Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has called on MEPs to reject any attempt to use Brexit to weaken the constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom.
The European Parliament today (Tuesday) debated a resolution on the state of play of Brexit negotiations, which included text suggesting Northern Ireland remains in the single market and customs union, even if the rest of the UK remains outside both.
Mr Nicholson described the proposal as “essentially calling for an international border to be placed between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom” and warned MEPs that they risk turning their back on decades of good relations with all communities in Northern Ireland.
Speaking after the debate, Mr Nicholson said:
“For decades, during some very dark times, Europe was a friend to Northern Ireland, without taking a side.
“I will always remember at the time of the ceasefires of 1994, I met with Jacques Delors along with my 2 other MEP colleagues from Northern Ireland. This resulted in the establishment of the PEACE programmes, which by 2020 will have brought over €2billion in funds for Northern Ireland and the border region of the Republic of Ireland.
“However, from the text on the border proposed by the Parliament it is clear to me that Europe is now taking a side on Northern Ireland.
“By calling for Northern Ireland to remain in the Single Market and Customs Union, with the rest of the United Kingdom outside, Mr Verhofstadt is essentially calling for an international border to be placed between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom.
“I will not accept any attempt by anyone in the European Parliament, the corridors of the European Commission or anywhere else to use Brexit as an excuse to break up our country.
“The Belfast Agreement - which the European Parliament and Member States have pledged to defend in these negotiations - is very clear. Northern Ireland is a full part of the United Kingdom.
“We entered the then EEC as one United Kingdom, and we will leave the European Union as one United Kingdom.
“This is a sad day for me. By backing this text, it feels as though Europe is turning its back on decades of good relations with all communities in Northern Ireland. That is a huge mistake.”