Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has called on the European Union to grasp the opportunity of agreeing a “deep and comprehensive trade deal” with the United Kingdom, as MEPs debated the latest European Parliament Brexit resolution in Strasbourg this week.

Highlighting that nobody wants a return to the borders of the past, Mr Nicholson also pointed out that any agreement must respect the integrity of the United Kingdom single market, Northern Ireland’s most important single market for sales.

Mr Nicholson said:

“While we should not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, we now have a real opportunity to agree a deep and comprehensive deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

“It has always been the case that the best way to find solutions to the question of the border between the United Kingdom and the European Union is to discuss future trade and customs arrangements.

“None of us want a return to the borders of the past. Equally, we cannot tolerate anything that would create an internal UK border down the Irish Sea. Anything that jeopardises the integrity of the United Kingdom single market, and puts up barriers to trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, will have a serious impact on our economy. Sales to Great Britain make up some 60% of all external sales from Northern Ireland.

“The Government and the European Union must now grasp the opportunity of moving to phase two of the talks and agree a deal that works for all parties. That can only be achieved if we work together with cool heads. Continued grandstanding and megaphone diplomacy from Brussels will help no one.”