The leader of the SDLP Colum Eastwood has said the North’s economy is experiencing a very real shock following the Brexit vote.

Eastwood has said he has already seen anecdotal evidence that foreign investment is starting to freeze up.

He said the SDLP will use every parliamentary and legal option to stop the North being dragged out of the EU against its wishes.

56% of people in the North voted to remain in Europe in last months poll.

Mr Eastwood believes the referendum is advisory and not a certainty. He has called for the Taoiseach’s support in opposing a Brexit.

“The fact remains the majority of people in the north voted to remain in the EU and our democratic will must be respected and upheld,” said Eastwood.

“My party is leading the campaign to protect our place in the EU and we will work along a progressive axis with those of influence in Europe to ensure that as negotiations get underway, they do so in our favour.

“I explained that following my talks over recent days with An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Michael Martin and Brendan Howlin, we were speaking with one voice when we said there was an imperative need to ensure no new border is established across the island. We have an emerging consensus to defend the Irish national interest.”