SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has said the Irish Sea Border Bill is detached from the realities of Brexit and the present day.

She was speaking as TUV Leader Jim Allister brought his private members bill before the House of Commons on Friday.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Ms Hanna said:

“The Irish Sea Border Bill before the Commons today is the stuff of fantasy, detached from the reality of Brexit and the present day.

“Instead of wasting time on legislation that offers no solutions and which will go nowhere, we should be working together to address the concerns of people across the region, dealing with the remaining challenges of Brexit.

“People want to move on. Last week the assembly endorsed the SDLP’s proposals on a positive, forward-looking approach to the years ahead and this week in Brussels we found a continued desire to support Northern Ireland. As the north’s most proudly pro-European party, the SDLP will champion that big, prosperous and shared future."