Howlin calls on DUP to back another Brexit referendum

Speaking at the UK Labour Conference in Brighton, the Leader of the Labour Party, Brendan Howlin TD, called on the DUP to adopt UK Labour’s approach to holding another Brexit referendum rather than the dangerous policy of Boris Johnson.

Deputy Howlin said:

“I am glad to be here at the UK Labour Conference to continue the regular dialogue Labour has with our British counterparts. I will again be setting out Ireland’s real concerns about any form of Brexit and adding my voice to those calling for the UK to remain in the EU, due to the risk to jobs and workers’ rights.

“There is great solidarity between the Labour parties of Ireland and the UK, and this will endure any Brexit outcome. But there is no doubt in my mind that for the UK to remain in the EU is not just in Ireland’s interest, but it is in the interests of working people throughout the UK.

“The current Conservative government under Boris Johnson is hellbent on Brexit at any cost, and the real cost in terms of job losses and economic downturn will be most acutely felt in Northern Ireland. I don’t believe the DUP wants a ‘no deal’ Brexit, and I hope that they will acknowledge the weight of evidence and opinion in favour of remain as the best outcome for Northern Ireland. Even if they are still committed to Brexit, I hope they can see the UK Labour’s policy of giving the British people a choice between close alignment with the EU or remaining a member offers a better outcome for Northern Ireland in any event.

“When the DUP made a deal with Theresa May, it was on the basis of her promise to remain close to the EU. Boris Johnson has ripped up all these assurances. As such, I hope the DUP will now support UK Labour’s referendum approach rather than allow a ‘no deal’ Brexit by default at the end of October.”