The SDLP's 2024 "An Election For Change" manifesto pushed for a strong UK fiscal framework for Northern Ireland addressing what the party called chronic underfunding, an ambitious economic development strategy using the Windsor Framework's dual market access as competitive advantage, and progressive UK tax reform aligned with the SDLP's wider Labour facing position. The framing was Northern Ireland economically held back by Westminster fiscal neglect.

NHS Northern Ireland is devolved. The manifesto pushed for priority Westminster investment in NI public services, the closing of pay parity gaps with Great Britain, and a workforce plan for the Health and Social Care system. The SDLP committed to gender affirming healthcare provision and to a ban on conversion services.

The manifesto opposed the Rwanda removals scheme, supported asylum seeker right to work, criticised the hostile environment framework, and pushed for a Northern Ireland visa stream reflecting the region's labour market and demographic position. The SDLP did not set a numerical net migration target.

Education in Northern Ireland is devolved. The manifesto committed to expanded integrated education, an Irish language strategy in schools, maintenance of free tuition at NI universities, and additional investment in early years. The Westminster ask was funding consequentials and continued UK student finance reciprocity.

The manifesto pledged Northern Ireland alignment with the UK net zero target and accelerated investment in offshore wind capacity in NI waters, framed as both a climate and an industrial strategy commitment. The SDLP positioned itself as the most explicit green voice among the nationalist parties.

Housing in Northern Ireland is largely devolved. The manifesto pushed for expanded social housing investment, Local Housing Allowance uplifts, accessibility commitments for disabled residents, and continued cross border housing access for workers. The framing was rural and urban housing pressure as a shared cross community problem.

The manifesto opposed the two child benefit cap, opposed the bedroom tax, supported expansion of carer's allowance and committed to robust hate crime legislation. The framing was social democratic protection rather than tightening eligibility.

Criminal justice in Northern Ireland is devolved. The manifesto's central Westminster ask was repeal of the Conservative Legacy of the Troubles Act, which the SDLP argued failed victims and survivors and weakened the architecture of the Good Friday Agreement. The party also committed to security cooperation with the Irish Government on cross border policing.

The manifesto supported continued NATO membership, opposed Trident nuclear renewal, supported restoration of overseas aid to 0.7 per cent of gross national income, and pushed for recognition of Palestine as part of a two state solution. The SDLP positioned itself as broadly internationalist within the wider Labour foreign policy alignment.

The SDLP's 2024 manifesto was the most explicitly pro Windsor Framework Northern Ireland party position, defending the framework's operational role, pushing for closer UK alignment with the European Union, and arguing for a strategy tailored to the sectors that benefit most from dual market access. The framing was that the Windsor Framework's economic opportunity should be deepened rather than removed.

The manifesto committed to building the case for Irish unity by consent through the New Ireland Commission, an explicitly distinct framework from Sinn Féin's 2030 referendum demand. The manifesto also committed to Stormont reform including removal of the sectarian designation vetoes, expansion of the Petition of Concern threshold, and a twenty year Irish language strategy.