NI Secretary to say 'Irish' bond must survive Brexit as SF MEP applauded for EU appeal

Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson was applauded in the EU parliament today as she argued that Northern Ireland’s democratic vote to remain within the European Union should be upheld and defended.

Her comments come as the Northern Ireland Secretary, Theresa Villiers, is expected to tell Stormont House that she looks forward to strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

Ms Anderson, addressing the Parliament, said her party felt the majority of people who voted to remain in the EU should not be bound by a UK vote.

"We ask you to respect our vote. We stand by the vote of the people of the north of Ireland just like Scotland, which voted remain.

Ms Villiers, who campaigned for Brexit, will say she and her government planned to build on the political progress that has been made in the north.

"To strengthen further the strong bilateral relationship that exists between the United Kingdom and Ireland ... a relationship that will endure long beyond the UK's exit from the EU.

"And to bolster the special ties that exist throughout these islands as we look forward to our next century of co-operation, partnership and friendship."