She was speaking as Alliance launched its Leading Change manifesto, outlining policy priorities for the next Westminster mandate. The document complements Alliance manifestos for the Assembly and Local Government and builds on work done to address issues such as the cost of living and doing business, childcare, institutional reform and the need for a green new deal.

“The Leading Change manifesto is not standalone but dovetails with previous Alliance publications, setting out our policy priorities for the next five years with a focus on issues over which Westminster has direct control or significant influence,” said Mrs Long.

“Alliance positions on issues such as public finances, institutional reform, the environment, migration and international affairs outline the positive, progressive and solution-focused representation Alliance MPs will deliver for everyone in Northern Ireland.

“Alliance MPs intend to use their influence at Westminster to push for a fairer financial deal for Northern Ireland. That would allow us to improve our public finances, invest in sustainable public services and tackle the cost-of-living and cost-of-doing-business crises still impacting many people across our society.

"They would also work for reform of the Stormont institutions, so no single party can collapse the Assembly and Executive again.

“Leading change on fairer funding and more stable institutions would equal a brighter future for our entire community.

"I am confident Alliance will build on our record of delivery in previous Westminster mandates to do just that.”

Alliance's Leading Change manifesto is available here.