Howlin welcomes UK concessions that make No Brexit deal less likely

Labour Party Leader Brendan Howlin has welcomed a concession extracted from Theresa May’s government that makes a no deal Brexit less likely.

Deputy Howlin said:

“While Dominic Grieve’s amendment was not put today to empower the Westminster Parliament to direct the Government in the event of a no deal Brexit, the May government has been forced to concede the principal in order to avoid a Commons defeat.

“This reversal would not have been possible without the pressure being applied by the UK Labour Party.

“Those supporting the Opposition and Tory rebel positions will need to be very vigilant in ensuring the Government lives up to its word when the Bill returns to the Lords.

“This concession was hard fought for and should be pressed strongly.

“I want to pay tribute to all in the UK that continue to fight against the folly of Brexit.

“From an Irish perspective this is good news. A no deal Brexit, made likely by the constant inability of the British Government to take a coherent position, is undoubtedly a big risk to Ireland and the UK.

“This parliamentary result today proves the value of both pressure inside and outside Westminster.

“It remains a pity that the representatives of Northern Ireland who fully understand the economic threat posed by Brexit are not there today arguing our case.”