The SDLP has called on The Executive Office (TEO) to lead a coordinated, system-wide response following the publication of the Langdale report.

The party is advocating for the creation of an independently chaired taskforce. This group would bring together TEO, the PSNI, and representatives from the women's sector to address what they describe as a crisis in how the justice system handles violence against women and girls.

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP expressed concern over the report's findings, noting that many women perceive "outdated and even misogynistic attitudes" from officers. Claire Hanna MP said: "The Langdale report is not a positive account of the experience of women in Northern Ireland. It reports many perceiving outdated and even misogynistic attitudes from officers when reporting crimes, followed by lengthy investigations, protracted court processes, and, in some cases, poor evidence gathering. It is clear that sufficient progress hasn't been made from the Gillen review. Victims and advocacy groups remain unconvinced that meaningful reform has taken place. Best practice models exist, but they require a justice system willing to reflect, reform, and respond. The Department of Justice and the PSNI must acknowledge these failings and act decisively to meet the scale of the challenge set out in both Langdale and Gillen."

The report also detailed the experiences of female police officers, which SDLP Policing Board member Colin McGrath MLA described as a "moment of real concern." He highlighted the need for legislative changes to prevent officers from using resignation or ill-health retirement to avoid misconduct proceedings.

Colin McGrath MLA said: "The experiences of female police officers detailed in the Langdale report should serve as a moment of real concern for both the PSNI and the Department of Justice. It is evident that many women in the police do not feel adequately supported. There is also a clear need for legislative reform to close loopholes that allow individuals to evade misconduct proceedings through resignation or ill-health retirement. With Operation Roric, Langdale, and the Police Ombudsman all highlighting that police predatory behaviour now accounts for a significant proportion of the most serious cases, it is evident that there is a deep-rooted problem. The SDLP is calling on the Chief Constable to support the establishment of an independent taskforce and to move immediately to implement the recommendations of the Langdale report without delay."