The case for reforming Northern Ireland's system of government has been described as "irrefutable", Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood has said ahead of a Westminster debate.

The Lagan Valley representative will lead a Westminster Hall debate which will calls for change to the power-sharing structures to prevent further cycles of stop-start government and one-party vetoes over the operation of the Assembly and Executive.

Ms Eastwood said the opportunity was there to reform the institutions away from the pressure of an impending election or during a collapse itself.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Ms Eastwood said: "The case for reforming and stabilising Northern Ireland's system of government is irrefutable and, without an imminent Assembly election and new governments in place in the UK and Ireland, we have a crucial window of opportunity to reopen a serious dialogue about reforming the power-sharing institutions.

"While we've enjoyed relative political stability during the last 11 months, the reality is our institutions are no more stable now than on the day before the last collapse. Regular cycles of stop-start government have been devastating for our communities and public services.

"To name just a few, these crises have blocked efforts to reform our health service, education system and other public services, made it impossible to deliver long-term investment in vital infrastructure projects, and inhibited policy programmes to tackle poverty and support our most vulnerable communities. People from across Northern Ireland are constantly telling me they've had enough.

"The way our institutions are formed and operate is no longer fit for purpose and actively facilitates the ransom politics that have been so destructive over recent years. Alliance's proposals would bring the urgent reform needed to get rid of ransom politics and allow those who want to get on with the job of governing to do so."