Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has said it is time for the British government to move beyond cuts and austerity and towards real investment in public services.

He was speaking after media reports on Friday suggested the Labour government is planning to cut the welfare budget by £5 billion.

“The same British government who just months ago took vital money from pensioners to heat their homes is now planning a new raft of cuts to again target the most vulnerable in our society.

“This is shameful, hypocritical and entirely wrong.

“It’s time for the British government to move beyond the failed economic policy that is austerity, and towards a brighter future that prioritises fair investment in public services.”

The party’s communities spokesperson reiterated Sinn Féin’s opposition to the plans.

“Sinn Féin stands squarely against these proposals.

“I have written to the Communities Minister urging him to urgently seek clarity for what this will mean for the thousands in the north who are currently entitled to disability benefits.”