25 August 2026

SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has said that rebalancing student numbers from Belfast to Derry would ensure the North West is not left out when it comes to university provision.

He was speaking after Secretary of State Chris Bryant acknowledged that the North West is often “left out of the equation” during a visit to Derry on Tuesday.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said:

“Everyone in Derry is well aware that far too often this city doesn’t get its fair share when it comes to investment and infrastructure – whether from Westminster or Stormont. I have spent years fighting to highlight the inequality that exists here and to secure funding to create jobs, housing and public services, that are currently not fit for purpose.

“The Secretary of State is right that responsibility for the expansion of Magee lies with the Executive, and the parties running it. They have made promises to the people of Derry that have been rolled back on almost as soon as they were announced. It’s on them to deliver at least 10,000 students and a fit-for-purpose, modern university.

“Of course, I will continue pressing the British Government for funding, but as I said recently, the obvious, immediate solution is for the Executive to force the universities here to rebalance student numbers. It’s indefensible that Belfast currently has nearly 60,000 students, while Derry has just 6,500. That is absolutely ridiculous and the public have absolutely no faith that this Executive is serious about delivering on university expansion.

“To address the imbalance in investment and opportunity across the North, we have to address the imbalance in student numbers. We cannot continue to pour students and resources into Belfast while Derry is expected to somehow make do with far less. I will continue to lobby both governments to ensure the North West gets its fair share and that the commitments made to our city are finally delivered upon.”