SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has officially invited the leaders of Northern Ireland's Executive parties to participate in a joint meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the future of the Stormont institutions.

The move follows a recent session of Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, 7 January, where Ms Hanna challenged the PM on the ongoing instability of the devolved government. In what is being viewed as a notable departure from previous policy, Sir Keir Starmer indicated a willingness to engage in formal discussions regarding proposals for Assembly reform.

The South Belfast and Mid Down MP has now written to every Executive party leader, urging them to seize this opening to address the "cycle of failure" and institutional dysfunction that has historically led to the collapse of the power-sharing executive.

Claire Hanna MP stated: "Support for reforming the Stormont institutions is gathering momentum. Since the return of devolution, the SDLP Opposition has been working hard in Dublin and London to progress reform and we are starting to see progress at long last. The Prime Minister's commitment to look seriously at reform is a clear change in approach and an opportunity we can't afford to squander. "I have written to every Executive party leader asking them to take the PM at his word and attend a meeting to discuss proposals around reform. People are rapidly losing faith in politics here. We have an Executive that has failed to deliver on their promises and dysfunction at Stormont is keeping us trapped in a cycle of failure."

Ms Hanna criticised the governing parties for what she described as "lip service" regarding reform, arguing that despite their collective power, there has been a lack of tangible progress.

She continued: "We have heard the Executive parties pay lip service to progressing reform, but with their combined power they have done next to nothing to advance it. We may have different views on the form reform should take, but I believe we can find common ground and this is an opportunity for them to back up their words with action.

"The SDLP will be requesting a meeting with the PM and I am urging all parties to attend and engage seriously in reforming Stormont so that it can deliver for everyone in Northern Ireland."

The SDLP, acting as the Official Opposition in the Assembly, has consistently advocated for changes to the rules governing the appointment of the First and Deputy First Ministers to prevent any single party from holding a veto over the formation of an Executive.