Empey welcomes Government assurances on internal UK arrangements post Brexit

Ulster Unionist Peer Lord Empey has welcomed assurances from the Government that there will be no new barriers created to living and doing business within the United Kingdom following Brexit.

Lord Empey said:

“As the United Kingdom moves towards Brexit, concerns have been raised as to what type of border will exist between Northern Ireland and the Republic. Fears have also been voiced as to the possibility of an internal border developing within the United Kingdom between Northern Ireland and GB.

“During a debate in the House of Lords yesterday (Monday) on the European Union Bill, I told the Government, ‘When it comes down to it, we need assurances that there are red lines in the forthcoming negotiations, and one of those red lines must be that there will be no internal border within the United Kingdom.’

“I welcome the Government response from Lord Dunlop, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland and Scotland Office who said,

‘I can give my noble friend firm assurance that this Government are clear that we must do nothing that makes any citizens of our country feel strangers in that country. Our guiding principle as we leave the EU will be that no new barriers to living and doing business within our own union are created.’

“This commitment will be warmly welcomed by all those in Northern Ireland who wish to ensure that no barriers are erected between Northern Ireland and Great Britain as citizens wish to travel or trade within the United Kingdom.”

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