Brexit vote defeat: NI cannot fall victim to politics in London, says SDLP leader

Leader Colum Eastwood MLA has said that politicians in Westminster must wake up to the reality that there can be no deal without a Backstop.

Mr Eastwood added that Tuesday’s vote does not diminish this reality, rather it merely shows how far removed Westminster is from our unique circumstances here.

During the vote at Westminister, MPs voted by 430 to 202 to defeat British Prime MInister Theresa May’s Brexit deal plans.

The British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn will table a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister and her Tory party.

Mr Eastwood said: “There is no such thing as a good Brexit but if we are forced to leave the EU then Northern Ireland must to be protected through a backstop.

“The naive belief in Westminster that a better deal can be negotiated with Brussels is merely postponing the inevitable.

“That fact remains – there is no way to avoid a hard border in Ireland if Northern Ireland leaves the Customs Union and Single Market.

“That is why a backstop is essential. The SDLP have said this from day one.

“Northern Ireland’s economy and stability can’t be sacrificed because politicians in London have failed to recognise the obvious,” added the Foyle MLA.

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