SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has called for the upcoming UK-EU summit on May 19th to mark the beginning of a process aimed at reversing the damage caused by Brexit.

Speaking ahead of the summit the South Belfast and Mid Down MP revealed she has written to the UK and Irish Governments, as well as the EU, outlining key issues relevant to Northern Ireland.

“The upcoming UK-EU summit must be about more than a reset of relations," Ms Hanna stated. "This should be the start of a process that brings the UK and EU closer together with a view to repairing much of the damage that’s been caused by Brexit right across these islands since 2016."

While acknowledging the protective role of the post-Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland, she highlighted the negative consequences: “While the protections afforded to us by the Protocol and Windsor Framework have shielded the North from some of the worst impacts of Brexit, it has had a poisonous impact on community relations, contributing to prolonged governmental collapse and frayed relations between the Irish and UK Governments." Ms Hanna identified several pressing issues facing Northern Ireland that she believes can be resolved through a closer UK-EU relationship. "From an ambitious SPS agreement to freedom of movement for our young people and the removal of harmful Electronic Travel Authorisation permits which damage our tourism industry. These are issues that must be addressed in the weeks and months ahead," she urged.

Reaffirming her party's position, she added: “The SDLP remains committed to our core European values and we outlined a number of proposals to benefit this place in our recent Our European Future policy paper." Contrasting this with global trends, she remarked, "At a time when Donald Trump is hell-bent on pursuing a narrow, isolationist agenda in the US, it is clear that we must work together."

Concluding her statement on Europe Day, Ms Hanna reiterated the SDLP's long-term view: "Ultimately... the SDLP believes the best option for the people of Northern Ireland, is a new Ireland, with full EU membership restored, no longer hostage to the agenda of the UK Government of the day."