9 May 2025

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has said that the upcoming UK-EU summit must be the beginning of a process to reverse the damage caused by Brexit.

She was speaking to mark Europe Day, ahead of the meeting between the UK and the EU on May 19th.

Ms Hanna has written to the UK and Irish Governments and the EU ahead of the summit, outlining a number of issues relevant to Northern Ireland.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Ms Hanna said:

“The upcoming UK-EU summit must be about more than a reset of relations. This should be the start of a process that brings the UK and EU closer together with a view to repairing much of the damage that’s been caused by Brexit right across these islands since 2016.

“While the protections afforded to us by the Protocol and Windsor Framework have shielded the North from some of the worst impacts of Brexit, it has had a poisonous impact on community relations, contributing to prolonged governmental collapse and frayed relations between the Irish and UK Governments.

“Despite progress, there are still a number of pressing issues facing Northern Ireland that can be resolved as a result of a closer relationship between the UK and EU. From an ambitious SPS agreement to freedom of movement for our young people and the removal of harmful Electronic Travel Authorisation permits which damage our tourism industry. These are issues that must be addressed in the weeks and months ahead.

“The SDLP remains committed to our core European values and we outlined a number of proposals to benefit this place in our recent Our European Future policy paper. At a time when Donald Trump is hell-bent on pursuing a narrow, isolationist agenda in the US, it is clear that we must work together.

“Ultimately, as we mark Europe Day, the SDLP believes the best option for the people of Northern Ireland, is a new Ireland, with full EU membership restored, no longer hostage to the agenda of the UK Government of the day.”