Menu
27/02/2019
Brexit: MP's Offered Vote To Delay Article 50
Prime Minister Theresa May has promised her MP's a vote on delaying Brexit, while DUP Leader Arlene Foster has warned that the experience of Northern Ireland proves extending the deadline does not secure progress towards a deal.
As it stands, the UK is set to leave the EU on Friday 29 March, but in a statement to the House of Commons on Tuesday, 26 February, Theresa May offered MP's a chance to vote to delay if her deal is rejected again next month.
Following talks with the Prime Minister in London, Mrs Foster said that Northern Ireland's past shows an extended deadline will do nothing to encourage a deal.
She commented: "A no deal outcome can be avoided and it can be agreed long before the 29th March. The European Union have it in their hands to avoid such an outcome. They know exactly what is required to achieve a deal which Parliament can support. It's time for Dublin and Brussels to be in a deal-making mode."
Meanwhile, Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann has said a delay to leaving the EU may be the best option if it ultimately results in agreement.
He explained: "The Ulster Unionist Party has previously called for an extension to Article 50 and it seems the Prime minister has been listening. If it ensures we get a deal, then a short extension is unfortunate but worth it in the end. We want to see the Referendum result honoured but, with a deal for Northern Ireland that does not include the backstop which undermines the Belfast Agreement and the principle of consent."
The MLA for north Antrim continued: "The Brexit which the DUP promised will not be delivered by the present proposals. What we are facing is the ongoing jurisdiction of the European Court; inability for UK to negotiate and implement trade deals with third countries; goods from England coming to Northern Ireland to be treated as if they were from 3rd country; a top heavy series of committees effectively running Northern Ireland with no input from here. The UK will be a rule taker from EU with no representation."
After the Prime Minister's deal was overwhelmingly rejected by MP's in January, she has been trying to seek assurances from the EU to rally the support of Parliament.
The UK remains in talks with Brussels over the Irish backstop policy, which aims to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. MP's have been assured they will get to vote again on the deal by 12 March, just 17 days before the divorce deadline.
(JG/CM)
As it stands, the UK is set to leave the EU on Friday 29 March, but in a statement to the House of Commons on Tuesday, 26 February, Theresa May offered MP's a chance to vote to delay if her deal is rejected again next month.
Following talks with the Prime Minister in London, Mrs Foster said that Northern Ireland's past shows an extended deadline will do nothing to encourage a deal.
She commented: "A no deal outcome can be avoided and it can be agreed long before the 29th March. The European Union have it in their hands to avoid such an outcome. They know exactly what is required to achieve a deal which Parliament can support. It's time for Dublin and Brussels to be in a deal-making mode."
Meanwhile, Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann has said a delay to leaving the EU may be the best option if it ultimately results in agreement.
He explained: "The Ulster Unionist Party has previously called for an extension to Article 50 and it seems the Prime minister has been listening. If it ensures we get a deal, then a short extension is unfortunate but worth it in the end. We want to see the Referendum result honoured but, with a deal for Northern Ireland that does not include the backstop which undermines the Belfast Agreement and the principle of consent."
The MLA for north Antrim continued: "The Brexit which the DUP promised will not be delivered by the present proposals. What we are facing is the ongoing jurisdiction of the European Court; inability for UK to negotiate and implement trade deals with third countries; goods from England coming to Northern Ireland to be treated as if they were from 3rd country; a top heavy series of committees effectively running Northern Ireland with no input from here. The UK will be a rule taker from EU with no representation."
After the Prime Minister's deal was overwhelmingly rejected by MP's in January, she has been trying to seek assurances from the EU to rally the support of Parliament.
The UK remains in talks with Brussels over the Irish backstop policy, which aims to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. MP's have been assured they will get to vote again on the deal by 12 March, just 17 days before the divorce deadline.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 January 2019
Brexit: PM Facing No Confidence Vote After Huge Defeat
Prime Minister Theresa May's government will face a vote of no confidence later today after MP's voted down her Brexit deal. Following the agreement setting out the terms of the UK's divorce from the EU was rejected by 230 votes last night, 15 January, Labour launched the bid to trigger a general election.
Brexit: PM Facing No Confidence Vote After Huge Defeat
Prime Minister Theresa May's government will face a vote of no confidence later today after MP's voted down her Brexit deal. Following the agreement setting out the terms of the UK's divorce from the EU was rejected by 230 votes last night, 15 January, Labour launched the bid to trigger a general election.
03 September 2019
Retail Chiefs Slam Gove's Fresh Food Claims
Local retail representatives have dismissed Michael Gove's claims that fresh food supplies would be unaffected in a no-deal Brexit. The minister, who is responsible for the Government's no-deal preparations, said, "there will be no shortages of fresh food" if the UK crashes out without a deal on 31 October.
Retail Chiefs Slam Gove's Fresh Food Claims
Local retail representatives have dismissed Michael Gove's claims that fresh food supplies would be unaffected in a no-deal Brexit. The minister, who is responsible for the Government's no-deal preparations, said, "there will be no shortages of fresh food" if the UK crashes out without a deal on 31 October.
01 August 2019
NI Parties Set Out Brexit Demands
As October 31 draws closer, Northern Ireland's political leaders have laid out their demands for an orderly Brexit with new Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Political leaders have urged the UK premier to avoid a no-deal crash out, while some are calling for the implementation of direct rule if devolution cannot be restored.
NI Parties Set Out Brexit Demands
As October 31 draws closer, Northern Ireland's political leaders have laid out their demands for an orderly Brexit with new Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Political leaders have urged the UK premier to avoid a no-deal crash out, while some are calling for the implementation of direct rule if devolution cannot be restored.
17 February 2022
Teachers' Council Rejects Pay Offer
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has said that she is disappointed with a lack of progress in negotiations after the Northern Ireland Teachers' Council (NITC) has rejected a formal offer on teachers' pay.
Teachers' Council Rejects Pay Offer
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has said that she is disappointed with a lack of progress in negotiations after the Northern Ireland Teachers' Council (NITC) has rejected a formal offer on teachers' pay.
20 June 2013
Conference Announced To Promote Jobs In NI
First Minister the Rt. Hon. Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have announced a major Investment Conference on 10 and 11 October 2013 to promote jobs and growth in Northern Ireland.
Conference Announced To Promote Jobs In NI
First Minister the Rt. Hon. Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have announced a major Investment Conference on 10 and 11 October 2013 to promote jobs and growth in Northern Ireland.
-
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.
