SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole has said the use of the Stormont brake was nothing more than a stunt from the DUP.

Mr O’Toole said he acknowledged issues around packaging and labelling of chemicals, but said there were far bigger challenges facing people in Northern Ireland.

South Belfast MLA Mr O’Toole said:

"We warned that the so-called Stormont brake would be used for crude partisan purposes and so it has proven. Where there are issues with this EU law, we certainly support efforts to smooth and mitigate their implementation and will engage with both the EU and UK on that basis. But the idea that this is going to cause persistent harm to the people of NI is unsustainable and wrong-headed.

"The consistent focusing on unionist obstruction to the detriment of a debate about how we maximise the opportunities from our position in relation to Europe is immensely frustrating.

"The SDLP has already brought its positive Our European Future proposals to Brussels and London, which include ideas on increasing our voice and input including on laws such as this - it would be helpful for our region if the debate could be about more than stunts and standoffs."