It is “deeply concerning” the briefings ahead of today’s meeting of the British Government’s Cabinet meeting had solely referenced an "orderly departure" from the European Union, SDLP Colum Eastwood has said
The Foyle MLA was speaking of today’s Cabinet meeting.called to discuss Brexit.
Mr Eastwood (pictured) said: "It is increasingly clear that the British Prime Minister, left unopposed, will run roughshod over the wishes of the people in the North who voted to remain as part of the European Union. We must not tolerate a situation where the future of the North and of this island is again determined by Tories at Chequers.
"The Irish and Scottish people have chosen a different future to the English.Theresa May appears more concerned about the divisions in her own cabinet than about the division in the regions who voted to oppose Brexit.
"Again the Northern Ireland Executive is sleeping at the wheel. Instead of demanding that the North's vote be respected they seem happy to be sideline commentators. Rather than simply sending letters they should be leading.'
"In the absence of their leadership, I have vowed that the SDLP will use every parliamentary and legal tool to ensure that the North remains a part of the European Union.
“Our name is already attached to a legal challenge and we are determined to see that process through to its end. We have met with government and opposition leaders in Dublin and socialist leaders from across Europe where we have made it clear that the views of the majority of people in Northern Ireland should be respected."
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