20/03/2025
SDLP Reiterates Call For Govt To Stop Welfare Cuts
The SDLP has reiterated its call for the UK Government to "not go ahead" with its planned cuts to welfare support.
Speaking following an announcement from Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, party leader, Claire Hanna MP, said: "While acknowledging flaws in the system, it is clear that planned changes to welfare support announced by the UK Government today are going to have terrible outcomes for so many people here.
"This announcement and the briefings ahead of it have created a wave of worry for people who fear having vital support stripped away. Any reforms need to be planned, targeted and aligned with improvements to public services - not front loaded for a quick savings hit to fit with a fairly arbitrary fiscal straight jacket.
"We also need to see the Executive showing leadership on this issue. Welfare policy is devolved and while these changes will leave a considerable financial hole to fill, that does not mean Ministers cannot be working to put some mitigations in place and engaging with the UK Government to protect people in Northern Ireland. The SDLP will continue to stand up for those worst affected by these devastating cuts and work with others to find solutions."
Speaking following an announcement from Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, party leader, Claire Hanna MP, said: "While acknowledging flaws in the system, it is clear that planned changes to welfare support announced by the UK Government today are going to have terrible outcomes for so many people here.
"This announcement and the briefings ahead of it have created a wave of worry for people who fear having vital support stripped away. Any reforms need to be planned, targeted and aligned with improvements to public services - not front loaded for a quick savings hit to fit with a fairly arbitrary fiscal straight jacket.
"We also need to see the Executive showing leadership on this issue. Welfare policy is devolved and while these changes will leave a considerable financial hole to fill, that does not mean Ministers cannot be working to put some mitigations in place and engaging with the UK Government to protect people in Northern Ireland. The SDLP will continue to stand up for those worst affected by these devastating cuts and work with others to find solutions."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 February 2026
SDLP Leader Welcomes Move To Scrap 'Damaging' Two-Child Welfare Cap
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has voiced her strong support for the removal of the two-child welfare cap, following the second reading of the Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill in the House of Commons.
SDLP Leader Welcomes Move To Scrap 'Damaging' Two-Child Welfare Cap
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has voiced her strong support for the removal of the two-child welfare cap, following the second reading of the Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill in the House of Commons.
09 December 2010
Republic's Welfare Cuts Face Opposition
Brian Lenihan's welfare cuts in the Irish Republic are facing significant threat from the Opposition parties in the Dáil along with the State's largest union's.
Republic's Welfare Cuts Face Opposition
Brian Lenihan's welfare cuts in the Irish Republic are facing significant threat from the Opposition parties in the Dáil along with the State's largest union's.
07 November 2023
People Urged To 'Think Very Carefully' Before Gifting Pets This Christmas
As Christmas approaches, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has partnered with Northern Ireland animal welfare charity, the Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) to appeal to the public to "think very carefully before choosing a pet as a present".
People Urged To 'Think Very Carefully' Before Gifting Pets This Christmas
As Christmas approaches, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has partnered with Northern Ireland animal welfare charity, the Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) to appeal to the public to "think very carefully before choosing a pet as a present".
11 February 2026
SDLP Slams 'Distraction Politics' Over Benefit Fraud Crackdown
SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has criticised the Communities Minister for focusing on "demonising" welfare recipients rather than addressing urgent social needs.
SDLP Slams 'Distraction Politics' Over Benefit Fraud Crackdown
SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has criticised the Communities Minister for focusing on "demonising" welfare recipients rather than addressing urgent social needs.
17 November 2004
Racist attacks must be 'stamped out' says Commission
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has joined with the Chinese Welfare Association in calling for greater government action to stamp out racist attacks in the province.
Racist attacks must be 'stamped out' says Commission
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has joined with the Chinese Welfare Association in calling for greater government action to stamp out racist attacks in the province.
-
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.