SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that if Theresa May made the sensible decision to keep the UK in the Customs Union and Single Market, increased checks in the Irish Sea could be avoided.
The Foyle MLA commented: “In her dogmatic approach throughout these Brexit negotiations, Mrs May has backed herself into a corner.
“Her insistence that the UK as a whole must leave the Customs Union and Single Market has created the need for the backstop. Of course, she accepted this last December.
“If the Prime Minister continues to insist on a worst of all worlds Brexit for Britain, we will have to be protected. The EU has offered Northern Ireland a deal that will give us access to both the EU and British markets.
“The backstop is not ideal but it is our ultimate protection.
“It’s time for the British government to stop pretending that they can do a deal that doesn’t protect Northern Ireland,” added Mr Eastwood.
