DUP MLA Condemns Delay To School Uniform

DUP MLA Peter Martin has criticised a move by Alliance and Sinn Féin MLAs to delay the implementation of the School Uniform Bill, legislation designed to reduce the financial burden of school uniforms on families.

The bill, initially brought forward by former Education Minister Paul Givan, is now facing a proposed implementation date of September 2027, a decision set to be voted on in the Assembly on Monday. 

Martin expressed his disappointment: "It is deeply regrettable that the Committee is seeking to delay the progression of the School Uniform Bill. This important legislation, brought forward by my DUP colleague the Education Minister, is designed to address the significant and recurring cost pressures faced by families across Northern Ireland when purchasing school uniforms." He highlighted the urgency of the issue: "Every year, thousands of homes struggle with the financial burden that comes with the rising cost of uniforms. This Bill offers a real opportunity to ease that pressure – and yet, despite ample time for scrutiny, some parties continue to stall its progress. I am sure this proposed delay will be deeply frustrating to both parents affected and third sector organisations who have called for this bill for some time."

Martin challenged Alliance and Sinn Féin to justify the delay: "Parties such as Alliance and Sinn Fein, who are leading the charge for delay, must explain to parents and guardians why they believe this cost saving legislation can wait. If they are successful in pushing back the timeline, families won’t see any benefit from this legislation until September 2027 – that is simply too long. The people who suffer as a result of this delay are the hard working families who are already feeling the squeeze." 

He accused the parties of playing politic: "There is more than enough time to properly consider and examine the Bill. Continuing to play politics with people’s pockets only serves to show how detached some are from the financial reality faced by many households."

Martin concluded by advocating for the DUP's amendment, which seeks to expedite the bill's progress while allowing for necessary scrutiny.

"The DUP has tabled a sensible amendment to ensure this Bill remains on course, whilst allowing time to scrutinise the proposed legislation. I urge all parties to put families first and support its swift passage."