22 June 2026

Following the resignation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP said:

"Keir Starmer's departure is the latest chapter in a prolonged period of political instability in London. Too often, Westminster has appeared consumed by leadership contests, internal divisions and short-term political pressures while many of the challenges facing people here remain unresolved.

"As regards Northern Ireland, Keir Starmer's government was more constructive and engaged than previous administrations. However, there were many missed opportunities as well.  

"At a time when the Executive parties at Stormont are jeopardising almost £1 billion through their inability to agree a Budget, the SDLP Opposition has repeatedly urged the UK Government to bring forward reforms that would improve public services and deliver better value for taxpayers.

"While responsibility for passing a Budget and providing certainty for our health service, schools, policing and infrastructure rests squarely with the Executive, it has failed to deliver the change that people in Northern Ireland desperately need. The SDLP believes urgent reforms to our political structures are now required, including changes to the ability of the two largest parties to collapse the Executive and hold everyone else to ransom, in order to arrest the decline in public services and ensure they are equipped to meet the challenges of the future.”

"Recent events, including Brexit, have also made people here think differently about how our future is best served. The reality is that Northern Ireland has repeatedly found itself dealing with the consequences of decisions taken elsewhere, by governments we have very little say about.

"That's just one of the reasons why the conversation around a new Ireland continues to grow. More people are thinking practically about what constitutional future offers the best prospects for political stability, economic opportunity and public services.

"I wish Keir Starmer and his family well for the future, but whether it is Andy Burnham, or another candidate, the next Prime Minister must bring a renewed commitment to progressive politics, tackling inequality, supporting peace and stability internationally, and working constructively with the Irish Government."