SDLP Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon MLA has hit out after the British Government released an official video claiming in its post “The Northern Ireland Protocol was designed to protect the peace process and respect all communities in Northern Ireland. It is doing the opposite.”

Ms Mallon said:

“It is outrageous but hardly surprising that the current British Government is out with videos playing politics over the Ireland Protocol. All of its videos and slogans won't distract from the facts - this is the deal the current Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his government negotiated, voted for and own.

“The people of Northern Ireland aren't fools. We see this for what it is. Once again this shameless Prime Minister is playing the Trigger Article 16 card to distract from his own indecency and political disasters.

“We can see through this pathetic politicking and while we wait for the party popping PM to vacate office, we in the SDLP are calling British Government Ministers to get back to the day job. We remain focused on finding solutions to difficulties and working to maximise the economic opportunities that the protocol presents. While others are focussed on political positioning we will continue to put people first.”