31/10/2025
SDLP Welcomes Defeat Of ECHR Withdrawal Bill
The SDLP has welcomed the defeat of a Bill that sought the UK's withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
The Ten Minute Rule Bill, introduced by Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, was rejected by 154 votes to 90. SDLP Leader Clare Hanna highlighted that the substantial number of unwhipped votes cast in favour of the Bill should not be dismissed.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said: "While I was confident there was never any real prospect of this 'Bill' getting anywhere, the number of Unwhipped votes in favour underline the danger of complacency about our future.
"This was Nigel Farage pandering to his followers - a big and eye-catching proposal that solves nothing and creates major problems - but it lays bare how little some MPs care - or even know - about Northern Ireland and the importance of the ECHR within our peace settlement. Human rights frameworks exist precisely to protect us from politicians like Farage.
"The rise of Reform UK and the failure of this Executive to deliver for families has left many people in Northern Ireland questioning what kind of future they want. The SDLP believes that the answer lies in working together to build a fair, inclusive and hopeful New Ireland, one that protects rights, values diversity, and delivers a better life for us all."
The Ten Minute Rule Bill, introduced by Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, was rejected by 154 votes to 90. SDLP Leader Clare Hanna highlighted that the substantial number of unwhipped votes cast in favour of the Bill should not be dismissed.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said: "While I was confident there was never any real prospect of this 'Bill' getting anywhere, the number of Unwhipped votes in favour underline the danger of complacency about our future.
"The rise of Reform UK and the failure of this Executive to deliver for families has left many people in Northern Ireland questioning what kind of future they want. The SDLP believes that the answer lies in working together to build a fair, inclusive and hopeful New Ireland, one that protects rights, values diversity, and delivers a better life for us all."
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Former SDLP councillor's home paint bombed
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Former SDLP councillor's home paint bombed
The home of a former SDLP councillor has suffered damage in an attack in County Tyrone last night. Anne Bell, who is also a former member of the Strabane District Policing Partnership, had three paint bombs thrown at her house on Knockavoe Crescent on the Ballycolman Estate, at around 8pm.
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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.