SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has today published his party’s response to the Executive’s draft Programme for Government.
In total the 36 page submission contains proposals for 50 legislative bills across all government departments.
It is a document which aspires to make the North work and shows an ambition to make the Assembly relevant and responsive to the lives of people.
The Foyle MLA said: “When the SDLP took the historic decision in May to form the Assembly’s first official opposition, I promised that we would act as a constructive opposition.
“That has meant providing proper scrutiny and accountability to the Executive but equally it means that we will build a policy alternative to the current government.
“In this submission there are proposals for 50 bills and 15 areas urgently requiring reform.
“At its heart this is a pro- business document which seeks to grow a fair economy and reduce inequality.
“It seeks to generate wealth and opportunity in the interest of fighting forced emigration, unemployment, homelessness and poverty.
“There is also a broader ambition for our regional politics throughout this comprehensive document.
“We have all heard the jibes that Stormont is nothing more than a glorified council, a criticism which is less often made against the other devolved powers, particularly those in Scotland.
“This 50 bill legislative programme is a roadmap demonstrating how our devolved institutions can begin to show that they can have real power and influence in positively shaping our economy and society.
“That demonstration of real power is particularly important as we face into the consequences of Brexit.
“As a constructive opposition we are genuinely submitting these proposals constructively. We hope the current Executive shows the humility to adopt many of these SDLP proposals and bills.
“This document marks only the beginning of our party’s policy proposals for this Assembly mandate.
“Over the next months in the rundown to the adoption of a PFG the SDLP shall publish further commentaries and proposals on how best to shape government, policy, politics, the North, the island and our place in Europe.”
