2 April 2026
The SDLP has called on The Executive Office (TEO) to deliver a coordinated response to the findings outlined in the Langdale report.
The party is urging an independently chaired taskforce bringing together TEO, the PSNI, and representatives from the women’s sector to ensure a system-wide response to the crisis in tackling violence against women and girls within the justice system.
Commenting on the report, SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP said:
“The Langdale report is not a positive account of the experience of women in Northern Ireland. It reports many perceiving outdated and even misogynistic attitudes from officers when reporting crimes, followed by lengthy investigations, protracted court processes, and, in some cases, poor evidence gathering.
“It is clear that sufficient progress hasn't been made from the Gillen review. Victims and advocacy groups remain unconvinced that meaningful reform has taken place.
“Best practice models exist, but they require a justice system willing to reflect, reform, and respond. The Department of Justice and the PSNI must acknowledge these failings and act decisively to meet the scale of the challenge set out in both Langdale and Gillen.”
Also commenting, SDLP Policing Board member Colin McGrath MLA said:
“The experiences of female police officers detailed in the Langdale report should serve as a moment of real concern for both the PSNI and the Department of Justice. It is evident that many women in the police do not feel adequately supported.
“There is also a clear need for legislative reform to close loopholes that allow individuals to evade misconduct proceedings through resignation or ill-health retirement.
“With Operation Roric, Langdale, and the Police Ombudsman all highlighting that police predatory behaviour now accounts for a significant proportion of the most serious cases, it is evident that there is a deep-rooted problem.
“The SDLP is calling on the Chief Constable to support the establishment of an independent taskforce and to move immediately to implement the recommendations of the Langdale report without delay.”