Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has said reports that the British Government do not want to diverge from EU laws is another indication of the Tories’ failed reckless Brexit agenda.

The party’s Brexit spokesperson said: 

“I note reports that the British Government wants to progress plans to stay closely aligned with the EU as part of efforts to restore power-sharing here. 

“This is a further recognition of the harm that the Tory’s failed and reckless Brexit agenda has inflicted on our society and the damage it has contributed to our local economy and public services. 

“This should be another wake-up call for the DUP and all those who promoted the hardest possible Brexit with absolutely no regard for the consequences inflicted upon wider society in the north.

“Thousands of public sector workers are on the streets demanding the pay rise that is being denied to them as a result of the DUP refusal to restore our power sharing Executive. 

“It’s past time that Jeffrey Donaldson and the DUP ended its blockade of the Assembly and finally respected the democratic result of the 2022 Assembly election when the electorate voted for real change.

“The endless merry go round of delay and inaction has run its course. It’s time for the DUP to wise up and get back to work.”