30/01/2025
SDLP Welcomes Commitment To 'Reset Relations' With EU
The SDLP has welcomed Chancellor Rachel Reeves commitment to "reset relations with the EU".
Party leader and South Belfast and Mid Down MP, Clare Hanna, said that her party has been clear that the best way to address the remaining challenges of Brexit and realise the opportunities available to us is through a closer relationship between the UK and Europe.
Ms Hanna said that this would "end the constant debate around the Windsor Framework and allow us to focus on the potential of dual market access and Northern Ireland's unique position". She continued: "A closer relationship will not only benefit the North, but all of these islands, improving relations and stopping the economic harm caused by Brexit. Just yesterday we heard a report that continuing down the current road could make our border more pronounced, that is in nobody's interests and we will be pressing the UK Government for more details on their plans for their future relationship with the EU and engaging positively on behalf of everyone on this island.
"I also welcome the Chancellor's announcement of a review of the Green Book which should help provide the regional balance the SDLP has been campaigning for. The Executive must also ensure that any funding provided as a result of the UK Government's new growth strategy goes to addressing key pressures in areas like health, housing and childcare. Too often we see funding swallowed up by the Stormont black hole as our public services degrade further and we can't allow that to continue."
Party leader and South Belfast and Mid Down MP, Clare Hanna, said that her party has been clear that the best way to address the remaining challenges of Brexit and realise the opportunities available to us is through a closer relationship between the UK and Europe.
Ms Hanna said that this would "end the constant debate around the Windsor Framework and allow us to focus on the potential of dual market access and Northern Ireland's unique position". She continued: "A closer relationship will not only benefit the North, but all of these islands, improving relations and stopping the economic harm caused by Brexit. Just yesterday we heard a report that continuing down the current road could make our border more pronounced, that is in nobody's interests and we will be pressing the UK Government for more details on their plans for their future relationship with the EU and engaging positively on behalf of everyone on this island.
"I also welcome the Chancellor's announcement of a review of the Green Book which should help provide the regional balance the SDLP has been campaigning for. The Executive must also ensure that any funding provided as a result of the UK Government's new growth strategy goes to addressing key pressures in areas like health, housing and childcare. Too often we see funding swallowed up by the Stormont black hole as our public services degrade further and we can't allow that to continue."
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SDLP 'Regrets' IRA Play Park Naming
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John Hume Awarded 'Greatest' Honour
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Former SDLP stalwart, John Hume has spoken of his "tremendous honour" at being awarded the prize of 'Ireland's Greatest'. An RTÉ programme had whittled a top 40 contenders down to five this week, with viewers in the Irish Republic then voting the former SDLP leader to the top spot.
09 January 2006
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.
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:Heavy rain with strong to gale force southerly winds, locally severe around the east coast. Drier and brighter conditions then developing in the afternoon with a scattering of showers. The strongest winds will ease during the afternoon, albeit remaining breezy. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Breezy with clear spells and a few showers. These showers may be occasionally heavy in the west, however becoming fewer later in the night and dry in the east. Minimum temperature 6 °C.