Assembly rejects Government's Brexit withdrawal deal

MLAs at Stormont have rejected the UK Government’s Brexit withdrawal deal.

The motion was passed without dissent in the Assembly on Monday afternoon, following a nearly three-hour debate.

It was one of the first acts of substantive business since Northern Ireland’s power-sharing institutions were restored earlier this month.

However, the decision will not affect the Government's plan to leave the EU at the end of the month.

Speaking earlier, deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said it is “significant” that politicians send a “clear message” rejecting Brexit.

And opening the debate, First Minister Arlene Foster said the Brexit deal poses "significant challenges for Northern Ireland" and called for MLAs to "take a stand".