SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood
The Foyle MP said that there is a sharp contrast with other devolved leaders across these islands who have taken decisive actions to protect their people and assure them that government is working to keep them safe.
Said Mr Eastwood: “I am glad that the Executive has finally reached an agreement on a number of important decisions that are necessary to protect our people during the latest surge in the Covid crisis.
“Further restricting gatherings and, at last, cancelling GCSE and A-Level exams are sensible decisions that should have been taken quickly.
“But the truth is that we are nine months into this public emergency and at every crossroads, our joint First Ministers have left us paralysed by inaction.
“While Scotland’s First Minister was announcing a lockdown to prevent transmission of the virus on Monday, and even Boris Johnson was moving in the right direction, our Executive held a meeting where nothing was decided.
“It is far beyond time for the joint Heads of Government to get to grips with governing during this crisis.
“There are children in many of our communities today who don’t know if they’ll be forced to sit an immoral and unnecessary test in a few weeks during what could be a very serious public health situation. Putting off taking tough decisions only makes it worse.
“Our devolved government may not be suited to nimble decision-making but it is for politicians to make it work to serve the needs of all our people.
“The SDLP is working constructively as a part of that Executive and doing our best but it is very clear that people are frustrated with the indecision and delay in taking tough decisions.
“That needs to be dealt with quickly.”
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