13 April 2026
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has said the need for closer alignment between the UK and the EU has never been clearer.
She was speaking after reports that the UK Government is planning legislation to allow the UK to adopt EU single market rules without a parliamentary vote.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said:
“The last few months have clearly shown the need for closer relations between the UK and EU. The increasingly unpredictable and unjustifiable actions of Donald Trump have underlined the need for increased European cooperation as the US can no longer be relied on as an honest broker in international relations.
“Brexit has significantly damaged Britain’s economy and heaped misery on ordinary families struggling to make ends meet. The situation is only going to get worse with the US and Israel’s war in Iran leading to huge energy costs, seeing bills climb higher and making it more difficult for people to put petrol in their cars.
“Closer to home this move would allow Northern Ireland to continue enjoying the benefits of dual market access, while helping to smooth the outstanding issues around the Irish Sea Border. The SDLP is the North’s most proudly pro-European party and we would welcome any effort that aligns these islands closer with the EU and starts to undo the damage of Brexit.”