DUP accuses PM of sub-contracting future of Brexit to Labour

The Democratic Unionists have accused Theresa May of sub-contracting out the future of Brexit to the Labour Party.

The party said Mrs May’s lamentable handling of the Brexit negotiations was to blame for her failure to deliver a sensible Brexit deal.

The Prime Minister said she would seek an extension beyond the current April 12 Brexit day to allow talks with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn aimed at ensuring the UK leaves the European Union “in a timely and orderly way”.

She said the offer to the Labour leader was an attempt to “break the logjam” after MPs rejected her Withdrawal Agreement three times, and failed to back any of the alternative proposals considered so far.

In a statement, the DUP said: “The Prime Minister’s lamentable handling of the negotiations with the EU means she has failed to deliver a sensible Brexit deal that works for all parts of the United Kingdom. That is why she has not been able to get it through Parliament.

“Her announcement therefore tonight comes as little surprise. Though it remains to be seen if sub-contracting out the future of Brexit to Jeremy Corbyn, someone whom the Conservatives have demonised for four years, will end happily.

“We want the result of the referendum respected, and just as we joined the Common Market as one country we must leave the EU as one country.

“We will continue to use our position within Parliament and with the Government to argue strongly the case for Northern Ireland and the integrity of the United Kingdom.

“We remain consistent in judging all Brexit outcomes against our clear unionist principles.”