There will be no physical border infrastructure or checks on the border between the republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland when Brexit occurs, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised on Tuesday. Speaking to An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar by phone, the new British prime minister indicated that he will visit Northern Ireland ‘shortly’ to speak to the leaders of the five main parties about this.
“In all scenarios, the [British] government will be steadfast in its commitment to the Belfast Agreement and will never put physical checks or physical infrastructure on the border,” a Downing Street spokesperson said. “The prime minister made clear that the government will approach any negotiations which take place with determination and energy and in a spirit of friendship, and that his clear preference is to leave the EU with a deal, but it must be one that abolishes the backstop.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrives at Downing Street on 24 July 2019
Johnson also said that the UK will leave the EU on 31 October "no matter what".
An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar said that he emphasised to Johnson that the backstop was necessary as a result of decisions taken in the UK and by the British government. Varadkar explained that the EU is united in its view that the withdrawal agreement could not be renegotiated.
“Alternative arrangements could replace the backstop in the future, as envisaged in the withdrawal agreement and the political declaration on the future relationship, but thus far satisfactory options have yet to be identified and demonstrated,” a spokesperson for the Taoiseach said following the call.
Johnson said that the ongoing talks have his unequivocal support and that he wanted to continue to work closely with the Irish Government to help drive the process towards a successful conclusion.
Read more
Boris Johnson's border wish: could it happen?
There will be no physical border infrastructure or checks on the border between the republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland when Brexit occurs, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised on Tuesday. Speaking to An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar by phone, the new British prime minister indicated that he will visit Northern Ireland ‘shortly’ to speak to the leaders of the five main parties about this.
“In all scenarios, the [British] government will be steadfast in its commitment to the Belfast Agreement and will never put physical checks or physical infrastructure on the border,” a Downing Street spokesperson said. “The prime minister made clear that the government will approach any negotiations which take place with determination and energy and in a spirit of friendship, and that his clear preference is to leave the EU with a deal, but it must be one that abolishes the backstop.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrives at Downing Street on 24 July 2019
Johnson also said that the UK will leave the EU on 31 October "no matter what".
An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar said that he emphasised to Johnson that the backstop was necessary as a result of decisions taken in the UK and by the British government. Varadkar explained that the EU is united in its view that the withdrawal agreement could not be renegotiated.
“Alternative arrangements could replace the backstop in the future, as envisaged in the withdrawal agreement and the political declaration on the future relationship, but thus far satisfactory options have yet to be identified and demonstrated,” a spokesperson for the Taoiseach said following the call.
Johnson said that the ongoing talks have his unequivocal support and that he wanted to continue to work closely with the Irish Government to help drive the process towards a successful conclusion.
Read more
Boris Johnson's border wish: could it happen?
SHARING OPTIONS