Brexit agreement will not undo ‘enormous damage’ - Derry MP

The SDLP leader said that the British government’s failure to acknowledge the interests of people on this island was “in sharp contrast with the approach of the Irish Government and the European Union”, and has opened a serious conversation about the future of where our interests lie.

Foyle returned one of the four highest ‘Remain’ votes in the June 2016 Referendum, along with Gibraltar, Hackney and Lambeth in London. In Derry 78.3% of those who voted, voted to stay in the EU, as did the majority in north as a whole.

Mr Eastwood said: “This entire Brexit fantasy is a future that people here do not want and did not vote for. A deal is better than no-deal, but the best deal will always remain being at the heart of the European Union. That is what our people voted for in 2016, we all deserve a future that is no longer limited to the least worst option.

“People here have chosen a future based on partnership and cooperation. The institutions of our peace process are founded on the hope and promise of a better society built by working with our neighbours, looking outwards and building towards a shared, inclusive future.

“There will be no celebrating a deal that ultimately diminishes what we’ve worked so hard for over the last 50 years.”

Mr Eastwood however acknowledged “the immense efforts of Michel Barnier, his team and the Irish Government who have gone to bat for Northern Ireland throughout this process”. “It’s the job of people here now to work together to build a better future and face the stark reality that we are now entering a new phase in politics. And we must, together, ask ourselves what type of society we want and how do we build it,” he said.

“The next phase of our politics must be about meeting the needs, hopes and ambitions of all our people. The changes our island now face are fundamental. It is time for a honest conversation, that begins with the truth that while the UK leaves one Union, the future of another is called into question. The SDLP will not shy away from the difficult conversations because we know we must lead our communities again through this time of new challenges as we have done before, together and in partnership.“