SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that in the wake of yesterday’s High Court judgement that the Assembly must be given the opportunity to cast judgment on any deal leading to an attempt to trigger Article 50.
Mr Eastwood met with Taoiseach Enda Kenny yesterday afternoon at Stormont to discuss the latest developments.
The SDLP leader said: “If the events of today have told us anything, it’s that there is no certainty with Brexit.
“It is fluid, it is unpredictable and there is still so much to play for. The future of this island must not be bound to a decision taken elsewhere.
“We must take back control of our own future and ensure that the votes cast here in Northern Ireland are upheld and implemented.
“Following the decision in the High Court in London, our MPs will make good on our pledge to use every political, parliamentary and legal tool to defend the will of the people of Northern Ireland.
“We will unapologetically vote against any proposal that aims to drag the North out of the European Union.
“But let me be clear. The imperative now is not only to consult with the British Parliament but with the devolved administrations in Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff.
“The people of Northern Ireland have not consented to leaving the European Union and we will not betray them by standing idly by.
“Despite 56% of people here voting to remain, we may be in a position in Westminster where only three of our MPs in the North vote to reflect their will.
“While the Irish Government stands up for the North in Europe, the SDLP will stand up for the North in Westminster, and we’ll stand alone if necessary.
“The many voices heard in Dublin yesterday reinforced the view held by the SDLP since the referendum.
“It is not beyond the creativity of the European Union for Northern Ireland to retain a special status that protects the free movement of people, goods and services and stops new borders being drawn in Ireland.
“Our meeting with the Taoiseach was a continuation of an outcomes based dialogue taking place across this island.
“The SDLP is determined to pursue the practical and the possible.
“A detailed road-map spelling out exactly what special status looks like and how it will be achieved is essential if we are to protect the people of Ireland, North and South, from the hard Brexit currently being pursued by an uncaring and unthinking British Government.
“The Taoiseach agrees with us that it is his responsibility to defend the rights of Irish citizens in the North enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement and guaranteed by the Dublin Government.
“The Irish Government must act as our ultimate insurance policy.
“The Taoiseach is best placed to secure an arrangement that is mutually beneficial for all the people of Ireland and he must be our strongest advocate in the time ahead,” added the Foyle MLA.
