Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said no amount of last-minute planning can mitigate against the damage Brexit will cause to the north’s economy. 

The South Down MP said: 

“News that the British government has allocated £31 million to the north to prepare for a no-deal Brexit is an admission of the damage this reckless policy will do. 

“But it will not even begin to cover the extent of the catastrophic damage Brexit will inflict on our economy. 

“It is particularly concerning money appears to have been earmarked for borders; giving further lie to the British government’s claims that it wants to avoid any hardening of the border. 

“Sector after sector has warned of the dire economic consequences of Brexit and yet the DUP and Tories are intent on ploughing ahead regardless. 

“The Good Friday Agreement provides a solution to this Brexit madness through a referendum on Irish unity.

“The economic benefits of Irish unity stand in stark contrast to the economic earthquake of Brexit and the people should be allowed to have their say on the future of this island.”