Ulster Unionist Peer, Lord Empey, has stated that proposals for ‘special status’ for Northern Ireland are a Trojan horse to weaken our links with the rest of the UK.
Lord Empey said:
“Congratulations are due to Jim Nicholson MEP and all those who successfully resisted the pernicious proposal to give Northern Ireland 'special status' within the EU. This is shorthand for having a status that is something less than a full constituent part of the United Kingdom and the undermining of the principle of consent. There are those who want to use Brexit as a way of weakening our ties with London and it is a matter of regret that the Alliance Party among others is floating this idea.
“I think the European Parliament have confirmed the parameters within which the new relationship with Brussels will be forged after 2019 and it is entirely consistent with the UK negotiating position. We all want to see a 'soft' border, the continuation of the common travel area and as little disruption to trade as possible.
“The vote is a big blow to Sinn Fein and their communist allies in Strasbourg. This idea is and always was a Trojan horse to weaken our links with the rest of the UK and it is encouraging to see this proposal so roundly defeated.”