Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has said that a “fair and balanced” agreement can still be reached with the European Union.
Speaking after the UK Government published guidance on preparing for a ‘no deal’ Brexit, Mr Nicholson also said the public has a right to know about the consequences of any likely Brexit outcome.
Jim Nicholson MEP said:
“No deal is obviously one of the least preferred outcomes. It would mean high instability across the UK economy and have serious impacts on many areas of our lives. However, given the fact that we are months away from the Brexit deadline, it would be imprudent for the Government not to prepare for all eventualities.
“Ultimately, the public has a right to know about the consequences of any likely Brexit outcome.
“However, while “no deal” may be dominating the headlines, there is still time for a fair and balanced agreement to be reached between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
“My own sense is that Brussels is finally coming round to the idea that the UK’s future relationship with the EU will be a bespoke deal. It was always unreasonable for the EU to insist that the UK could only have an “off the shelf” model given the importance of the UK market to the EU and vice-versa.”