Brexit opponents ‘wilfully ignored’

Brexit opponents ‘wilfully ignored’

24 October 2018

AS Brexit negotiations intensify, South Down MP Chris Hazzard has insisted that Sinn Féin and other progressive parties will continue to work with the EU to protect jobs, the economy manufacturing and agri-food industries, the Good Friday Agreement and people’s rights.

The MP was addressing a Brexit conference in Warrenpoint last week which was attended by more than 200 local business representatives, community and sporting organisations and a group of European MEPs. 

Mr Hazzard said the vast majority of elected representatives in the North were opposed to Brexit and were being “wilfully ignored” by Theresa May and DUP leader Arlene Foster.

He continued: “I have no doubt that one or the other, or both, will pay a heavy price politically. The DUP are isolationists and on the wrong side of the argument and the democratic will of the people. They support a Brexit at the cost of imposing a hard border in Ireland.

“Arlene Foster is prepared to drive our economy over the cliff in pursuit of her narrow agenda with no regard for the future prosperity of the people of the North who will pick up the tab for her reckless Brexit.”

Mr Hazzard said he had no doubt that the majority of citizens north and south would “not stand for any land border on the island of Ireland.”

“Sinn Féin and other progressive parties will continue to work with the EU to protect jobs, our economy, our manufacturing and agri-food industries, the Good Friday Agreement and our rights,” he declared.

“Brexit is a threat to our Irish national interests and there is rightly a huge expectation and onus on the Irish Government to defend the national interests of the whole of Ireland.”

Mr Hazzard added: “Sinn Féin has been constructive in supporting the government in this regard because there is so much at stake in terms of jobs, trade, investment and massive risks that the North will become an economic backwater with disinvestment by major employers and a severe roll back on economic development.”