PM's Two Border Brexit Plan Is Farcical- Alliance

The Prime Minister's reported plans to propose "two borders" as a backstop alternative have been slammed by Northern Ireland's Alliance Party.

Boris Johnson's strategy would put a regulatory border down the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, while also adding customs checks to border areas with the Republic.

Alliance Leader and MEP Naomi Long said the UK Government plans are "farcical".

It's understood the scheme would keep the region under much of the single market laws until 2025.

"This proposal is in many ways the worst of both worlds, as we've gone from having no new borders to having two," said Mrs Long.

"There is no respect for the particular complexities of Northern Ireland, our interdependent economy and society, and the Good Friday Agreement."

After the period, it would be up to Stormont to decide whether to stick to the arrangements or adopt British trading rules- another element that garnered criticism.

"The idea the Assembly, which hasn't sat for nearly three years, would be able to come back and take on the responsibility for an international treaty which is between heads of sovereign Governments, is a ludicrous proposition.

"It would not only be unworkable, but would place any chance to get the Assembly up and running in complete jeopardy. There is simply no chance of any of this actually happening. It is confirmation no deal has been the aim of the UK Government all along. These are farcical proposals and in no way serious. Boris Johnson is playing games."

Meanwhile, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said the situation would "strangle" the Northern Ireland economy.

The Foyle MLA urged leaders in Westminster to unite to remove Mr Johnson from office.

Mr Eastwood said: "Boris Johnson's reported offer to the European Union literally doubles down on his hard border plan. A regulatory border in the Irish Sea and a customs border across this island will strangle the local economy and runs contrary to the interests of communities and businesses here.

"It is clear that he now sees himself as the Brexit Godfather, making an offer that the EU can only refuse. The British Government is accelerating toward a no-deal exit on 31st October and it must be stopped.

"I have written to the Leaders of the Labour Party, the SNP and the Liberal Democrats at Westminster today asking them to take part in an unprecedented act of political selflessness to stop this chaos and protect the fragile interests of Northern Ireland. They must come together, pass a motion of no confidence in Johnson and unite behind a common candidate as a temporary measure to extend the Article 50 period."



(JG/CM)