DUP Must Stop Creating Brexit Hysteria - SDLP

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MLA has called on Arlene Foster and the DUP to "cut the hysteria" from their political actions and start acting on behalf of the Northern Irish people amid Brexit negotiations.

It follows comments from the democratic unionist leader that the draft withdrawal agreement proposed by Prime Minister Theresa May will only serve to "weaken the union".

Cabinet members will scrutinise the proposal in parliament today, Wednesday 14 November, and Ms Foster said an unclear deal will leave the UK handcuffed to the EU, while Brussels holds the keys.

"It's time for cool heads not knee jerk reactions," warned the SDLP leader in response.

"The reaction to a reported Brexit deal by the DUP is both flippant and irrational.

"I would remind Arlene Foster that her first priority is to defend political stability and the economic future of our people here."

Mr Eastwood added that his party will comment on the text in full when it receives the details, but later indicated that the Government is failing to engage with all of Northern Ireland's political leaders.

In a post on Twitter, he said: "All NI parties with the right to be in the Executive must see the terms of the deal.

"The Prime Minister cannot ignore our mandate and leave those we represent behind while she panders to the DUP," he warned.

"People on this island have the most to lose, we must be engaged."



(JG/CM)