1 April 2025

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has questioned the Executive parties’ rejection of support for those impacted by welfare cuts from the UK Government.

He was speaking after an SDLP proposal for the Communities Minister to work with the Finance Minister on the development of a mitigation package was defeated.

Mr Durkan said it was not acceptable for the Executive to shrug their shoulders in the face of punitive welfare cuts.

Foyle MLA Mr Durkan said:

“It was welcome to hear all parties in the Assembly express concern today about the planned welfare cuts from the UK Government that would be devastating for thousands of people across the North who rely on these payments to survive. If they go ahead these cuts will force families, including children into poverty and the knock-on effect on our economy will hurt many businesses and livelihoods.

“However, what was not forthcoming today was a willingness for the Executive to use the powers they have to do something about these cuts. Nobody expects the Executive to be able to mitigate the estimated £150m to cover these costs, but the very least we should expect is an exploration of anything and everything they can do to help vulnerable people in our society.

“Our Executive must also bear responsibility for the number of people who require welfare support in the North. The failure to reform our health service and other public services has created barriers to work, including for those left on waiting lists for years in need of operations that would greatly improve their quality of life.

“Whenever a challenge comes their way this Executive seems incapable of showing leadership and instead default to blaming the UK Government. The SDLP will show a united front with our Assembly colleagues when it comes to opposing these cuts, but its untenable for Executive parties to shirk their responsibility when it comes to protecting people here.”