In recent weeks, we have seen the threat of instability return to Northern Ireland. Without responsible leadership, the Brexit deal that the Prime Minister negotiated always had the potential to unsettle the delicate balance of identities across these islands.

And yet the Government has no strategy to deal with the complex realities facing Northern Ireland post-Brexit. Ministers’ endless provocation and dishonesty about the consequences of their own Brexit deal are risking real instability.

The Government have wasted vital time having a needless row with the European Union over a deal that has already been done. At any time this would be irresponsible but in the middle of an economic crisis the Government’s actions are reckless.

The Government must now show responsibility to the people of Northern Ireland, be honest about the consequences of its Brexit deal, and commit to working with the EU to find the long-term solutions that we desperately need.