Social Democratic and Labour Party Leader Colum Eastwood MP has said the Stormont institutions need to be restored to tackle the challenges facing people in the North.

He was speaking after reports NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris will introduce legislation delaying the obligation to call an Assembly election until next year.

Mr Eastwood said the focus must turn to finding solutions so that MLAs can get back to work and tackle the multiple issues impacting people here.

Colum Eastwood MP said:

“The proposed legislation will, at least, put an end to the meaningless series of deadlines that have come and gone with no progress on restoring democratic governance in the North. But the British Government cannot take this as an opportunity to take their foot off the pedal or back down on the pressure needed to reform and restore the Assembly.

“People here deserve a government that will address hospital waiting lists, workers pay, the energy costs crisis and the growing list of crises in public services. Families across Northern Ireland won’t be breathing easier at this news and neither should political leaders.

“The SDLP is again putting our proposals to reform the process for appointing an Assembly Speaker to other parties and to the British Government today. We are creating the path back to work for politicians. They should all take it.”