SDLP Calls For Urgent Action On Gender-Based Violence In NI

The SDLP has called for urgent and decisive action in response to the findings of a report on violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland.

Published by the Executive Office, the 'Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: Experiences and attitudes of adults in Northern Ireland in 2023' report highlights the widespread prevalence of gender-based violence and concerning societal attitudes towards this issue.

Addressing the report, Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin, said: "This report lays bare the scale of gender-based violence in Northern Ireland and the shocking experiences endured by women and girls in our communities. The findings that 10% of women have experienced sexual violence in the past five years and that 18-29-year-olds are disproportionately affected by sexual, psychological, and online abuse are utterly appalling. These are not just statistics—they reflect lives that have been damaged by violence and a society that is failing to protect women and girls.

"Equally concerning are the attitudes revealed in this report. The fact that 35% of respondents believe most people find cat-calling acceptable and that 8% think sending intimate photos without consent is acceptable demonstrates the urgent need to challenge harmful behaviours and societal norms. These attitudes perpetuate a culture where violence and harassment are normalised, and this must change.

"It is encouraging that 73% of respondents would intervene if someone they know made a joke about serious sexual offences and 85% would challenge sexual comments directed at women. However, we cannot rely solely on bystanders. The onus must be on the Executive to take bold and immediate action to combat gender-based violence, protect victims, and hold perpetrators accountable.

"The Executive must accelerate the delivery of and properly resource the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework to ensure we continue to tackle violence, addresses harmful attitudes and provide support for victims and survivors.

"The findings in this report must serve as a wake-up call for all of us. Gender-based violence is not inevitable—it is preventable. The SDLP will continue to stand with women and girls, pushing for the change and investment needed to create a society where everyone feels safe and respected."

Alliance Calls For Action To Protect UK Democracy

Alliance's Lagan Valley MP, Sorcha Eastwood, has tabled a Parliamentary motion calling for urgent reforms to electoral law to protect UK democracy from foreign interference and undue influence by overseas billionaires.

It follows reports Elon Musk is exploring donating to Reform UK, raising serious concerns about the vulnerabilities in current electoral regulations. Ms Eastwood said that the motion, supported by MPs from Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru, highlights the urgent need for stricter caps on political donations, limitations on overseas funding, transparency around the origins of political contributions, and modernised enforcement mechanisms to address threats posed by digital and financial technologies.

"Democracy should be about the voices of ordinary people, not the wallets of billionaires with their own agendas,” said Ms Eastwood.

"Right now, our electoral system is vulnerable to outside influence, and that's just not right. We urgently need legislation to protect our elections and make sure every vote counts equally.

"This is about making sure our democracy is fair, transparent, and truly reflects the will of the people - not the interests of a powerful few.

"I am also writing to the Prime Minister directly regarding this issue. The Labour Government must act without delay and bring forward the reforms we so desperately need."

SF Calls For Urgent Action On Legal Aid Agreement

Sinn Féin has called on the Justice Minister to urgently intervene to ensure agreement is reached over legal aid.

The party's justice spokesperson made the call after criminal barristers announced that they are to withdraw from Crown Court cases in January over legal aid.

MLA Deirdre Hargey said: "The provision of legal aid is important to ensure that fair access to justice is available to all regardless of their financial situation.

"The Law Society for some time has been raising serious concerns with regards to legal aid payments and delays in legal firms receiving these payments, making it more difficult for them, particularly smaller firms, to provide these services.

"I am calling on the Justice Minister to urgently intervene to ensure agreement is reached so that everyone has fair access to legal support and justice."