SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has called on First Minister-designate Michelle O’Neill MLA today urging her to immediately convene an urgent Cost of Living Summit to prepare the necessary interventions to protect people this winter.
The Foyle MP said that the First Minister-designate should bring Caretaker Ministers together with representatives from energy companies, community and voluntary sector organisations and those on the front line of this emergency.
Mr Eastwood cited the example of Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who convened an emergency summit of Ministers, energy companies and advice organisations in Edinburgh this week.
Said Mr Eastwood: “There is an immediate crisis facing working people and the most vulnerable households across our communities.
“Food, fuel and energy prices are totally out of control and the reality for many families is that they just will not be able to afford the bills coming through their doors this winter.
“That means thousands of people, most of them working every hour in the day to make ends meet, will be forced to go without warm homes or food this year. We cannot allow it to happen.
“I am urging the First Minister-designate Michelle O’Neill MLA to urgently convene a Cost of Living Summit bringing together Caretaker Ministers, energy companies and the community and voluntary sector to prepare the necessary interventions to protect people this winter.
“I refuse to accept that political leaders are powerless, particularly when Executive Departments continue to spend money and officials remain at work.
“The SDLP is in opposition to the Stormont administration but we will support the First Minister to take the action necessary to address this crisis and help those in need.
“The hard truth is that, to date, Ministers have badly let people down. Despite promises of urgent support ahead of an election, most people haven’t received a single extra penny since the votes were counted in May. That cannot continue.
“The SDLP will continue to press Ministers to act.
“We will continue to bring forward proposals to get support to those who need it most and we will support the First Minister-designate if Michelle O’Neill decides to take action.”
