Alliance MEP Naomi Long has said a report by Stormont’s Department for the Economy detailing major job losses in the wake of a no-deal Brexit should come as no surprise to the many who have consistently campaigned to stay in the EU.

Mrs Long was speaking as the report revealed 40,000 jobs would be at risk in Northern Ireland – many disappearing “almost overnight” – if the UK crashes out of the EU later this year.

She added: “While it is shocking to see this outlined in such stark figures, this should not be a surprise to anyone who has seen the writing on the wall for a long time.

“Since 2016 Alliance has consistently said Brexit will devastate our economy for generations to come, with an expected detrimental impact on the farming and manufacturing sectors. And we weren’t alone, with 56 percent of people in Northern Ireland opting to remain and the election of two pro-remain MEPs signalling many are aware of the dire situation we will find ourselves in.

“This report from the department of the economy only goes to back up what we’ve known for some time – there can be no good or sensible Brexit for Northern Ireland, with a no-deal set to devastate many lives here.”