Ulster Unionist South Antrim MP, Danny Kinahan, has welcomed the publication of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee report on ‘Northern Ireland and the EU referendum’, describing it as ‘balanced’.

Mr Kinahan said:

“I worked closely with other Committee Members to push the case for a measured, balanced and accurate reflection of the views on Brexit from leading academics, business representatives and fellow elected representatives who gave evidence during our inquiry. Both sides of the Committee learned much from each other regarding our arguments and positions.

“The final draft agreed yesterday morning is a culmination of deliberation and persuasion from all members of the NI Affairs Committee which has resulted in all opinions on the implications of Brexit being represented. The report provides a strong reflection of the arguments from both sides of the Leave and Remain campaigns, but it is clear to me that the case presented to remain in the European Union comes from a strong academic and commercial basis.

“Just yesterday, the World Trade Organisation issued a stark warning that Brexit will cost UK businesses and consumers billions. Also, the Leave campaign’s claim that we would simply ‘cut and paste’ our current terms, was shattered by the WTO Director General as he explained the UK would have to renegotiate every single trade deal we currently have.

“The other questionable assertion from the Brexit camp is that we would suddenly save £350m a week. This delusion has been dispelled by the Institute for Fiscal Studies with its most comprehensive research to date which demonstrates an EU withdrawal would cost the UK £20bn to £40bn per year, which would send our economy down the path of further austerity and highly likely recession.

“With such clear and striking evidence, I would urge all voters to carefully consider the impact upon their families, careers, public services and economy before casting their vote.”