SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has attacked the British Government on failure to commit to Derry City Deal in British Budget today.The Foyle MLA said: “It is a disgrace that the British Chancellor today has failed to commit to a Derry City Deal.
“While the SDLP is supportive of City Deals elsewhere, Derry was the first City under the SDLP leadership to push for a City Deal and we have been side-lined again. It’s not good enough.
“It is clear to me that the DUP and Sinn Fein have big questions to answer. The previous Executive failed to back a Derry City Deal when pushed by the SDLP and the DUP and Sinn Fein have failed to agree to the SDLP call for a Derry City Deal in the recent talks.
“All parties today must now condemn the British Government’s announcement and come forward to back the SDLP demand for a Derry City Deal.
“I then will lead a cross-party delegation to meet the British Government to demand Derry gets what it deserves.
“But the DUP and Sinn Fein must tell us now, today, that they back a deal for Derry.
“For too long Derry and the North West has been treated like the poor relation. Like second class citizen and we aren’t taking it.
“With Brexit coming down the line and our unique position on the border, Derry needs this investment now. We won’t wait.
“While my colleagues in Belfast will be pleased to see this investment, we must all have the courage to stand up for those who have been left behind and the North West has.
“It’s time to fight back to address regional disparity once and for all,” added the SDLP leader.
