SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has expressed solidarity with NUJ members set to go on strike next week in protest at cuts to BBC Radio Foyle and BBC Northern Ireland that will see jobs and vital public service broadcasting lost.

Colum Eastwood MP said:

“Solidarity with the NUJ members at the BBC who will take industrial action next week in response to the scale of cuts which have already seen vital public service broadcasting reduced and jobs put on the line. From the outset, the SDLP has warned that these cuts will have a devastating impact on local news coverage, particularly in Derry and the North West, and that they do not have the support of BBC staff or local people.

“People in Derry will not be treated as an afterthought. Despite repeated challenges to BBC senior management, we have yet to receive a satisfactory response or justification for the burden of reductions falling on important local programming.

“The SDLP supports the decision of NUJ staff and we will stand with them next Friday.”