WATCH: Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris tells the House of Commons that Northern Ireland is '100%' as British as London

Speaking in the House of Commons, he was responding to a question from DUP MP Jim Shannon in the wake of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson’s broad acceptance of the government’s deal to re-enter Stormont.

"Government actions until now have undermined some of the trust of Unionist people,” he said.

"So there is a clear need for messaging from the Government that the concerns that Unionists have been expressing for the last two years are being dealt with through secure legislative processes here and with the EU.

"My Strangford constituents – some of them are in the gallery today – are proud of their Britishness.

"I am sure that the Secretary of State can confirm – I hope he can – that we in Northern Ireland are as British as those in London, Cardiff, Manchester and Newcastle, and, indeed, Edinburgh and Scotland as well.”

More from this reporter in the last 48 hours:

• DUP MP Paul Girvan says that deal on the table from the government to restore Stormont means Northern Ireland will remain part of the EU single market - cites lack of access to duty-free goods for NI travellers

• Sammy Wilson appears to break ranks with the DUP leadership and criticises the government's deal - calling the Tories 'spineless Brexit-betrayers'

• Loyalist Communities Council chairman David Campbell says that a Sinn Fein First Minister for Northern Ireland is 'anti-democratic'

• Man whose father and uncle were both shot dead by the IRA says that having Sinn Fein First Minister is a sign 'society has lost its moral compass'

Mr Heaton-Harris replied: “And Daventry [his constituency in Northamptonshire]. I can confirm that 100%.

"I thank the honourable gentleman for his question. I am very proud that he is a proud Brit, as I am.”