MP accused of ‘mixed messages’ after voting against new Lockdown restrictions

Alliance Councillor Eóin Tennyson lambasted Mrs Lockhart’s voting in Westminister on Lockdown restrictions.

Mrs Lockhart was one of only 16 MPs who voted against new Lockdown laws in England which was voted for by 524 MPs last week. Four DUP and 12 Conservative MPs voted against the regulations.

He said: “Last week, Carla Lockhart was boasting that she had voted against the introduction of lockdown restrictions to save lives in England, just as new measures were being implemented here in NI.

“This kind of populist anti-lockdown rhetoric and mixed messaging from the MP for Upper Bann and her DUP colleagues is seriously undermining the public health message at a time when lives literally depend on it. Just this weekend, we witnessed local hospitals overwhelmed as Covid admissions surged.

“Now, more than ever, people are expecting mature, responsible leadership from their elected representatives. I would urge Carla and her colleagues to urgently rethink their approach.”

Mrs Lockhart did not respond to the criticisms however party colleague Cllr Mark Baxter said: “I think most people will see this petulant outburst by Councillor Tennyson as attention seeking politicking in the midst of a pandemic. That is regrettable, and will not distract Carla from representing her constituents.

“It goes without question that Carla continues to do all she can to protect public health, and help those who need effective representation at this challenging time.”

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