20/03/2025
SDLP Reiterates Call For Govt To Stop Welfare Cuts
The SDLP has reiterated its call for the UK Government to "not go ahead" with its planned cuts to welfare support.
Speaking following an announcement from Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, party leader, Claire Hanna MP, said: "While acknowledging flaws in the system, it is clear that planned changes to welfare support announced by the UK Government today are going to have terrible outcomes for so many people here.
"This announcement and the briefings ahead of it have created a wave of worry for people who fear having vital support stripped away. Any reforms need to be planned, targeted and aligned with improvements to public services - not front loaded for a quick savings hit to fit with a fairly arbitrary fiscal straight jacket.
"We also need to see the Executive showing leadership on this issue. Welfare policy is devolved and while these changes will leave a considerable financial hole to fill, that does not mean Ministers cannot be working to put some mitigations in place and engaging with the UK Government to protect people in Northern Ireland. The SDLP will continue to stand up for those worst affected by these devastating cuts and work with others to find solutions."
Speaking following an announcement from Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, party leader, Claire Hanna MP, said: "While acknowledging flaws in the system, it is clear that planned changes to welfare support announced by the UK Government today are going to have terrible outcomes for so many people here.
"We also need to see the Executive showing leadership on this issue. Welfare policy is devolved and while these changes will leave a considerable financial hole to fill, that does not mean Ministers cannot be working to put some mitigations in place and engaging with the UK Government to protect people in Northern Ireland. The SDLP will continue to stand up for those worst affected by these devastating cuts and work with others to find solutions."
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SF Challenges Ministers To Live On Benefits
Sinn Féin's Daithí McKay has called on the DUP, Ulster Unionists and the Alliance Party to spend a week living on welfare benefits as part of his party's opposition to the introduction of welfare reform in Northern Ireland. The statement comes as a result of those parties' overall support of welfare reform from Westminster.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
