Eastwood challenges SoS on Cost of Living legislation

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood challenged Secretary of State Brandon Lewis in the House of Commons this afternoon to commit to bringing forward measures that will allow £300m of unspent resource to be allocated to fighting the cost of living crisis after the DUP walked out of government.

Speaking from Westminster, the Foyle MP said: “The fact that Stormont has more than £300m in unspent money sitting in a bank account while people and families across Northern Ireland struggle to heat their homes or feed their children is an injustice that needs to be addressed urgently.

“The SDLP cost of living action plan would get direct support to families as well as addressing the inequality of big oil and gas companies profiting off the back of people who are suffering.

“But the hard truth is that there may not be an Executive after this election if parties continue to put political games ahead of the needs of the people we represent.

“That’s why I am challenging the Secretary of State to commit to measures that will unlock this resource in the event of a protracted negotiation or the continued collapse of the institutions.

“The SDLP will use every tool at our disposal to get this money to the people that need it most,” addded Mr Eastwood.

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