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The president of the European Parliament has pledged to safeguard the interests of Irish agriculture in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Speaking after the UK parliament’s rejection of prime minister Theresa May's withdrawl agreement, president Antonio Tajani stated: “We must ensure that that border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is a flexible border, but that, at the same time, the interests of European health, agriculture and food industry are safeguarded.”
Catastrophe in every aspect
He described a UK exit without an agreement as “a catastrophe in every aspect”.
However, as hardline Brexiteers continue to assert that the EU must relent on the issue of a backstop at the Irish border, president Tajani voiced his support for the current Brexit deal negotiated by Michel Barnier.
He said Barnier had conducted negotiations with the UK with “moderation, intelligence and wisdom”.
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