SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has condemned the UK Government's welfare support cuts, arguing that they will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in NI.

Her comments followed Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement on Wednesday, which revealed that over three million families are expected to be negatively impacted by changes to welfare support.

Claire Hanna, MP for South Belfast and Mid Down, expressed her concern: "Further changes to welfare support announced by the Chancellor today will increase the worry that many people have been living with since these changes were first mooted. Those with disabilities and mental health problems are fearful about what the next few years will bring for them and their families as they face cuts to their income at a time when many are already struggling to get by." She acknowledged the UK's financial challenges but argued that balancing the books should not come at the expense of those already struggling. "I understand the difficult financial situation facing the UK and the desire of this government to balance the books – but that cannot be done off the backs of those who are already among the worst off in our society. At a time when we see obscene wealth concentrated in the hands of so few and while large corporations underpay tax, this feels to so many like a massively poor choice."

Hanna highlighted the specific concerns for Northern Ireland, where a higher proportion of the population relies on welfare support. "These decisions will cause particular concern in Northern Ireland where we have higher numbers of people relying on welfare support. The reasons for this are complex – but not helped by the decline in our public services and standards of living in recent years. Getting more people into work is a laudable aim but needs a focus on public services and creating opportunity without removing the safety net that allows millions to live with dignity."

She called on the Northern Ireland Executive to take action, noting that the changes will not be implemented immediately. "The Executive also cannot wash their hands of this situation. Many of these changes will not come into effect imminently, buying important time to plan and put mitigations in place. Ministers must do everything they can while we all work to press the UK Government to change tact."