Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson today met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP, in Brussels to discuss Brexit issues ahead of this week’s European Council summit.
Speaking after the meeting Mr Nicholson warned of the need for the UK Government to stand by its commitment that the constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom will not be diluted by any Brexit deal.
Jim Nicholson MEP said:
“While it is likely that migration, security and defence will dominate discussions at the European Council summit in Brussels later this week, it could also mark an important point in Brexit talks. I was glad to meet with the Secretary of State today to share my concerns about the negotiations and how they have been conducted to date.
“On the issue of the United Kingdom’s border with the European Union post-Brexit, it is clear that there is still much progress to be made. The European Commission is still unwilling to understand the unionist position in terms of its objection to the December “backstop” agreement as interpreted by the EU. Indeed, this interpretation would itself represent a breach of the same Belfast Agreement the European Union has pledged to protect in Brexit talks.
“Thus far, the UK Government has maintained its position that any Brexit deal must protect the constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom, and it is absolutely vital that it continues to stand by that commitment.”