25 March 2026
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has told the House of Commons that more must be done to tackle violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland.
She was speaking during Northern Ireland Questions on Wednesday.
The Secretary of State said the level of violence against women and girls was a source of sadness and shame.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said:
“The Good Friday Agreement paved the way for peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland, but the legacy of the past still exists in the normalisation of menace and violence, particularly in the shocking levels of violence against women and girls.
“The murders of Ellie Flanagan and Amy Doherty this month and the conviction of Stephen McCullagh for the murder of Natalie McNally and her unborn child have once again shone a spotlight on this issue. We cannot accept the status quo and the onus is on the Executive, UK Government and all of us to do more.
“I made clear to the Secretary of State today that every possible lever must be used to tackle this scourge in our society, including addressing misogyny and the threats faced by women and girls. It is not good enough that with each tragedy we have these conversations, call for action and then move on. We cannot allow this violence to permeate our society and continue destroying lives.”