SDLP demands fair share of investment for Derry and the northwest after Brokenshire meeting

Speaking after the Secretary of State James Brokenshire affirmed his commitment to advancing City Deals in Northern Ireland today (Wednesday), SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MLA said the delivery of City Deals was “essential” to deliver much needed investment. He said: “The SDLP has long championed the need for city deals to be delivered in the North. The benefits of City Deals have been seen across England, Scotland and Wales, we deserve our fair share. “I welcome the recommitment from the Secretary of State to the delivery of City Deals here – a commitment that the SDLP secured from the British Government through pressure from our MPs fighting for our communities in Westminster. “Over the course of the talks process, the SDLP has presented our view, that the development and implementation of City Deal projects are fundamental to addressing regional disparity. “As many in my own constituency of Foyle will know, the last Executive failed to address the stark inequalities and lack of investment in the West. We needed fresh thinking and new ideas. That’s why the SDLP’s plan for a City Deal for Derry and the North West can bring creative plans to fruition to advance our local economy. “City Deals open up new investment and unlock barriers to local development. “The SDLP wrote to all political parties seeking agreement to advance City Deals to address regional economic inequality. It’s imperative that all political parties now declare their support for SDLP calls to deliver economic equality. “Our proposals stated clearly that a Derry City Deal could be used initially to increase investment in third level education by expanding the Ulster University Magee campus and to develop infrastructure links to the North West. “If all parties are truly committed to delivering equality, that must mean economic equality too. The best way to ensure this outcome is to have a locally elected Executive in place. Decisions around City Deals or investment in general cannot be left to the Tories and Arlene Foster's DUP.