Colum Eastwood MP

@columeastwood.ie

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MP for Foyle | Chair of the New Ireland Commission | Derry | colum.eastwood@sdlp.ie

Image of Colum in Derry looking across the river. White text on a navy background reads: "People on this island see the narrow, insular and divisive vision of the future being promoted by people like Farage and we want no part in it. The choice we have is to build a new Ireland and a new relationship with Britain based on shared values and co-operation in our common interests."
Image of Colum Eastwood with Derry in the background. Text reads: DELIVERED: £20M INVESTMENT IN DERRY As Derry's MP I have secured a £20m regeneration fund to be used to boost the town centre, deliver new green spaces and improve our neighbourhoods. Colum EASTWOOD MP
With the Ukrainian delegation to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna.
Image shows a man holding a circular white pill above a drink while two women talk. Text reads: DRINK SPIKING LAW UPDATE JUSTICE MINISTER CONFIRMS SUPPORT FOR ACCELERATING NEW DRINK SPIKING OFFENCE Colum Eastwood MP has secured the support of the Justice Minister for extending a new Westminster offence on drink spiking.
In the Foyle studio ahead of Sunday Politics. Image shows a microphone on a desk in the foreground and a camera with a red recording light on in the background.
Image is a letter to the Justice Minister from Colum Eastwood. Text reads: Dear Naomi As you know, over the last five years there has been a five fold increase in reported incidents of drink spiking in Northern Ireland. This is an insidious crime that contributes, in a significant way, to patterns of violence against women and girls. I know that you are keen to act in this area. I have asked a number of questions of the Home Office in recent months about their plans to introduce a standalone criminal offence of drink spiking. I am pleased that it was included in the King's Speech programme and that officials have been tasked with taking it forward. I was also glad to receive confirmation from the Home Office earlier this month that they have been working at official level with staff in the Department of Justice on their proposals. Given the pressure on the legislative timetable that you have previously spoken about, and in the interest of expediency so that we can send a strong message to women and girls across Northern Ireland, as well as to perpetrators of these crimes, I believe this matter could be effectively addressed through a Legislative Consent Motion providing the appropriate consent to the Home Office to extend territorial scope of the new criminal offence. I know that you have indicated that this was your preferred approach under previous proposals. I am keen to work collaboratively to ensure that we take all available action to address violence against women and girls. Alongside the criminal sanction proposed by the Home Secretary, this should include additional guidance and support to licensed premises, festivals etc. to create an environment that is hostile to anyone who would spike a drink. I would be interested to hear what additional approaches your department is undertaking in this area, including supporting the use of anti-spiking kits and products.
The Glenshane Pass at around 9am this morning. Image shows snow covered hills with traffic tailbacks.
Supporting the White Ribbon Campaign in parliament. Image shows Colum Eastwood MP holding a white ribbon.