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06/02/2025
SDLP Slams Executive Failure To Reform Public Services
The Executive cannot hide from its failure to reform public services in Northern Ireland, the leader of the SDLP has said.
Claire Hanna made the comments following a speech by Secretary of State Hilary Benn in Belfast on Tuesday.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Ms Hanna said: "The reaction of some Executive parties to the Secretary of State's comments yesterday suggest he may have struck a nerve. Despite the fanfare at Stormont on Monday, the Executive cannot escape the fact they have failed to make progress reforming public services and in the year since restoration.
"From our health service to our education system, anyone who regularly engages with or uses our public services is all too aware of the state they are in."
Ms Hanna said that while her party acknowledges the need for Northern Ireland to be properly funded, in 2024 the Executive receive its largest real-terms funding package in the history of devolution and "a tiny fraction of it was allocated to transformation and future proofing".
Ms Hanna continued: "The Executive has made political choices with this money and they need to face that and be honest with the public instead of always using the UK Government as cover for local political failure. The SDLP will fight for as much financial support as possible from London, but also for political courage and accountability. We're not trying to nitpick everything they do, but we are going to hold them accountable for the things they won't do.
"Passing the buck won't make these problems go away. Rather than directing their ire at the Secretary of State, Executive parties would be better off getting on with addressing the valid points he has raised."
Claire Hanna made the comments following a speech by Secretary of State Hilary Benn in Belfast on Tuesday.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Ms Hanna said: "The reaction of some Executive parties to the Secretary of State's comments yesterday suggest he may have struck a nerve. Despite the fanfare at Stormont on Monday, the Executive cannot escape the fact they have failed to make progress reforming public services and in the year since restoration.
"From our health service to our education system, anyone who regularly engages with or uses our public services is all too aware of the state they are in."
Ms Hanna continued: "The Executive has made political choices with this money and they need to face that and be honest with the public instead of always using the UK Government as cover for local political failure. The SDLP will fight for as much financial support as possible from London, but also for political courage and accountability. We're not trying to nitpick everything they do, but we are going to hold them accountable for the things they won't do.
"Passing the buck won't make these problems go away. Rather than directing their ire at the Secretary of State, Executive parties would be better off getting on with addressing the valid points he has raised."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
