UK Govt: No Checkpoints Between NI And RoI Following Brexit

The UK government has said it does not want any checkpoints between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (RoI) following Brexit.

A new paper setting out proposals for a future customs relationship with the European Union has been unveiled by the Government.

The paper suggests a "new customs partnership" or a "highly streamlined customs relationship".

A Government source said: "Both sides need to show flexibility and imagination when it comes to the border issue in Northern Ireland and that is exactly what our latest position paper will do.

"As Michel Barnier (EU chief negotiator) himself has said, the solution cannot be based on a precedent so we're looking forward to seeing the EU's position paper on Ireland.

"But it's right that as we shape the unprecedented model, we have some very clear principles. Top of our list is to agree upfront no physical border infrastructure - that would mean a return to the border posts of the past and is completely unacceptable to the UK."

Secretary of State for Exiting the EU David Davis said: "The approaches we are setting out today will benefit both the EU and UK and avoid a cliff-edge for businesses and individuals on both sides.

"The way we approach the movement of goods across our border will be a critical building block for our independent trade policy. An interim period would mean businesses only need to adjust once to the new regime and would allow for a smooth and orderly transition."

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MLA said the British Government is still not ready, or at least unwilling, to publish serious or credible proposals on Brexit.

He said: "In attempting to rule out checks at ports and airports, it is clear that the political fingerprints of the DUP are all over this paper. Without a functioning Executive at Stormont, it is clear who the British Government are taking their lead from on Brexit.

"It is obvious that this paper will be a long, long way from achieving special status for Northern Ireland.

"No matter what spin the British Government attempts to put out - any suggestion of the use of surveillance cameras must be ruled out. Cameras are a physical border, they will cause delays and they will mean establishing a new economic border in Ireland without our consent.

"Of course there is an easier answer to the Irish border question – the British Government could give up its hard Brexit position and negotiate to remain a member of the European customs union.

"The British Government also appears to conveniently and deliberately ignore Ireland's responsibilities and obligations as a member of the European Union. It presumes that the EU will do everything to accommodate the British but in return the British will do nothing to accommodate the needs of the EU and of Ireland.

"The SDLP will carefully study the contents of this paper and will make a full response to the British Government that is in the interests of the people on this Island not just Britain's Brexiteers."

However, DUP Leader Arlene Foster MLA said the paper is a "constructive step" by Her Majesty's Government.

She said: "It is clear the Government has listened to voices in Belfast, Dublin, Brussels and London about how the United Kingdom's only EU land border could be managed after we Exit the EU.

"I welcome the commitment to a seamless border and movement of goods between Ireland and Northern Ireland. It is also welcome news that the Government will not countenance any new border in the Irish Sea."

(CD/LM)