'DUP Will Not Accept Any Form Of Regulatory Divergence' - Foster

DUP Leader Arlene Foster has said the party "will not accept any form of regulatory divergence" which separates Northern Ireland from the UK post-Brexit.

Mrs Foster made the statement in response to reports that a draft agreement had been circulated suggesting a 'regulatory alignment' between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland following the UK's departure from the EU.

However, Mrs Foster said the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom "will not be compromised in any way".

"Her Majesty's Government understands the DUP position," she said.

"The Prime Minister has told the House of Commons that there will be no border in the Irish Sea. The Prime Minister has been clear that the UK is leaving the European Union as a whole and the territorial and economic integrity of the United Kingdom will be protected.

"We want to see a sensible Brexit where the Common Travel Area is continued, we meet our financial obligations, have a strictly time limited implementation period and where the contribution of EU migrants to our economy is recognised in a practical manner.

"The Republic of Ireland claim to be guarantors of the Belfast Agreement but they are clearly seeking to unilaterally change the Belfast Agreement without our input or consent."

(LM)