Write a commentNewry & Armagh MLA Conor Murphy was part of a party delegation which were in Brussels on Monday to meet EU Chief Brexit Negotiator Michel Barnier.
Speaking following the meeting with Mr Barnier, he said
“The British parliament’s refusal to acknowledge the reality of Brexit and the need for the Withdrawal Agreement and backstop leaves only uncertainty and confusion.Their actions increase the possibility of a no-deal crash-out Brexit.Throughout the Brexit process Sinn Féin has met with EU negotiators, officials and leaders.The EU has consistently and fully recognised the progress made since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and the imperative to protect the agreement in the Brexit process"
The MLA continued "At today’s meeting we raised with Mr Barnier the need to continue to protect Irish interests, our economy, our agreements and the rights of citizens in the event of a no-deal Brexit.The British parliament refuses to endorse the Withdrawal Agreement as negotiated by its government so we must plan for the default position of a crash-out Brexit".
Warning of the consequences of a no-deal, the Newry & Armagh MLA said,
"In the event of a no-deal Brexit there can be no return to a hard border on the island of Ireland. There can be no undermining of agreements or citizens’ rights.The EU recognises that the Good Friday Agreement provides for constitutional change and in the event of a unity vote all of Ireland would retain EU membership.The route back to the EU is clear – it means the ending of partition and the avoidance of a hard border in Ireland.”
