Centre on Friday to assess the damage. Mr Stewart posted: "Seeing the extent of the damage inside the building (especially in the reception area) was deeply depressing. The level of destruction is significant and full repairs will take many months and come at a significant cost. "That said, I am really heartened to see the incredible efforts already underway. Staff and contractors are working around the clock to secure the site and explore ways of reopening parts of the centre on a temporary basis over the coming weeks. The Council will keep everyone updated as plans progress. "We also spoke with Louise and the fantastic team at the Prom Café. Despite losing a day's trade yesterday, they're back open and were being brilliantly supported by the local community this morning. Please do pop in and give them your support if you can. "The community's response in the face of such a depressing and senseless incident has been genuinely inspiring. A huge thank you to all the staff at Larne Leisure Centre and everyone involved in the clean-up and recovery efforts. Your work is appreciated more than you know .
Agriland
30-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
MP: ‘Farmers have been crippled by bureaucracy'
The DUP's agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart has called for the Department of Agriculture, Enterprise and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to engage with industry over the Nutrients Action Plan (NAP). Speaking at the NAP information event at the Greenmount Campus, Co. Antrim this week (May 2025), the MP said the Minister for Agriculture, Enterprise and Rural affairs, Andrew Muir is 'not willing to face farmers or listen to their concerns'. She said: 'These proposals will decimate the very cornerstone of our economy. The gross output from NI agriculture is worth £2.87 billion (€3.4 billion), but the minister is on course to destroy it. 'Potentially, NAP will have a bigger impact on family farms than inheritance tax. The minister risks leaving a trail of destruction as a lasting legacy of his term at the helm of DAERA.' 'The message is clear, the proposals are unacceptable and unachievable. Tensions are running high, farmers are being pushed to the brink, and the meeting is a nail in the coffin for the NAP proposals,' Lockhart added. MP Carla Lockhart The DUP MP said she supports farmers, and that she will continue to speak out against the NAP proposals. 'Farmers work 365 days a year to put fully traceable and nutritious food on our tables, yet they have been crippled by bureaucracy and used as scapegoats for far too long. Enough is enough,' Lockhart said. 'The livelihoods of over 3,500 farm businesses are at stake, especially those in the dairy, pig and poultry sectors,' she claimed. According to the MP, civil servants should go out and visit farms to 'witness' the daily struggles faced by the farming community. She explained: 'Farmers are custodians of the land and vital for thriving rural communities. They are not shying away from their environmental responsibilities. The general consensus is that NAP is disproportionate and severely out of touch with reality 'I stand united with farmers and the wider agri-food supply chain as they call for a stop to the NAP consultation. It's time to refocus and go back to the drawing board.' 'The figures are questionable and we've heard very little in the way of credible answers today. DAERA needs to stop flying solo and learn to engage with stakeholders and farmers who are the experts on the ground,' she added.
Sunday World
14-05-2025
- Sunday World
Two teenagers arrested over arson attack that forced Armagh school closure
It was later revealed that Lurgan Junior High School was broken into and set on fire. Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with an arson attack which forced a Co Armagh school to close today. Lurgan Junior High School apologised for the impact of its decision not to open as normal this morning 'due to extreme unforeseen circumstances'. It was later revealed by local DUP MP Carla Lockhart that the educational facility on Toberhewny Lane Lower in the town was broken into and set on fire. 'Outraged to learn that Lurgan Junior High School was broken into last night with the intruders starting a small fire,' she posted on social media. 'A special word of thanks to the caretaker for the quick action. 'These despicable actions have resulted in the school having to close today, causing upset to pupils, teaching staff and parents alike.' Lurgan Junior High School [Google Maps] News in 90 Seconds - May 14th PSNI Inspector Carolan confirmed officers responded to a report of burglary at the school just after midnight. "When officers arrived, a fire was observed within the school grounds,' they said. "Police contacted the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, who subsequently attended the scene. 'Two males, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old, have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and arson and remain in custody at this time. 'Enquiries are ongoing and at this stage, the fire is being treated as deliberate. The school confirmed a class trip to the Balmoral Show was to go ahead as planned. Ms Lockhart urged anyone with information to contact police. 'Please be assured that I will be liaising with the school and the PSNI on this matter,' she said. 'I would encourage anyone that has any information that may assist the PSNI with their investigations to come forward.' In an update to parents and pupils, the school said more information will be provided 'in due course'. "We wholeheartedly apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during this time,' it added on Facebook. Anyone with information has been asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 4 of 14/05/25.
