26 March 2025 

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has said that those receiving welfare support should not have to bear the brunt of the UK Government’s cuts to stabilise the economy.

She was speaking after Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her Spring Statement on Wednesday.

It’s estimated that over 3m families will lose out as a result to changes to welfare support.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said:

“Further changes to welfare support announced by the Chancellor today will increase the worry that many people have been living with since these changes were first mooted. Those with disabilities and mental health problems are fearful about what the next few years will bring for them and their families as they face cuts to their income at a time when many are already struggling to get by.

“I understand the difficult financial situation facing the UK and the desire of this government to balance the books – but that cannot be done off the backs of those who are already among the worst off in our society. At a time when we see obscene wealth concentrated in the hands of so few and while large corporations underpay tax, this feels to so many like a massively poor choice.

“These decisions will cause particular concern in Northern Ireland where we have higher numbers of people relying on welfare support. The reasons for this are complex – but not helped by the decline in our public services and standards of living in recent years. Getting more people into work is a laudable aim but needs a focus on public services and creating opportunity without removing the safety net that allows millions to live with dignity.

“The Executive also cannot wash their hands of this situation. Many of these changes will not come into effect imminently, buying important time to plan and put mitigations in place. Ministers must do everything they can while we all work to press the UK Government to change tact."