Lindsay Razaq, Westminster Correspondent
Theresa May has insisted the political crisis in Northern Ireland will not delay the process of the UK’s departure from the European Union.
The prime minister was urged to postpone triggering Article 50 yesterday by SNP Westminster Leader Angus Robertson.
He said it stood to reason that without an assembly or power-sharing executive in place, Northern Ireland would be left voiceless.
But Mrs May showed no willingness to put back the end of March timetable.
Like Scotland, Northern Ireland voted for Remain in last summer’s referendum.
It is facing a snap election following the resignation of Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
At Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Robertson said: “You have indicated you want to take the views of the elected representatives and devolved institutions on Brexit seriously.
“It stands to reason that if there is no Northern Ireland Assembly and no Northern Ireland Executive for much of the time before your March timescale for invoking Article 50, you will be unable to properly consult, fully discuss and find agreement on the complex issues during this time period.
“In these circumstances will you postpone invoking Article 50 or will you just plough on regardless?”
Mrs May said she wanted a swift resolution to the situation.
She added: “It is still the case that ministers are in place and that obviously there are executives in place, that we are still able to take the views of the Northern Ireland people.”
If a new deputy first minister is not appointed within seven days of Mr McGuinness stepping down, then elections will be called.
During the period running up to them, the system would revert to one of direct rule.
In that situation, James Brokenshire, as secretary of state, would represent Northern Ireland in any discussions.
A Number 10 spokesman later confirmed the prime minister still intends to hold a Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) at the end of the month to bring the devolved nations together in getting the best deal for the whole of the UK.
It was set up to allow leaders of the devolved nations help shape the UK’s strategy for leaving the EU.
The Supreme Court has still to announce its ruling on the Brexit challenge which could mean that Mrs May must seek the consent of the Scottish and Northern Irish governments before she can trigger Article 50.
