19 May 2025

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has given a broad welcome after an agreement was reached between the UK and the EU on Monday.

Ms Hanna said the deal contained many initiatives that would benefit Northern Ireland.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Ms Hanna said:

“This agreement between the UK and the EU is an important moment for all of us who want to undo the damage caused right across these islands by Brexit. These are common sense proposals that deal with the world of today and tomorrow.

“There are a number of important initiatives included in this deal that will make things easier for businesses here and for many of our citizens when travelling abroad. A renewed warmth to UK-EU relations is also very significant, particularly at this worrying time for humanity with conflict raging around the globe.

“The SDLP welcomes movement on many of the issues we have been campaigning on, including in the party’s ‘Our European Future’ policy paper, around an SPS agreement, environmental protection and opportunities for young people. There are many more issues that must be addressed for the future but this is a beginning, not an end.”