Social Democratic and Labour Party Leader Colum Eastwood MP has said the DUP must return to Stormont so that families can be provided with much needed cost of living support.

He was speaking after Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris confirmed he would not imminently call an Assembly election.

Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said:

“Now that the idea of an Assembly election has been paused, we need to see the British government turn their attentions to restoring the Stormont institutions so that we can deal with the cost of living emergency and the looming recession.

“The DUP need to get into government so that we can help families who are struggling to pay their bills and feed their children. We have already seen the impact the lack of an Executive has had, with support provided to people in every other part of these islands while people in the North have no clarity around the £400 energy support and the derisory home heating oil payments that so many people are relying on.

“I believe the British government and EU will soon reach an agreement on the Protocol and there will be no hiding place for the DUP or excuses for the harm they’re causing to people here. This is an extremely difficult time for so many families and it’s absolutely disgraceful that they are still waiting for help.”