SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said his party will explore all legal and parliamentary avenues to ensure that Northern Ireland maintains its place in Europe.
The Foyle MLA was speaking after meeting Irish Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan today (pictured)
Mr Eastwood said: “Today’s meeting was very important in the wake of the referendum result which has created a political, economic and social earthquake across Ireland.
“The SDLP is now leading the fight to protect our place in Europe. The idea that Northern Ireland which voted by 56% to remain in the European Union could be dragged out without our consent goes against everything the SDLP stands for.
“We will explore all legal and parliamentary avenues to ensure that Northern Ireland maintains its place in Europe
“That is the message I have given to the Irish and British governments, to all other parties in the north and the south and to the people of Northern Ireland who voted to Remain in the European Union.
“We will do everything we can to protect our status within the EU. We should remain as EU members. I urged Minister Flanagan to give his full support and that of the Irish Government as we work to secure this outcome.
“The rudderless leaders of the Leave campaign are showing no signs of urgency to leave the European Union. That means nothing is written in stone that is why we are fighting to retain our membership.”
Mr Eastwood concluded: “If there are potential blockages and vetoes we can deploy we will be asking other parties to join us in taking them."
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