Menu
04/01/2019
DUP Slams 'Nonsense Propaganda' About Irish Hard Border
The deputy leader of the DUP, Nigel Dodds, has met with Prime Minister Theresa May to reiterate his party's opposition to the EU Withdrawal Agreement, and hit out at the "nonsense propaganda" surrounding the possibility of a hard border.
The meeting took place on Thursday 03 January and the party's Brexit spokesperson, Sammy Wilson, and MEP Diane Dodds travelled to No. 10 Downing Street along with Mr Dodds to urge the Prime Minister to deliver on her commitments to deal with the controversial backstop.
The provision, included in Theresa May's proposed deal, is a position of last resort that seeks to maintain an open border on the island of Ireland in the event that the UK leaves the EU without securing an all-encompassing deal.
The Democratic Unionists currently prop up the Conservative government, and have been outwardly opposed to the backstop.
"The Withdrawal Agreement, as currently proposed, flies in the face of the Government's commitments on Northern Ireland as we leave the EU. Contrary to pro-EU spin, the backstop is not the best of both worlds," the north Belfast MP said in a statement.
"It is potentially indefinite in time, would place a barrier between us and our main trading partner in Great Britain and give enormous leverage to the European Union in the negotiations on the future relationship with the United Kingdom."
Mr Dodds continued that the Irish Government's no-deal preparations, as published just before Christmas, have exposed the hard border as a mere piece of propaganda.
"No one wants a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. Indeed, it is becoming clearer by the day that no one is ever going to construct such a border. With this clarity emerging in London, Dublin and Brussels, there is evidently no need for the aspects of the Withdrawal Agreement which have been so vigorously opposed by a broad cross section of the House of Commons."
The deputy DUP leader pledged to engage in further talks with Mrs May "in the interests of getting a better deal".
"Brussels must now demonstrate that if it truly cares about Northern Ireland, then erecting a new east-west barrier should be no more palatable than having any new north-south barriers," he added.
Northern Ireland's four pro-remain parties, the SDLP, Sinn Fein, Green Party and Alliance have repeatedly stated that their preference is "for no Brexit at all", but have nonetheless outlined the "pressing need" for the backstop, as set out in Mrs May's Withdrawal Agreement, to be banked and secured.
(JG/CM)
The meeting took place on Thursday 03 January and the party's Brexit spokesperson, Sammy Wilson, and MEP Diane Dodds travelled to No. 10 Downing Street along with Mr Dodds to urge the Prime Minister to deliver on her commitments to deal with the controversial backstop.
The provision, included in Theresa May's proposed deal, is a position of last resort that seeks to maintain an open border on the island of Ireland in the event that the UK leaves the EU without securing an all-encompassing deal.
The Democratic Unionists currently prop up the Conservative government, and have been outwardly opposed to the backstop.
"The Withdrawal Agreement, as currently proposed, flies in the face of the Government's commitments on Northern Ireland as we leave the EU. Contrary to pro-EU spin, the backstop is not the best of both worlds," the north Belfast MP said in a statement.
"It is potentially indefinite in time, would place a barrier between us and our main trading partner in Great Britain and give enormous leverage to the European Union in the negotiations on the future relationship with the United Kingdom."
Mr Dodds continued that the Irish Government's no-deal preparations, as published just before Christmas, have exposed the hard border as a mere piece of propaganda.
"No one wants a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. Indeed, it is becoming clearer by the day that no one is ever going to construct such a border. With this clarity emerging in London, Dublin and Brussels, there is evidently no need for the aspects of the Withdrawal Agreement which have been so vigorously opposed by a broad cross section of the House of Commons."
The deputy DUP leader pledged to engage in further talks with Mrs May "in the interests of getting a better deal".
"Brussels must now demonstrate that if it truly cares about Northern Ireland, then erecting a new east-west barrier should be no more palatable than having any new north-south barriers," he added.
Northern Ireland's four pro-remain parties, the SDLP, Sinn Fein, Green Party and Alliance have repeatedly stated that their preference is "for no Brexit at all", but have nonetheless outlined the "pressing need" for the backstop, as set out in Mrs May's Withdrawal Agreement, to be banked and secured.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 February 2019
NI's Pro-Remain Parties Unite To Support Backstop
Northern Ireland's remain-supporting political parties, Sinn Fein, SDLP, Alliance and the Green Party, have issued a joint statement detailing the need to bank the backstop. It comes in the wake of Parliament's support for the Brady amendment that calls for the planned Irish backstop to be replaced by "alternative arrangements".
NI's Pro-Remain Parties Unite To Support Backstop
Northern Ireland's remain-supporting political parties, Sinn Fein, SDLP, Alliance and the Green Party, have issued a joint statement detailing the need to bank the backstop. It comes in the wake of Parliament's support for the Brady amendment that calls for the planned Irish backstop to be replaced by "alternative arrangements".
26 September 2022
DUP Accuse Labour Of Playing 'Dangerous Games'
The DUP has accused the Labour Party of playing "dangerous games" if they appease Sinn Fein's divisive border poll plans. East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson said: "The Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn became so absorbed into Sinn Féin's orbit that it's conference talked about "the north" rather than Northern Ireland. Little seems to have changed.
DUP Accuse Labour Of Playing 'Dangerous Games'
The DUP has accused the Labour Party of playing "dangerous games" if they appease Sinn Fein's divisive border poll plans. East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson said: "The Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn became so absorbed into Sinn Féin's orbit that it's conference talked about "the north" rather than Northern Ireland. Little seems to have changed.
14 January 2019
PM Pleads For Brexit Support Following EU Backstop Assurances
Prime Minister Theresa May has urged MP's to back her Brexit deal after securing assurances from the EU that the Irish backstop would be temporary, in a move dismissed by the Democratic Unionists as "nothing new".
PM Pleads For Brexit Support Following EU Backstop Assurances
Prime Minister Theresa May has urged MP's to back her Brexit deal after securing assurances from the EU that the Irish backstop would be temporary, in a move dismissed by the Democratic Unionists as "nothing new".
10 January 2019
Irish Foreign Minister Criticises Brexiteer Backstop 'Spin'
Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs has denied meddling in UK politics and insisted he has an obligation to challenge those "misrepresenting" what the Withdrawal Agreement means in practice. Simon Coveney added that he does not have an anti-British bone in his body and wants to be a "candid friend" to Ireland's closest neighbour.
Irish Foreign Minister Criticises Brexiteer Backstop 'Spin'
Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs has denied meddling in UK politics and insisted he has an obligation to challenge those "misrepresenting" what the Withdrawal Agreement means in practice. Simon Coveney added that he does not have an anti-British bone in his body and wants to be a "candid friend" to Ireland's closest neighbour.
17 January 2019
Brexit: SDLP Urge Parliament To Secure Backstop
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has written to both the Conservative and Labour Party leaders amid the ongoing Brexit chaos, urging them to uphold the backstop mechanism within the Withdrawal Agreement.
Brexit: SDLP Urge Parliament To Secure Backstop
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has written to both the Conservative and Labour Party leaders amid the ongoing Brexit chaos, urging them to uphold the backstop mechanism within the Withdrawal Agreement.
-
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.
