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DUP MP accused of peddling Brexit fear after claiming 'backstop' goes further than anything 'achieved by the IRA'

Paul Girvan said the withdrawal agreement could lead to a scenario that was 'not achieved by the IRA and republicanism'
Paul Girvan said the withdrawal agreement could lead to a scenario that was 'not achieved by the IRA and republicanism'

A DUP MP has said that Theresa May's Brexit deal will leave the north "on the route to a united Ireland".

Paul Girvan claimed the withdrawal agreement could lead to a scenario that was "not achieved by the IRA and republicanism".

The South Antrim MP made the remarks in the House of Commons late on Tuesday night during the debate on the Mrs May's Brexit deal.

"Many families from this United Kingdom gave sons to fight for what we have in Northern Ireland, which is to remain part of the UK," he said.

"What was not achieved by the IRA and republicanism has been achieved by those bureaucrats within Europe and with a pen potentially leaving Northern Ireland on the route to a united Ireland."

SDLP Brexit spokeswoman Claire Hanna said the comments were indicative of the DUP’s "continuous attempts to polarise the Brexit debate through their fear mongering".

"The SDLP makes no apology for seeking an agreed Ireland but we have been entirely clear that the only way to do this is through the principle of consent as enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement," she said.

"We have determinedly resisted the efforts of others to polarise and divide our people here by viewing Brexit only through a green or orange lens."

The South Belfast MLA said the DUP's time would be better spent "working on solutions to protect people here".