SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood
Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, the Foyle MP asked the Tory leader: “The Prime Minister knows full well that the best way to reduce checks in the Irish Sea is to do a Swiss-style SPS agreement with the European Union.
“So far, he has decided not to do that.
“So why is he prioritising cheap, dodgy beef from Australia over the concerns of the people of Northern Ireland?”
Speaking afterwards, Mr Eastwood said: “Boris is putting dodgy beef before standards.
“Last week, in a meeting with the British Brexit minister Lord Frost, I repeated the SDLP proposal for a Swiss-style SPS agreement with the EU that would reduce checks carried out under the protocol by up to 85%.
“Having spoken with Vice-President of the European Commission Maroš Šefčovič, we know that the European Commission is supportive of such an arrangement.
“The SDLP will continue to maximise the benefits of dual market access for Northern Ireland’s economy.
“We will be talking up local businesses and seeking to increase investment in an area that uniquely offers a footprint in two substantial markets on this continent.”
Tags: