People feeling forgotten Secretary of State hears

People feeling forgotten Secretary of State hears

16 April 2025

SECRETARY of State Hilary Benn as been told that many people across South Down feel they are being forgotten.

The assertion was made by SDLP MLA Colin McGrath who joined his party leader Claire Hanna for a recent meeting with Mr Benn to discuss a series of issues.

Describing the meeting as a welcome opportunity to bring the real concerns of local people directly to the heart of government, 

Mr McGrath said the conversation was “honest” and gave him the chance to press urgent matters that weigh heavily on the people of South Down.

“Too many people in our community are feeling forgotten,” Mr McGrath declared. “Whether it’s women who have been so unfairly impacted by changes to their state pension, or families still waiting on truth and justice from the legacy of the past, these are not abstract issues, they are deeply personal, and they are deeply painful.”

Mr McGrath said he continually hears from women affected by the so-called WASPI scandal. 

“These are women who worked hard all their lives and planned for retirement, only to have the rug pulled out from under them with no warning. It is cruel and unjust and it must be made right,” he said.

“These women deserve more than empty words – they deserve action.”

On the legacy issue, Mr McGrath said the “pain of the past” still echoes loudly across many families.

He continued: “There are people in South Down who have carried unanswered questions and heartache for decades. They deserve the dignity of truth, the right to justice and the peace that comes from being heard. That must be central to any conversation about our past.

“With that, comes the need for a police force that can respond to the needs of the public. The force has been underfunded and we impressed the need for greater resources, particularly in community policing.”

The South Down MLA said the talks with the Secretary of State also focused on the need for transformation of public services to better respond to the evolving needs of society.

Mr McGrath said the spotlight also focused on a reform of politics and the frustrations being felt in places like Warrenpoint over the Electronic Travel Authorisations.

“We need to see movement on these matters,” said Mr McGrath.

He added: “While frustrations with the current Labour government’s direction are understandable, I welcome the greater openness from the Secretary of State and will continue pushing for meaningful engagement.”