SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood
The ‘ambitious’ amendments seek to introduce safeguards that would give the devolved administrations a say on any future trade talks which place health services, the environment or employment opportunities in jeopardy.
Crucially, the SDLP amendments also seek to protect the democratic will of people in Northern Ireland, the Good Friday Agreement, North-South cooperation and establish a mitigation package that would provide assistance to businesses and communities impacted by Brexit.
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP said: “Brexit is the most significant economic, constitutional and social challenge facing people on these islands.
“In December’s election, people in Northern Ireland made their will clear again – we are not prepared to suffer economic ruin, the wholesale sell-off of our Health Service and declining food and environmental standards.
“Our people must not be trapped into a future we never voted for. It is right that we now have the power to shape our own path and protect our own interests.
“The SDLP will be in Westminster this week and every week that it takes to demand that the wishes of our people are respected.
“These amendments are designed to reflect the clear wishes of our people. They provide critical safeguards for a devolved administration in Northern Ireland to withhold its consent for any future trade agreement that puts our Health Service on the table for profiteers to carve up and for the British Irish Council to intervene to protect environmental standards, food standards and workers rights.
“Boris Johnson may have a Brexit majority but we won’t sit silently by as he dismantles our future.
“We have also tabled proposals for a mitigation package that would shield local communities and businesses from the impact of a damaging Brexit.
“People here did not vote for this future, we should not be expected to pay the price for it in jobs and lost opportunities.
“And we will table legislation reserving the ultimate right for Northern Ireland to remain or re-enter the European Union.
“People here must have the opportunity to reject a path that offers nothing but economic self harm and damages the progress we’ve made over twenty years.
“When we return to Westminster this week, the SDLP will be leading multi-party discussions to gather support for our proposals.
“For two years Boris Johnson and the Tories have too often been allowed to ignore Northern Ireland’s democratic remain voice and vote at Westminster.
“The SDLP will strongly ensure that he doesn’t have that same comfort or convenience this week.” added the Foyle MP.
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