SDLP leader Colum Eastwood
He said: “In his first address as British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson failed to break the habit of a lifetime.
“Bloated with bluff but short on solutions, he must face the reality that no amount of flag waving or saccharine patriotic populism will resolve the challenges Brexit poses.
“There is absolutely no evidence that this administration is prepared to make the brave compromise needed to protect the interests of people, communities and businesses in Northern Ireland.
“A ‘can-do spirit’ won’t negate tariffs for the agri-food sector, it won’t conjur supply lines for vital medicines and it wont remove the need for the backstop.
“This new administration, led by a populist, must face reality quickly.
“Otherwise we’re headed for a no-deal outcome and the interests of Northern Ireland will be sacrificed to sustain Johnson’s grip on power.”
