Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has called on the EU and the Irish Government to use phase two of the Brexit negotiations to build a 'deep and comprehensive' future relationship with the United Kingdom.

The comments come as Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar addressed MEPs in Strasbourg in a debate on the future of Europe.

Mr Nicholson also emphasised the importance of re-establishing a functioning Executive at Stormont.

Speaking after the debate, Jim Nicholson MEP said:

“Mr Varadkar’s address to the European Parliament today was timely, given that we have just reached agreement on phase one of the Brexit negotiations, and can now proceed to talking about our future relationship with the European Union.

“We do not want a return to the borders of the past or the divisions of the past. Similarly, we cannot accept any attempt to use Brexit to try to separate Northern Ireland economically or constitutionally from the rest of the United Kingdom. As Mr Varadkar himself said, we need to be able to find a solution that ensures Northern Ireland loses none of its trading opportunities. The best way to do that is to agree a deep and comprehensive new relationship between the European Union and the entire United Kingdom.

“While it is true that rhetoric in recent months from Brussels and Dublin has been unhelpful at times to say the least, we now have an opportunity to look forward and agree a new partnership.

“I also welcome comments from European Commission President Jean Claude Junker that PEACE programmes should continue after Brexit. However, this also further demonstrates the need to get a functioning Executive back up and running at Stormont.”