SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said that indications from senior EU officials that the absence of an Executive will be a significant barrier to discussing Ireland as part of Brexit dialogues is a serious concern.
Mr Eastwood said that an Executive is needed now more than ever to protect people from a hard Brexit.
“Today’s statement from Michel Barnier and the emphasis he has personally placed on the impact of Brexit in Ireland, North and South, is very welcome.
“For all of the British government’s meaningless mantras, I have seen no evidence to date that they are placing the same weight on our future as the EU has.
“It is extremely worrying, however, that senior EU sources are suggesting that the absence of an Executive in Northern Ireland is delaying progress on dealing with our particular circumstances.
“We cannot allow that position to be exploited by a British Government currently led by a band of hard-Brexiteers.
“An Executive is needed, now more than ever, to ensure that people here are not left worse off as a result of the biggest constitutional earthquake since partition.”