18 March 2025 

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has said the UK Government should not go ahead with planned cuts to welfare support.

She was speaking following an announcement from Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall on Tuesday.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Ms Hanna said:

“While acknowledging flaws in the system, it is clear that planned changes to welfare support announced by the UK Government today are going to have terrible outcomes for so many people here.

“This announcement and the briefings ahead of it have created a wave of worry for people who fear having vital support stripped away. Any reforms need to be planned, targeted and aligned with improvements to public services - not front loaded for a quick savings hit to fit with a fairly arbitrary fiscal straight jacket.

“We also need to see the Executive showing leadership on this issue. Welfare policy is devolved and while these changes will leave a considerable financial hole to fill, that does not mean Ministers cannot be working to put some mitigations in place and engaging with the UK Government to protect people in Northern Ireland. The SDLP will continue to stand up for those worst affected by these devastating cuts and work with others to find solutions.”