Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has warned that the EU must face up to the reality of Brexit and the potential impact of a no deal scenario.
Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson, speaking today at the Ulster Unionist Party Executive, said:
“It is now clear that Mr Barnier and those who surround him were only listening to those from Northern Ireland who told them what they wanted to hear and were blocking out all other views. If they continue down that track it could lead to what would be a potentially disastrous no deal Brexit. The law of unintended consequences will apply. And if they think that it would only be the UK that would suffer from the fall-out, they are badly mistaken. The cold winds from a no deal Brexit will blow right across Europe and have a huge negative impact on the Republic of Ireland’s economy.
“This process will most likely go to the wire and beyond. While I can see some chinks of light, the truth is the EU doesn’t want the UK to leave and be more successful than them. However, they need to start dealing with realities. There needs to be a recognition that the backstop must go, not just for Northern Ireland, but for the whole of the UK. Those are the so called red lines that must be crossed.”