‘DUP late to party on implications of Brexit’

The SDLP Agriculture and Rural Affairs spokesperson commented: “I could scarcely believe my ears when I heard DUP MLA William Irwin say that an extension to the Brexit transition period would be of benefit to businesses, communities and wider society.

“It is highly regrettable that Mr Irwin and his party colleagues did not come to this view some months ago, when the SDLP proposed an extension to the transition period, both in the Assembly and in the Executive.

“The DUP voted against on both occasions and now the time and deadline has passed for such an extension.”

Mr McGlone continued: “The implications of Brexit on people across the North, particularly our farming and agriculture industry, is not a surprise to the SDLP.

“That is the very reason why we were vociferously opposed to Brexit from the beginning and have sought to mitigate against its damage at every opportunity since.”

“However belated, I welcome the acknowledgement from DUP MLA, William Irwin, and I expect his colleagues in the Executive and Westminster will echo his calls for clarity and certainty from the British government, as we hurtle towards December 31st.

He concluded: “Communities across the north demand nothing less.”