SDLP leader Colum Eastwood
Mr Eastwood said the British Government “has gone nativist” and is now “occupied by extremists” who will pull apart the Belfast Agreement in pursuit of a no-deal Brexit.
Mr Eastwood’s comments come after the new prime minister dramatically reshaped the cabinet on Wednesday evening, with former chief whip Julian Smith becoming the new Northern Ireland Secretary of State.
“Democratic Ireland cannot stand by as our interests are debased, degraded and ignored at Westminster,” the Foyle MLA said.
“A Prime Minister with no public mandate cannot be allowed to inflict immense damage on this island unchallenged.”
Mr Eastwood said that while he respected Sinn Fein decision not to take their seats at Westminster, it was time to “take power back” into the hands of the “anti-Brexit majority” in Northern Ireland and send MPs to Westminster to oppose Boris Johnson and his administration.
“That also means neutralising the DUP block that has emboldened and empowered this reckless political direction,” he said.
“The SDLP is ready to fight a Westminster election.
“We’re ready to disrupt the comfortable consensus between Johnson and the DUP.
“We’re ready to turn up and vote against a hard Brexit,“ added the Foyle MLA
