SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that comments made by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar this evening about checks on goods and live animals near the border underscore the need for a backstop to prevent the re-emergence of a hard border in Ireland.
Mr Eastwood said that Irish interests are being jeopardised at Westminster with no concerted effort from our representatives to intervene.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has clearly laid out some of the immediate challenges border communities and businesses will face in the aftermath of a no-deal exit.
“It is uncomfortable listening for people who rely on frictionless travel and trade across this island.
“The warnings issued this evening again underscore the critical need for a backstop to protect the interests of people, communities and businesses on this island.
“It is worth repeating that there is majority support for the withdrawal agreement and backstop in the Assembly.
“Yet our interests and our voice has been sidelined by a British Government intent on driving off the cliff edge and our own MPs who have facilitated this disaster or who will not act to prevent it.
“Either way, we now need to call time on it.
“People in the North of Ireland did not vote for this.
“The Tory/DUP government at Westminster has no majority and it has no mandate for a hard border here.
“Sinn Féin has made it clear that they will not face Boris Johnson down and fight this where it counts.
“The SDLP is committed to stopping Boris Johnson, averting a no-deal Brexit and preventing the return of a border on this island,” added the SDLP leader.
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