The SDLP

The actions of the Communities Minister cannot be ignored. He is the Minister responsible for the Housing Executive and lives are at stake. Tomorrow the Opposition will refer him to the standards commissioner and explore all other options for accountability.

Today we heard from families who tragically lost children as they were coming home from school. Their powerful testimonies and pain touched everyone in Stormont today. We're pleased that the Assembly has today backed a proposal to change the law to improve children's safety when travelling home.

Our motion to improve school bus safety has passed thanks to the courage of those who shared their stories. This was about making sure no family has to endure what they’ve been through. Grateful to the campaigners, medical professionals and parents who helped make this happen.

📢 Northern Ireland faces a choice. 🌹 An inward-looking, reactionary British state, or a new Ireland willing to reach out across the world. 🌱 What would you choose?

Moyola councillor Denise Johnson will be the next Vice Chairperson of Mid Ulster District Council. Cllr Johnston is a politics teacher and well-known victims campaigner, has championed local causes from Lough Neagh to school safety and will take up the role on 2 June.

As genocide continues in Gaza, the SDLP is calling on the UK to recognise Palestine, like Ireland, Norway, Spain and others already have. It’s not a radical step. It’s a moral one.

Peaceful protest is not a crime. And silence on Gaza is not an option. Today in the Assembly, SDLP Leader of the Opposition @otoolematthew.bsky.social called out the arrest of peaceful protesters in Belfast, while the world watches the horror unfolding in Gaza.

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ We met with Scott and Alexa from The Rainbow Project to discuss a range of issues affecting LGBTQIA+ people including the recent Supreme Court ruling, the poor provision of trans healthcare and the impact these issues are having on trans people in Northern Ireland.

The SDLP wants to build an Ireland that is welcoming to all who choose to call this place home. The DUP, however, is plumbing new depths by pushing divisive politics reminiscent of Enoch Powell. We were proud to stand today against the DUP's right-wing, populist nonsense.

This budget represents yet more drift, inaction and distraction from the Finance Minister and the Executive. Today we published our own plans for better public finances, representing real ambition for how we raise and spend money in this place.

West Belfast councillor Paul Doherty will be the next Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast. Cllr Doherty is a well-known anti-poverty campaigner and founder of the charity Foodstock, and will take up the role on June 2nd.

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 On IDAHOBIT we were proud to march for trans rights in Belfast.

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️❤️ Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. When discrimination and hate against LGBTQIA+ people, particularly trans people, is on the rise here and globally it is crucial to stand against all forms of anti-LGBTQIA+ discrimination.

Students deserve affordable and accessible education. Sinn Féin promised young people they would not see fees rise, to go back on that commitment would be incredibly damaging.

The Balmoral Show represents the very best of Northern Ireland's vibrant agriculture producers and showcases the huge range of small food and drink businesses now thriving here. We must do more to support our farmers and small businesses in this turbulent time for global trade.

The harm caused by excessive smartphone usage in our young people has become clear, providing a source of constant stress and anxiety. They deserve a break and limiting smartphone usage in schools is a strong first step to take.

Parents and campaigners have been vocal about the impact of increasing childcare costs. Last year we proposed Our Childcare Guarantee proposing to half childcare costs by 2030. The Minister must take seriously proposals aiming to fix this crisis, given this was supposed to be a day one priority.

It's clear global politics is at a significant turning point. We can either choose an open, outward looking future, or one which is increasingly closed minded. We firmly believe our future belongs in a new Ireland in Europe. @clairehanna.bsky.social

Buzzing after my first marathon today, Belfast. Here’s 4 and a half hours condensed into a minute - all human life is here 😊

The structural shift in British politics took another step today. Those in NI who don't want to be part of a Farage UK, or even in a political system that concedes so much to him even when he isn't in power, have a choice which is ever more urgent. A new Ireland back in Europe.

British politics is moving in a dark direction. The SDLP believes in a different path. A diverse, just and confident New Ireland that everyone can call home.

Having promised an overhaul of workers rights (but not published an actual Bill) on Monday, Sinn Féin tonight worked with Alliance to force an extension of Sunday opening for giant retailers, against the express wishes of workers, trade unions and small shops. And on May day...

Wishing all workers, everywhere, a very happy May Day. 🌹

Do you feel like your area doesn't get it's fair share of jobs and investment? Sinéad McLaughlin is bringing a bill which seeks to redress the balance caused by decades of underinvestment in areas around the North. Read more here: sdlp.ie/balancing_act

The DUP and others say that we can't be trusted with more fiscal power, while simultaneously lamenting financial decisions taken in Westminster. They, and the Executive, continually seek and achieve power, yet refuse to take responsibility when it comes to financial decisions.

When her Executive colleagues have been spending over £220,000 on travel, it's bizarre that the First Minister can't say if she stayed in a 5 star hotel. Our public services are in ruin and it's absurd for ministers to spend public money in this way.

