22 October 2026

SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has urged the UK Government to intervene over proposed cuts to BBC Northern Ireland’s Irish-language services.

He has written to Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy, raising concerns about the impact of the proposed cuts and reminding the government of its commitments under the Good Friday Agreement and the BBC’s obligations under the Framework Agreement.

It follows reports that BBC Northern Ireland plans to reduce staffing in its Irish-language unit by more than half.

Colum Eastwood MP said:

“The Irish language is flourishing in Derry and across the North. We are seeing greater demand for places in Irish-medium schools, Irish evening classes are being booked out well in advance and the cultural scene around the language is continuing to grow. At a time when the BBC should be supporting that growth, it is deeply disheartening to see plans for major cuts to Irish-language services.

“The BBC already provides far less in the way of Irish medium content when compared with Scottish Gaelic and Welsh language programming. I understand the financial pressures facing the corporation, but cuts seem to be disproportionately targeted at the North, and the Irish language in particular. A reliance on outsourcing production cannot replace the expertise and experience that current in-house staff possess.   

“I have contacted the UK Government to remind them of their and the BBC’s obligations under the Framework Agreement and Good Friday Agreement and have asked Lisa Nandy to intervene and protect these much-valued services. With increased interest in the Irish language more people are seeking out these servicesc, and it would be extremely short-sighted to implement these cuts at a time of sustained growth.”