SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has slammed British Tory Prime Minister Theresa May over her Brexit plans.
The Foyle MLA said her hard-brexit speech “set out a vision for a hard, Tory Brexit in the years ahead”
He added: ““The internal battle in the Conservative Party, ongoing for years, was today won by the Tory hard-right.
“Despite some warm words and talk of global friendships and co-operation, the exit from the single market and the customs union will mean economic devastation.
“Nowhere will be more damaged by this vision than Northern Ireland.
“The idea that the unelected, unrepresentative British House of Lords would receive a vote on the terms of Brexit but that the devolved regions won’t, is an act of democratic vandalism.
“Theresa May talked about ‘self-determination’ in her speech. She would do well to finally wake up to the reality that Northern Ireland determined that our economic and political interests are best served in Europe. That is why the SDLP are campaigning for special status.
“In her speech the British Prime Minister gives assurances on free travel but gives no assurances and exceptions on trade.
“It is important that the full consequences of this are understood – no free trade and customs across the island means a hard Brexit in Ireland. It means a hard border.
“If the British Government can negotiate special arrangements on the common travel area, they can negotiate special arrangements for trade and customs.
“Today’s speech by the British Prime Minister also gave further insight into the inept response by our own government to the Brexit result.
“7 months on they have produced no plan and no policy on Brexit.
“The Scottish government has already submitted its stance on Brexit and the Welsh government is submitting its paper imminently.
“This election will offer the electorate the chance elect parties who are capable of working together and who are capable of representing Northern Ireland’s interests when it comes to Brexit.
“Brexit is too serious to allow their inaction to go on any longer.”
