Menu
11/06/2019
Tory Leader Candidates 'Don't Understand Border Challenge'
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MLA has said that the proposed solutions to the Brexit border challenges made by the Tory Leadership hopefuls range from the ridiculous to the insulting.
The Foyle MLA said that fantasy technology, bribes and bluster are no substitute for the terms of the backstop.
He said: "Just when you think you've heard it all, another Tory Leadership hopeful blunders into the Brexit border debate with proposals that range from ridiculous to insulting.
"A number of challengers have made suggestions from bilateral negotiation with the Irish Government to resequencing withdrawal discussions to remove the border. While they may play well with the Tory base, these proposals amount to a substantive renegotiation which the EU has made clear is not up for discussion.
"The suggestion from Sajid Javid, however, really is offensive. The notion that Britain can slip Ireland £500m for our trouble and think we'll agree, presumably with a nod and a wink, to say no more is crass and amateur. It amounts to diplomatic bribery and solves absolutely nothing.
"Whoever the next British Prime Minister needs to get real very quickly. There is no deal on the table that doesn't involve the backstop or remaining within the single market and customs union. The alternative is a crash out Brexit which would be a disaster for these islands. Playing to the Tory party gallery during a leadership challenge is all well and good but people on this island will not be taken for granted or bought off."
The Foyle MLA said that fantasy technology, bribes and bluster are no substitute for the terms of the backstop.
He said: "Just when you think you've heard it all, another Tory Leadership hopeful blunders into the Brexit border debate with proposals that range from ridiculous to insulting.
"A number of challengers have made suggestions from bilateral negotiation with the Irish Government to resequencing withdrawal discussions to remove the border. While they may play well with the Tory base, these proposals amount to a substantive renegotiation which the EU has made clear is not up for discussion.
"The suggestion from Sajid Javid, however, really is offensive. The notion that Britain can slip Ireland £500m for our trouble and think we'll agree, presumably with a nod and a wink, to say no more is crass and amateur. It amounts to diplomatic bribery and solves absolutely nothing.
"Whoever the next British Prime Minister needs to get real very quickly. There is no deal on the table that doesn't involve the backstop or remaining within the single market and customs union. The alternative is a crash out Brexit which would be a disaster for these islands. Playing to the Tory party gallery during a leadership challenge is all well and good but people on this island will not be taken for granted or bought off."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 August 2022
UUP Urge Tory Leadership Contenders To Prioritise Protocol
UUP Leader Doug Beattie has called on Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss to make dealing the Northern Ireland Protocol a top priority.
UUP Urge Tory Leadership Contenders To Prioritise Protocol
UUP Leader Doug Beattie has called on Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss to make dealing the Northern Ireland Protocol a top priority.
18 July 2022
Heatwave Highlights Importance Of Tackling Climate Crisis
The heatwave currently sweeping Ireland and Britain highlights the importance of tackling the climate crisis, SDLP Climate Champion Cara Hunter has said. Hunter was speaking amid speculation that Tory leadership candidates may roll back the British government's target to reach net zero by 2050.
Heatwave Highlights Importance Of Tackling Climate Crisis
The heatwave currently sweeping Ireland and Britain highlights the importance of tackling the climate crisis, SDLP Climate Champion Cara Hunter has said. Hunter was speaking amid speculation that Tory leadership candidates may roll back the British government's target to reach net zero by 2050.
18 May 2018
Tory Position On Border Poll 'Untenable'
The Conservative position on a border poll has been described as "untenable" by Sinn Féin MEP, Martina Anderson. Speaking at the Balmoral Show, Anderson challenged the Secretary of State, Karen Bradley, on the border poll, Brexit and the release of legacy funding. She said: "The Tory position on a border poll is untenable.
Tory Position On Border Poll 'Untenable'
The Conservative position on a border poll has been described as "untenable" by Sinn Féin MEP, Martina Anderson. Speaking at the Balmoral Show, Anderson challenged the Secretary of State, Karen Bradley, on the border poll, Brexit and the release of legacy funding. She said: "The Tory position on a border poll is untenable.
17 January 2019
'Disastrous' Brexit Deadlock Blamed For Insurance 'Green Cards'
Political representatives in Northern Ireland have expressed outrage at the potential implications of a no-deal Brexit on cross-border travel, and laid the blame at the door of politicians in Westminster.
'Disastrous' Brexit Deadlock Blamed For Insurance 'Green Cards'
Political representatives in Northern Ireland have expressed outrage at the potential implications of a no-deal Brexit on cross-border travel, and laid the blame at the door of politicians in Westminster.
05 October 2018
NI Pro-Remain Parties To Meet Chief Brexit Negotiator
Politicians from the four main political parties in Northern Ireland who are pro-remain are planning to meet the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels. The delegation includes Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O'Neill, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, Alliance Party deputy leader Stephen Farry and Green Party NI leader Steven Agnew.
NI Pro-Remain Parties To Meet Chief Brexit Negotiator
Politicians from the four main political parties in Northern Ireland who are pro-remain are planning to meet the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels. The delegation includes Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O'Neill, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, Alliance Party deputy leader Stephen Farry and Green Party NI leader Steven Agnew.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
