Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Robin Swann MLA, has criticised the latest comments from Irish Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar, about the backstop.
Ulster Unionist Leader, Robin Swann, MLA said:
“I am deeply disappointed to hear the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar saying that the Irish Government must stand its ground on the backstop. He is sending out mixed messages. Only yesterday he welcomed our proposals to break the logjam over the backstop yet today he has retreated to the trenches. His approach is destined to break the Belfast Agreement and I would respectfully suggest that he should reflect on his comments.
“It is clear that he hasn`t listened to a single word about the genuine concerns of unionists which we expressed when we engaged with him and Irish Government officials. If this had been the approach of previous Irish Government administrations, there would never have been a Belfast Agreement. We have tried to be constructive but it is clear that the Varadkar Government just isn`t interested in listening to the views of Unionists. This approach does not bode well for the future.
“Loosening Northern Ireland`s ties with the rest of the UK via the backstop and undermining the Belfast Agreement, is not the way to achieve a deal. No EU country could or would accept the backstop. The imposition of an internal border in the United Kingdom to protect the external border of the EU is totally unacceptable. We all want a deal, but to get one, everybody needs to work for it.”