Menu
14/12/2018
PM Must Stand Up To EU Leaders On Brexit Backstop- Arlene Foster
Arlene Foster has warned Prime Minister Theresa May that she must not roll over in the face of EU opposition.
The DUP leader released a statement, urging Mrs May to stand up to fellow European leaders and demand amendments to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.
It follows the Prime Minister's bid to seek further assurances on the Northern Ireland backstop at the EU summit in Brussels on Thursday 13 December, when EU leaders rejected her attempts and openly criticised her negotiating strategy.
After cancelling the House of Commons vote on her proposed withdrawal agreement, Mrs May was searching for a way to get it through parliament, insisting it was possible if she could gain legal assurance that the backstop would be temporary.
Mrs Foster, whose party is keeping the Government in power through its confidence and supply deal at Westminster, has vowed to vote against the deal if the controversial backstop is not abandoned.
The DUP is strongly against the border plan as it would see Northern Ireland adhere to an EU regulatory framework, if the wider trade deal between the UK and EU was not secured.
The party believe such an outcome would undermine the constitutional integrity of the UK and create an economic border between NI and Great Britain.
In response to the EU's refusal to renegotiate the deal, Mrs Foster said: "The Prime Minister has promised to get legally binding changes.
"The reaction by the EU is unsurprising. They are doing what they always do.
"The key question is whether the Prime Minister will stand up to them or whether she will roll over, as has happened previously.
"This is a difficulty of the Prime Minister's own making. A deal was signed off which the Prime Minister should have known would not gain the support of Parliament.
"If the Prime Minister had listened to our warnings and stood by her public commitments, we would not be in this situation."
(JG)
The DUP leader released a statement, urging Mrs May to stand up to fellow European leaders and demand amendments to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.
It follows the Prime Minister's bid to seek further assurances on the Northern Ireland backstop at the EU summit in Brussels on Thursday 13 December, when EU leaders rejected her attempts and openly criticised her negotiating strategy.
After cancelling the House of Commons vote on her proposed withdrawal agreement, Mrs May was searching for a way to get it through parliament, insisting it was possible if she could gain legal assurance that the backstop would be temporary.
Mrs Foster, whose party is keeping the Government in power through its confidence and supply deal at Westminster, has vowed to vote against the deal if the controversial backstop is not abandoned.
The DUP is strongly against the border plan as it would see Northern Ireland adhere to an EU regulatory framework, if the wider trade deal between the UK and EU was not secured.
The party believe such an outcome would undermine the constitutional integrity of the UK and create an economic border between NI and Great Britain.
In response to the EU's refusal to renegotiate the deal, Mrs Foster said: "The Prime Minister has promised to get legally binding changes.
"The reaction by the EU is unsurprising. They are doing what they always do.
"The key question is whether the Prime Minister will stand up to them or whether she will roll over, as has happened previously.
"This is a difficulty of the Prime Minister's own making. A deal was signed off which the Prime Minister should have known would not gain the support of Parliament.
"If the Prime Minister had listened to our warnings and stood by her public commitments, we would not be in this situation."
(JG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 June 2017
DUP To Continue Talks With Conservatives
DUP leader Arlene Foster is to continue discussions with the Conservatives in London today, 14 June. Mrs Foster said she hoped an agreement would be reached today. Speaking after a meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday, 13 June, Mrs Foster said Brexit, counter-terrorism, taxation and the economy have been discussed.
DUP To Continue Talks With Conservatives
DUP leader Arlene Foster is to continue discussions with the Conservatives in London today, 14 June. Mrs Foster said she hoped an agreement would be reached today. Speaking after a meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday, 13 June, Mrs Foster said Brexit, counter-terrorism, taxation and the economy have been discussed.
25 July 2016
PM Meets With Foster And McGuinness During Visit to NI
Prime Minister (PM) Theresa May has met with the First Minister and deputy First Minister during her visit to Northern Ireland. Mrs May said her meeting with Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness was in relation to the impact of the Brexit vote.
PM Meets With Foster And McGuinness During Visit to NI
Prime Minister (PM) Theresa May has met with the First Minister and deputy First Minister during her visit to Northern Ireland. Mrs May said her meeting with Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness was in relation to the impact of the Brexit vote.
09 October 2002
Sinn Fein seeks Dail motion objecting to assembly suspension
As the power-sharing assembly nears closer to direct rule, Sinn Fein has tabled a motion in the Irish parliament, the Dail, calling for all-party opposition to any move by the British government to suspend the Stormont assembly.
Sinn Fein seeks Dail motion objecting to assembly suspension
As the power-sharing assembly nears closer to direct rule, Sinn Fein has tabled a motion in the Irish parliament, the Dail, calling for all-party opposition to any move by the British government to suspend the Stormont assembly.
28 November 2018
Hopes For L'Derry City Deal Early Next Year
A Sinn Fein MP has said she is hopeful that a City Deal for the L'Derry and the north West will be announced in the early part of 2019. It follows a meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May at Stormont on Tuesday 27 November, in which Elisha McCallion MP advocated for the funding.
Hopes For L'Derry City Deal Early Next Year
A Sinn Fein MP has said she is hopeful that a City Deal for the L'Derry and the north West will be announced in the early part of 2019. It follows a meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May at Stormont on Tuesday 27 November, in which Elisha McCallion MP advocated for the funding.
22 September 2009
Devolution Talks To Resume In NYC
Northern Ireland's top ministers will continue discussions over devolved policing and justice powers in New York tomorrow. However, First Minister Peter Robinson (pictured) has rejected the Deputy First Minister's suggestions talks were nearing completion.
Devolution Talks To Resume In NYC
Northern Ireland's top ministers will continue discussions over devolved policing and justice powers in New York tomorrow. However, First Minister Peter Robinson (pictured) has rejected the Deputy First Minister's suggestions talks were nearing completion.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
