SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood
The Foyle MP said that severing our largest trading relationship in the middle of such economic conditions would represent an act of grievous political self-harm and has called on the British Government to request an emergency extension to the transition period.
Speaking in the House of Commons this afternoon, Mr Eastwood said that an additional £210m for the block grant fails to cover the shortfall from the British Government’s Confidence and Supply and NDNA commitments.
Said the SDLP leader: “The additional resource available to Northern Ireland as a result of this budget fails to make up the shortfall from Confidence and Supply and New Decade, New Approach commitments.
“£210 million for the communities most impacted by a Brexit that we did not choose while Boris Johnson lavishes billions on leave voters in England is unacceptable.
“We will be scrutinising these allocations to ensure that the resource available to local infrastructure is maximised.
“We need to connect our communities, drive new investment and tackle the climate crisis.
“The cheers in the House of Commons this afternoon as the British Chancellor spoke about the effect of Brexit stood in stark contrast with the predictions of a severe economic shock as a result of coronavirus.
“The coronavirus crisis will, and should, occupy the bandwidth of governments across these islands.
“It is reckless to suggest that in these circumstances, negotiations about future trading relationships can continue at the level required to secure a comprehensive resolution.
“It is also incredibly dangerous, in the economic circumstances we face, to continue with a strategy that will see us sever our relationship with our largest trading partner.
“The British Government needs to swallow its pride and prepare the ground for an emergency extension to the transition period. Any alternative course of action is irresponsible in the extreme.
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