SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has joined progressive party leaders across Westminster to call for the introduction of a Universal Basic Income as part of the plan for economic recovery after COVID-19.
The MP for Foyle said: “Claire Hanna MP and I were glad to join with other progressive MPs, from Labour, SNP, Greens, to add the SDLP’s voice to the call for a Universal Basic Income.
“This would provide an income floor that nobody could fall below in a time of crisis and critically, to provide a springboard to economic and societal recovery.
“As the scale and duration of the crisis becomes clear, it is essential that we take steps now to ensure that when we eventually emerge from lockdown, we do so with a fairer and more resilient society and economy.
“Along with parties across Westminster, we urgently call on the British government to put in place the mechanisms for a Recovery UBI so it can be rolled out as quickly as possible.
“This will help transition our society and our economy into a sustained recovery and will become the foundation for a future social security system that provides genuine security for people who need it.”
