The SDLP have described Boris Johnson's excuses for attending a Downing Street garden party as "pathetic" and an insult to everyone who made sacrifices during the pandemic.

Speaking from the House of Commons this afternoon, party leader and MP for Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said: "Boris Johnson's excuses for attending a Downing Street knees up while people in our communities were dying, alone and afraid, are absolutely pathetic. No one believes that Johnson seriously thought a Bring Your Own Booze event was a legitimate piece of government business while everyone else was ordered to stay at home and stay away from their loved ones.

"It tells you everything you need to know about the content of his character that he would attempt to brass neck an appearance like that today. It is an insult to everyone who sacrificed the opportunity to be with sick loved ones, to say goodbye to friends and loved ones.

"His behaviour has demeaned his office and his arrogance has shredded his authority. Remaining in office is about his ego rather than doing what's right. If he won't leave then he needs to be forced out by his party."