· Days of ‘Brexiteers’ and ‘Remainers’ are over
· Special status will damage local economy
· We will leave the EU as one United Kingdom
Ulster Unionist Westminster candidate for South Antrim, Danny Kinahan has said that ‘special status’ for Northern Ireland within the EU risks putting Northern Ireland on the fringes of the Union.
Danny Kinahan said:
“Since the referendum my Party has been very clear, the days of ‘Remainers’ and ‘Brexiteers’ are over. The decision has been made, we are leaving the European Union.
“While some parties are putting forward the idea of ‘special status’, this will only create barriers with the rest of the United Kingdom, and risks putting Northern Ireland on the fringes of the Union.
“Trade with Great Britain accounts for 60 percent of Northern Ireland external sales and far exceeds trade with the European Union. Any sort of ‘special status’ arrangement would place unnecessary restrictions with our largest trading partner.
“Likewise ‘special status’ for Northern Ireland would mean immigration controls between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Northern Ireland citizens should not be reduced to second class status within the Union, and we will oppose any internal borders within the United Kingdom.
“It is no surprise that Sinn Fein are attempting to use ‘special status’ as a guise to break up the Union, however the Belfast Agreement made clear that Northern Ireland remains an integral part of the United Kingdom until the majority of its people say otherwise. Placing a de-facto border along the Irish Sea risks breaching this Agreement.
“The efforts of all parties would be best served trying to achieve the best deal for Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom, rather than attempting to block Brexit by the back door. This means getting a deal that works for our businesses, our universities, our farmers, our community & voluntary sector and for our environment.
“In 1973 we joined the EEC as one United Kingdom, and we will leave the European Union as one United Kingdom.”
ENDS