23 September 2025

Commenting on the appointment of an Independent Expert to examine paramilitary disbandment, SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP said:

“The SDLP are firm and consistent about paramilitary engagement and the failure of decades of policy. Any engagement with must be entirely based on disarmament, an end to recruitment, and the complete abandonment of criminal activity.

“There are lessons to be learned from past transition efforts that left structures intact, fuelled the glorification of violence and backroom concessions.

“The SDLP will engage with the Independent Expert to help shape this process in a way that protects the rule of law and the public.

"I'm also calling on the Justine Minister to deliver legislative proposals that will create bespoke Organised Crime Offences that tackle the scourge of paramilitaries on our society.

"Entire communities continue to suffer under their shadow as they run criminal enterprises and rule through fear and intimidation."