10 November 2025
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has said that Stormont must strengthen sanctions for Ministers who breach the Ministerial Code or flagrantly break other rules.
It comes ahead of a no-confidence motion in Education Minister Paul Givan which appears certain to be blocked by the DUP, even if a majority of MLAs vote in favour of it.
Immediately after the debate on the no-confidence motion, the SDLP Opposition will propose calling for reform of Stormont institutions to make it easier for Ministers to be excluded from office after serious breaches of the rules.
Speaking in the no-confidence motion debate, O’Toole will set out in detail the ways in which the Education Minister’s actions have undermined confidence in the NI civil service code of ethics and potentially breached the law, as well as UK foreign policy in relation to occupied territories.
South Belfast MLA Matthew O’Toole said:
“Paul Givan’s actions have appalled people, but not just because of his views on Gaza – he has undermined trust in public life and civil service impartiality. He may also have breached both post-RHI law and UK foreign policy.
Yet, even though a majority will vote for this no-confidence motion, Paul Givan will walk away with impunity. That isn’t good enough and we need to reform Stormont, along with many other changes to how it works.
“One of the most striking things about Stormont is the crisis of accountability, whether for poor delivery or ministerial misbehaviour. Put simply, if a Minister is found to have breached the Ministerial Code, they should not be saved from any accountability by the stubbornness of their own party.
“Since the return of Stormont, the SDLP Opposition has been using every mechanism available to us to progress the reform of the institutions. The current system suits the DUP and Sinn Féin who are more interested in fighting with each other and weaponising collapse than delivering for the people of Northern Ireland. The Alliance Party talk about reform but have done nothing to advance it inside the Executive.
“This isn’t about one Minister, it is about establishing a form of government that supports families and communities across Northern Ireland – something totally lacking at the moment. On Monday the SDLP will be putting a clear challenge to parties – support our motion and begin the work of reforming Stormont.”