Speaking in response to the Tory Brexit proposals Sinn Féin deputy Leader Michelle O’Neill MLA said:

“The proposals announced today drive a coach and horses through the Good Friday Agreement and despite the spin serve only to pave the way for a no deal in 29 days time.

“The British Government is offering an all-Ireland regulatory zone for all goods, yet makes these arrangements dependent on the consent of the Assembly, effectively giving the DUP a veto.

“This is entirely unacceptable.

 “Sinn Féin will never concede this.

“The proposals go further by extending the need for such consent to the All-Ireland single electricity market, again giving a veto to the DUP on whether to keep the lights on or not.

“They are treating the Good Friday Agreement arrangements like a commodity.

“Sinn Féin rejects this.

“This is further evidence of Boris Johnson and his government’s attitude towards the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process.

“This is an act of political sabotage.

“The EU must not accept these proposals as a legally operable alternative solution as it fails to meet the objectives of the Irish backstop.

“While a no-deal Brexit was avoided in March and April, there is no optimism that this will be the case come 31st October.

“This is catastrophic for citizens and for business.

“I share the strong rejection of local business and industry leaders of these proposals as unworkable, impractical and worse than a no deal.

“Remaining aligned with the EU single market and customs union, safeguarding the progress of the 21 years, protecting business, jobs and the all-island economy remains paramount for the majority of the people of the North, and across Ireland.

“Sinn Féin will continue to oppose this unwanted DUP/Tory Brexit, any border in Ireland and defend the Good Friday Agreement.”