The SDLP

On Saturday @ClaireHanna will officially become the next Leader of the SDLP. Claire’s politics is rooted in hope, ambition and bringing people together. This is an exciting time to get involved in our mission to build something new. We hope you’ll join us!

I'm an SDLP member & representative, whose family were harassed & murdered by loyalist paramilitaries, and I'm now being told that my party is aligning itself with 'extreme voices in loyalism.' This is embarrassing nonsense which no-one believes and which should be deleted.

⁉️🗣WATCH: 'We want to reframe the North. Not as just some pity party, basket-case, loser place.' 🎥🎤Chief Reporter @jamesgould23 speaking to @SDLPlive Leader @ClaireHanna, alongside Stormont Opposition Leader @MatthewOToole2. Claire Hanna was asked about a new document from the party which aims to “prepare for a new Ireland.” The proposals, set out in the “Success by Design” document, explore the potential economic benefits of what that new Ireland could look like, according to the party. Just months ago, the Secretary of State told Chief Reporter James Gould there was no appetite for constitutional change here. Claire Hanna says those comments were raised directly with Hilary Benn.

Great to meet with Minister @HMcEntee today. Grateful she made the time amid an intense week internationally. I set out the SDLP's view on the need to urgently reform a broken Stormont and the huge potential opportunities from the Irish EU Presidency.

Stormont is a political Hotel California, where the future never arrives. At PMQs, SDLP Leader @ClaireHanna challenged a system that protects stalemate while people pay the price every day. Today, the Prime Minister signalled engagement on Stormont reform.

🚨🗣NEW: 'Rejoining the EU is an urgent priority. Brexit Britain has been a disaster. It’s possible and realistic.' 🎥@SDLPlive Stormont Opposition Leader @MatthewOToole2 speaking to Chief Reporter @jamesgould23. 📍It comes ahead of a meeting with Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee in Belfast. He says he will press the Minister on a number of issues, including the need to reform the Stormont institutions. Also says rejoining the EU in a new Ireland is possible and a priority for him.

🎇The SDLP New Year Lotto is here and someone could start 2026 with a massive✨£10,000✨jackpot! 🍾 All you have to do is… 👉 Pick 4 numbers from 36 👉 Just £10 a month 👉 And you get 5 chances to win! 🍀✨ Join in seconds 👉 hub.klubfunder.com/SDLP/lotto/home Draw on January 7th!

Families have waited decades for a childcare strategy. The Executive has finally published a draft and parents now have a chance to shape it. If childcare affects your family, have your say in the consultation here: tinyurl.com/2ydekdvy

Stormont Ministers didn’t land here by accident. They asked people for their trust and made clear promises to deliver. As the official Opposition, the SDLP will keep setting the agenda and holding Ministers to account on the big issues and the everyday ones too.

The DUP complain about the UK and the EU yet offer no future for Northern Ireland. Today the Assembly backed an SDLP amendment supporting the creation of an EU office in Belfast, a sign that many here want better representation and stronger links with Europe.

More and more people across this island are engaging in serious, hopeful conversations about a New Ireland. Today in Westminster, SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP challenged the Prime Minister to recognise that momentum and to start preparing responsibly for constitutional change.

Contempt doesn't cover my views on the masked thugs threatening elected representatives in Newry and Down, including friends and colleagues. It is no exaggeration to say democracy is under threat worldwide but here they are using the same tools of the past. They won't win.

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole says it’s time to bring more power back to Northern Ireland. People here shouldn’t be stuck reacting to decisions made in London. We should be making more of those decisions ourselves.

Thanks to the packed out room and staff at The Enniskillen Hotel, at our Townhall meeting with @ClaireHanna A wide range of topics including health, economy, the arts, and road infrastructure discussed along with how we reach a New Ireland. We're building something new!

The SDLP Christmas MEGA Lotto is here and someone could walk away with a massive £20,000 jackpot! Ready to play? Join in seconds 📷hub.klubfunder.com/SDLP/lotto/home Draw takes place on 5th December And if the jackpot doesn’t go… FOUR lucky players will each win £100!

No child should be going to school hungry. Cara Hunter spoke from the heart during our Opposition Day motion, using her platform to stand up for families under pressure.

Opposition Day means accountability. SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole called out the do-nothing approach that has left housing, infrastructure, jobs and environmental protection stalled.

If Stormont is to serve people properly, it must change. SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole pressed the First Minister to commit to serious reform before the end of this mandate.

The COVID Inquiry report has lessons for us all. But the findings for NI couldn't be starker: both the DUP and Sinn Féin crudely prioritised narrow party interest over the public good. It's a reminder of why the SDLP Opposition is pushing for real change at a broken Stormont.

The new legacy legislation was debated in the House of Commons last night and I took the opportunity to set the record straight about what happened on Bloody Sunday for those who have chosen to ignore the truth for decades.

Getting ready for our public townhall meeting with @ClaireHanna Thursday 27th of November, 6pm - 7pm at the Enniskillen Hotel. Everyone's welcome so come along and here about the SDLP's plans & ask questions.