8 May 2026
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has said now is the time to begin serious planning for the future of these islands.
She was speaking following local election results in Britain showing gains for Nigel Farage’s Reform.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said:
“The election results coming in from Britain show that the political landscape has shifted utterly, and a multi-party system is replacing the two traditional parties. More and more ordinary people are opting for the populist and far-right politics of Nigel Farage and that should give us all pause. We have seen the harm that leaders like Farage are causing in other parts of the world and people are genuinely fearful about the direction that things are headed.
“In Northern Ireland we simply do not have to accept the looming prospect of Nigel Farage as Prime Minister. We have the potential to shape our own future, one free from being bound by the whims of the Westminster government of the day and a Stormont Executive that is constantly mired in dysfunction.
“A New Ireland with broad relationships is possible, but we cannot wish it into existence. It will require hard work, planning, persuasion and most of all compromise and a spirit of generosity to everyone we share this island with. A prosperous and pluralist New Ireland can address our shared challenges and build on our strengths, talents and rich culture and heritage, admired around the world.
“The Irish Government and every political party on this island who wants a different future has a role to play. We can sleepwalk into a Farage-led Britain or come together and convince people that a New Ireland will provide the best future for them and their families. The SDLP is up for that challenge.”