Arlene Foster and DUP vow to keep opposing Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal

The Brexit deal struck between Boris Johnson and the European Union would take Northern Ireland in ‘the wrong direction’.

That’s the view of DUP leader Arlene Foster, who told her party conference in Belfast she will keep opposing the deal until changes are made.

She said: ‘With our 10 votes being so critical in Parliament, there is a great responsibility to make sure we support the right decisions for Northern Ireland but have the boldness and strength to stand up and say no when we need to.

‘On Brexit, we will not give support to the Government when we believe they are fundamentally wrong and acting in a way that is detrimental to Northern Ireland and taking us in the wrong direction.’

Foster stressed that she and her party want to support a deal which works for the whole of the United Kingdom including Northern Ireland.

She added: ‘But without change, we will not vote for the Prime Minister’s agreement.

‘It would be bad for Northern Ireland economically and will weaken the foundations of this great United Kingdom.’

Meanwhile Emma Little Pengelly, MP for South Belfast, has written to Steve Barclay, secretary of state for exiting the European Union, asking for clarification on checks on businesses moving goods between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

She said: ‘I have been engaging with business, who rightly have huge concerns about these proposals.  Many questions remain unanswered on what looks like a hugely bureaucratic system.  I am seeking answers urgently.’