Social Democratic and Labour Party Leader Colum Eastwood MP has said that the DUP cannot pick and choose which duties and obligations of Executive leadership it wants to adhere to.

The Foyle MP was speaking after Agriculture Minister Gordon Lyons made a unilateral decision to order officials to halt construction of inspection facilities at the North’s ports.

SDLP Deputy Leader Minister Nichola Mallon has requested an emergency meeting of the Northern Ireland Executive.

Colum Eastwood MP said:

“Over the course of the last few months, the SDLP has been working hard to resolve the challenges faced by businesses as a result of post-Brexit changes to trading relationships. We have put our shoulders to the wheel to explore new opportunities and maximise the benefits of the new settlement. We have done so in a spirit of cooperation and partnership.

“It is deeply concerning that DUP Ministers are actively trying to sabotage the arrangements and inject further uncertainty into a difficult situation for local businesses to suit their own narrow political interests.

“The DUP cannot pick and choose which duties and obligations of Executive leadership it wants to adhere to.

SDLP Deputy Leader and Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA said:

“I have requested an urgent meeting of the Executive this evening to address the unilateral action taken by Minister Gordon Lyons.

"This is a five party Executive facing two significant crises - a global pandemic and the impact of Brexit. We should be taking decisions together in the substantial common interests of the people we represent - not using political office for divisive stunts.

“This decision is controversial, cross-cutting and cannot be put into effect without Executive agreement.”