24 June 2025

SDLP MPs Claire Hanna and Colum Eastwood have signed two reasoned amendments attempting to shut down the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill when it receives its Second Reading in the House of Commons next week. 

Ms Hanna and Mr Eastwood signed independent amendments and also joined forces with more than 100 Labour MPs who vowed to vote to prevent the bill from progressing in the House of Commons. 

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP said:

“I am standing in firm support of the reasoned amendment opposing the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill. This legislation, as currently drafted, poses a serious threat to vulnerable in our society, particularly in Northern Ireland, where the impact will be disproportionately severe - on individuals and on the economy. 

"The Government has admitted that this will push hundreds of thousands of people across the UK into poverty, including children, the disabled and their carers. There will be a devastating impact in Northern Ireland, where disability prevalence is higher and economic inactivity due to long-term illness is more pronounced. These reforms will compound these hardships and inequality, before support and reform to help people back to work is in place. 

"The UK Government has refused to listen and is belligerently pushing this legislation. We understand that the government wants to get more people into work, but pulling the rug out from beneath people who can’t will not make that happen.

"The Government should instead focus on introducing necessary and effective supports to help people into work. I urge them to reconsider their approach and work collaboratively to create a fairer, more compassionate welfare system. The Stormont Executive also needs to use the powers at their disposal to support and protect people here."