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Edwin Poots blames 'Remain civil servants' for Brexit issues

The DUP's Edwin Poots has rejected all possible Brexit options. File picture by Justin Kernoghan, Photopress
The DUP's Edwin Poots has rejected all possible Brexit options. File picture by Justin Kernoghan, Photopress The DUP's Edwin Poots has rejected all possible Brexit options. File picture by Justin Kernoghan, Photopress

DUP MLA Edwin Poots has been taken to task on social media over his party's rejection of the Brexit withdrawal deal.

The Lagan Valley representative told a fellow Twitter user he was waiting to see if British Prime Minister Theresa May's withdrawal agreement would be rejected in Parliament.

When asked what Brexit deal he suggested supporting - "May's Deal, No Deal or No Brexit. They are the only options now available" - he replied "none of the above".

After he was pressed on the issue he said his party wanted an "acceptable" deal but did not give further details.

The Twitter user asked how he planned to get an acceptable deal.

"Who will you lobby, who will you support, and what amendments are you asking for?" she wrote.

Mr Poots did not directly answer the question and said a no-deal Brexit would be "more damaging to the EU than UK".

"Problem is Remain civil servants negotiating, not up to the job," he tweeted.

Mrs May's minority government is facing a revolt from the DUP whose 10 MPs are propping up the Tories as part of a £1 billion confidence and supply deal.

The DUP has strongly criticised the withdrawal bill amid fears the north will be treated differently than Britain following the UK's exit in March.

Read more: Nigel Dodds says Theresa May must secure a 'better' Brexit