SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has expressed his concern about further repercussions from the EU referendum result after Ryanair announced they were reducing services between City of Derry Airport and London.
Ryanair cited the desire to pivot growth away from Britain and towards Europe, when it was confirmed the service between the two airports was to be reduced from seven to six..
Mr Durkan said the announcement is a “bleak omen” for what was to come if the North was dragged out of Europe against the will of the people of the North.
He added: “Before the 23rd June, industry leaders and experts, including Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, warned that Brexit would damage economic growth and act as a barrier for businesses operating in the North.
“Ryanair’s move to scale back services in the North, only months after announcing new routes from Belfast, is evidence that the toxic fallout from the EU referendum is already having a decidedly negative impact on our economic future.
“Our people recognised that our economy is better served by remaining a full member of the European Union. We have not given our consent for a change in our constitutional status that has already proven itself to be harmful to business growth.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “We will continue to fight to ensure the will of our people is respected.”
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.