SDLP Leader challenges Boris Johnson over bridge between Scotland and NI

By PA reporter

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood challenged Boris Johnson over proposals to build a bridge between Northern Ireland and Scotland.

He told the Commons: “The Prime Minister’s fantasy bridge to Northern Ireland could cost £33 billion. This while our road and rail networks have been absolutely decimated from decades of underinvestment.

“The Conservative Party did a grand total of 2,399 at the last Assembly election, what mandate does he think he has to override the democratically elected people of Northern Ireland to impose a bridge that goes through miles of unexploded munitions and radioactive waste?”

Mr Johnson responded: “Actually, if (Mr Eastwood) read the article I wrote this morning in the Daily Telegraph, he will have seen that the things that we’ve set out in the Hendy review I think will be of massive benefit to Northern Ireland, including upgrading the A75 which is the single biggest thing that people in Northern Ireland wanted by the way and which the Scottish nationalists, Scottish National Party, have totally to do.

“As well as better connections East-West within Northern Ireland, which we should be doing as well, as well as better connections North-South within the island of Ireland.

“It’s a fantastic union connectivity review, he should appreciate it, it’s the way forward and I’m amazed frankly at his negativity.”