As the US ‘liberates’ itself from a strong economy & basic logic, this is a moment for doing the things in our control to protect people + jobs here. I raised the impact of Big Tech on politics & young people, and ensuring Trump’s ‘inner circle’ don’t get a free ride in all this

Our health service is at a crisis point, and the Executive is gaslighting us about how much new money is being invested. Those with power must be honest with the public on what is being funded and where the money is coming from. @colinmcgrathsdlp.bsky.social

“Is your vision for this place limited to one part of the community?” @sineadforfoyle21.bsky.social challenged the deputy First Minister over Irish language signage at Grand Central Station. It’s in no one’s interest to create another ‘crocodile moment’. Time to focus on inclusion not distraction.

🚑 Ambulance delays outside hospitals are risking lives. Our Opposition Day motion calls for urgent action to fix the system and deliver faster, safer care. 📄 Read more in our Help Can’t Wait plan: sdlp.ie/help_cant_wait

We're hiring! The SDLP is seeking a Communications and Policy Assistant to support its team at Stormont. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the party’s presence across media and digital platforms. Closing date: 7 April www.sdlp.ie/communicatio...

North West Migrants Forum Advancing Race Equality Awards on Thursday, 6th March 2025, a night filled with joy, resilience & unity.Celebrating the incredible people who work every day to make our world more inclusive,diverse & just Real heroes! #RaceEqualityAwards #StrongerTogether #HopeOverHate

Ní saoirse go saoirse na mBan. On International Women’s Day we celebrate the impact made by women in society - and recognise how far we have to go to reach gender equity. Today and everyday, the SDLP stands up for women and girls. 💪 #internationalwomensday #iwd2025 #iwd

Fabulous night celebrating the work of Cara-Friend, the Rainbow Project and Here NI. I’m so excited for all we can achieve together in 2 Royal Avenue and the opportunity Belfast’s LGBT+ Hub will bring.

Really disappointing to see that this bus shelter on the Ormeau Road has been smashed. I've been in contact with Translink to request its repair, but take it easy in the meantime if you're in the area, especially if you're walking a dog as there's a lot of glass on the pavement.

At Westminster @clairehanna.bsky.social and the SDLP are fighting to see workers better protected👇

📢 SDLP Opposition Day: Delivering for the North West The North West has waited too long for the investment it deserves. Today, the SDLP is using Opposition Day to demand action on: ✅ Job Creation & Cross-Border Growth ✅ Addiction Treatment & Recovery ✅ Infrastructure Investment

On Wednesday I questioned both the Prime Minister and SOS about paramilitary transition plans. The SDLP will demand and shape an approach that means no payday, no legitimisation and no more soft soaping of organisations have been destroyed so many lives.

An attempt to strip Zelensky of his dignity by two of the most ignorant thugs to ever walk the world stage. The humiliation is ultimately America’s.

We're out today delivering our community newsletter. If you see us, say hello! 👋🏻

Hearing from many creative workers worried about weakening of copyright for benefit of AI. Have written to Minister to say that creatives want to embrace AI, but not at the expense of solid protection & remuneration for those who make things. Will keep a close eye as this evolves

The Programme for Government we were presented with today is painfully shallow on detail. The Executive's PfG utterly fails to offer the clear plan people here need. The SDLP Opposition will be key in delivering accountability during the timeframe of this PfG.

Another busy week ahead. Here’s some of the work I’ve been doing the last couple of weeks of Westminster recess, inc funding for Stormont, supporting work on homelessness, meeting businesses on their trading environment, and Q&As with Rathmore & Wellington.

Pathetic failure to progress Glider/BRT phase 2 by the Executive. Promises to people in South (and North) Belfast made by Executive parties, not kept. Not only no extension to Carryduff - no clarity on when or ever the scheme will be delivered.

At Ulster University last week, @otoolematthew.bsky.social spoke about the crisis of accountability in NI politics. You don't have time to track everything happening at Stormont. But you should be able to trust those in power to deliver. We're committed to making sure words turn into action.

Happy 90th birthday to our party president Bríd Rodgers. A trailblazer in every sense of the word, she continues to inspire and has left a lasting impact on life on this island. Thank you Bríd!

Watch back: SDLP Leader of the Opposition @otoolematthew.bsky.social MLA delivers his keynote speech on Creating a Culture of Accountability - Reflections from a Year in Opposition at Ulster University, Belfast. www.youtube.com/watch?v=scVv...

Tonight Leader of the Opposition @otoolematthew.bsky.social will be speaking at @ulsteruniversity.bsky.social on the challenge of creating a culture of accountability and improving democratic discourse in local politics. 📍 Lecture Theatre 1, BC Building 📅 6:30pm, Tuesday 18 February

Ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Cutting aid to the poorest. Abandoning Ukraine. Is there nothing Trump could do to make you rethink a photo op? We won’t turn a blind eye and we won’t be at the St. Patrick's week celebrations in Washington. @otoolematthew.bsky.social

I'm delighted that we've been able to get the ornate street lamps on the Ormeau Road saved. It's ridiculous that work had started to rip them out in the first place, so this is a victory for common sense.