SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has welcomed the appointment of Hilary Benn as Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Mr Eastwood said that the appointment of a senior Labour Party figure is a strong signal from Keir Starmer that the party is serious about addressing the significant issues facing the North.

Colum Eastwood MP said:

“I want to thank Peter Kyle for his service as shadow Secretary of State during a very difficult time for people and politics in Northern Ireland. I know that he will continue to have an interest in this place and will remain a supportive voice in the shadow cabinet.

“Hilary Benn is a senior figure in the Labour Party and his appointment as shadow Secretary of State is a serious move by Keir Starmer that underscores his interest in addressing the significant issues facing the North.

“The new shadow Secretary of State, as a former chair of the Commons Brexit Committee, keenly understands many of the issues facing Northern Ireland and I know that he will play a constructive role in attempting to re-establish power sharing. I look forward to working positively with him on these issues right away.”