The European Parliament has voted in favour of Northern Ireland being given special status.

The Strasbourg poll saw more than 560 opt for the region staying within the customs union while 90 voted against.

Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson welcomed the passing of the resolution on Brexit saying it was “an indication of the growing support for special status for the north within the EU”.

She added: “It is crucially important that we protect the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts during the Brexit negotiations.”

However, TUV leader Jim Allister said the move is "totally unacceptable" and backed special status instead for the Republic of Ireland.

He added: "The suggestion that Northern Ireland should remain in the Single Market and Customs Union while the rest of the UK leaves is totally unacceptable.

"Northern Ireland's leaving of the EU must be as complete as that of any other region of the UK. The direct consequence of this proposal would be to move the border to the Irish Sea, the ultimate Sinn Fein objective, of course. It is a trap for the destruction of the constitutional and territorial integrity of the United Kingdom.

"As I have suggested previously there may indeed be a case for “special status” – not for Northern Ireland, but for the Republic.

“Under Brexit it is the Republic that is going to feel the draught, especially if the EU cuts off its nose to spite its face by insisting on tariffs. Then, the Republic’s trade – which is predominantly with the UK, especially for its all important agri-food business – will be devastated as its goods are priced out of the UK market (with Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry standing to gain by filling the GB void).

“So, a “special status” for the Republic of Ireland within the EU would make sense, allowing it – unlike the rest of the EU – to trade tariff-free with the UK. At a stroke the economic downturn for the Republic is avoided and the hard border issue is resolved."