Addressing Northern Ireland’s inequality is the key to a better future

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/nov/26/northern-ireland-inequality-better-future

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Inequality means too many people across the UK are still denied the chance of a better life. Nowhere is this more evident than in Northern Ireland, where a typical employee has the lowest gross weekly earnings of any UK region, and has seen wages fall for the second year in a row. Northern Ireland continues to have the highest claimant count and inactivity rate of any region in the UK; 21% of working-age households were workless in April-June 2014, compared with 16% across the UK, and over half of unemployed people have been unemployed for a year or more. Forecasts for child poverty in Northern Ireland suggest there may be rises in the future.

Such inequality, rooted in intergenerational deprivation, is corrosive in any society, but in Northern Ireland it is also the breeding ground for paramilitaries and political extremists.

Recent research from Ulster University has shown that in the areas worst affected by the Troubles, welfare dependency has risen, suicide rates have doubled and men’s life expectancy has fallen. Research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has found that a map of the areas where child poverty is most concentrated in Northern Ireland matches very closely the areas where the conflict has been most intense.

The current all-party talks facilitated by the UK and Irish governments are rightly focused on the budget, welfare cuts and reform, the past, parades and flags. The failure of Northern Ireland’s politicians to make substantive progress on these issues is contributing to a political stalemate that is eroding public confidence in political institutions and fuelling community tensions. Such public alienation is a challenge for mainstream political parties across the UK but is particularly problematic in Northern Ireland. In post-conflict societies “standing still” means going backwards.

There are a significant number of people in all communities who have seen no peace dividend, have been left behind and have little hope for the future. They are trapped in an environment of low aspirations and low expectations. Whether in east Belfast or Strabane, Portadown or Crossmaglen, too many see themselves as losers, not winners, from the changes we have seen since the end of the Troubles. In my view, this is the biggest single impediment to moving from deep-rooted sectarianism to a shared future in Northern Ireland.

Austerity and the policies pursued by the Tory-led government at Westminster haven’t helped, but the challenges are long-standing, deeply entrenched and require long-term solutions. 

That is why Labour is launching the Heenan-Anderson commission today. Co-chaired by Professor Deirdre Heenan and Colin Anderson OBE, supported by a panel of experts, this is a groundbreaking attempt to tackle inequality in Northern Ireland. It will focus on the implications of a rebalanced economy where there will be a much greater equilibrium between public and private sectors. An economy which attracts global companies but also grows small and medium-sized businesses; where public sector reform does not mean the “slash and burn” approach favoured by the Tories but recognises the need for enhanced quality and efficiency.

The commission will address issues from early childhood development to educational attainment to skills, business startups and jobs of the future; from the possibilities presented by city-driven growth for Belfast and Derry/Londonderry to new opportunities for the rural economy. I want the commission to identify an agenda for change rooted in fairness and responsibility, bringing together the public and private sector, civil society and local communities in a shared mission.

Heenan-Anderson will report in the spring and help to frame the priorities for an incoming Labour government. We will use the findings to consider how the economic pact between the Westminster government and Northern Ireland executive can be developed to have a sharper focus on reducing inequality. Our ambitions should be high, with a commitment to supporting Northern Ireland to be at the cutting edge of a fresh approach to inequality which can help to influence policy across the UK.

Over the past 30 years Northern Ireland has made remarkable progress due to a peace process lauded around the world. Its current leaders, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness deserve particular credit for their shared success in attracting major global inward investment.

However, at the heart of the next stage of Northern Ireland’s journey from conflict to a shared future must be a relentless focus on inequality.

I am optimistic that Heenan-Anderson will play an important part in identifying the policies which will make the greatest difference and ensure the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland feel they have a stake in a better future. This will be the only way to transform the vision of a shared future from a fine aspiration to an exciting new reality. It is the single most important factor which will enable us to tear down the walls and replace them with bridges in every community.