29 December 2025
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has said attention must return to the challenges facing Northern Ireland in 2026.
She said that time had been wasted in 2025 on Executive in-fighting, with many promises and commitments not delivered upon.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said:
“The SDLP wishes everyone in Northern Ireland a good Christmas and a peaceful new year. 2025 has been a tough year for many in Northern Ireland. Public services have continued to decline and the damage being done to our environment has accelerated. At a time when people needed leadership, they were often met with infighting, culture war and a refusal to get to grips with real issues. The Executive’s New Year’s resolution should be simple - do the jobs they were elected to do and deliver for people.
“The SDLP Opposition has consistently worked to hold the Executive to account. From missed housing targets to a scrapped mental health strategy, we have been there fighting for people. We have also used our position to push for reform of the Stormont institutions to end the politics of brinkmanship and intransigence.
“People here have also been horrified by the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the failure to secure a lasting peace. Conflict continues in Ukraine and the senseless attack on the Jewish community at Bondi Beach once again underlines the futility and pain of violence. I am deeply concerned by the increasing toxicity in politics and the poisoning of public discourse both at home and abroad, emboldened by Trump’s America and the rise of Farage and Reform.
“In the year ahead the SDLP’s focus will remain on improving people’s lives today while advocating responsibly for a better future. We will continue to drive engagement and press the UK and Irish Governments to begin serious preparation ahead of any future referendum.
“2026 cannot be another year of stasis. The SDLP will continue to fight for better in our communities, in local councils, as the Assembly’s Official Opposition and at Westminster. We will push for delivery not division and for leadership that matches the ambition of the people we represent.”