Ulster Unionist Leader, Robin Swann MLA, has stated that the new proposals from the UK Government would see Northern Ireland left in a perpetual cycle of uncertainty. Robin Swann MLA said: “The Prime Minister and the DUP are fooling no-one with these proposals. This new protocol should be deeply concerning for all those who have the long term economic and constitutional welfare of Northern Ireland and its people at heart. “Northern Ireland would be locked into continual political debates about Brexit and alignment with the rest of the UK or EU. They would set the theme of every Assembly and Westminster election. It plunges Northern Ireland into a referendum in the Assembly Chamber every four years with high stakes consequences for our people. It will keep our businesses and agri-food sector in a perpetual cycle of uncertainty. “These proposals haven`t been thought through and would see DUP statements that Northern Ireland would leave the EU on the same terms as the rest of the United Kingdom being flipped on their heads. “Northern Ireland would become a hybrid part of the UK with a border up the Irish Sea. “This represents a road to Damascus conversion by the DUP and a very sharp u-turn on statements they made to the Northern Ireland public. The Prime Minister and the DUP were full of big talk. These proposals don`t offer them much of a fig leaf.”
First Up wrote: » fash wrote: The UK can stay in a no deal for longer than one might expect- why would Johnson not brazen it out for 5 years, blaming the EU along the way? He can blame who he likes. The people he'll have to answer to are not the EU.
fash wrote: The UK can stay in a no deal for longer than one might expect- why would Johnson not brazen it out for 5 years, blaming the EU along the way?
fash wrote: » True enough- but it's quite possible he'll only have to face those people after 5 years.
FrancieBrady wrote: » Juncker spoiling Boris's day by not dismissing plans out of hand.
GM228 wrote: » Has agreed to further UK/EU talks.
prawnsambo wrote: » fash wrote: » True enough- but it's quite possible he'll only have to face those people after 5 years. Well that's highly unlikely given the state of his negative majority and the polls being less than encouraging should an election be called. Even if he manages to hang on somehow, the next election would be in 2022 anyway.
fash wrote: True enough- but it's quite possible he'll only have to face those people after 5 years.
AlmightyCushion wrote: » If we accept this deal, we have a border and that's it. At least if we hold out there is a chance at no border (because they went with the WA or withdraw article 50) or we do get a border but because the UK does not have a deal with the EU (and won't get one until they sort the border issue) it will put them in a very bad position that they could reconsider the WA again. No deal is bad, but a bad deal that puts a border up is even worse. This is a bad deal.
Tippex wrote: » The interesting thing will be that Michel Barnier will most likely trash this.
GM228 wrote: » Johnson is to request the Queen to prorogue Parliament again, next week for 3 days.
Alun wrote: » For what reason?
GM228 wrote: » Queens speech.
Mefistofelino wrote: » I wouldn't be too ecstatic. Currently there are interconnector projects between the Ireland & UK and UK to France. Effectively, because of Brexit, we've now got to install a massive extension lead between Ireland and France. Given the cost of similar projects, that will be North of a billion euro, of which the EU will give~ half. We still have to pony up at least half a billion Euro for infrastructure that probably wouldn't have been required otherwise.
Strazdas wrote: » Most analysts think this is essentially a 'tactical manoeuvre' by Johnson and is not meant to be a serious offer. He seems to be playing the long game and this is merely a minor step or diversion before he moves onto the next phase.
ToBeFrank123 wrote: » No deal equals a border. It means reverting to WTA rules, tariffs, customs and so on. No Deal crashout also lets the UK off the hook.
BorneTobyWilde wrote: » No immediate rejection from Michelle Barney Eh . That has to be progress. Seems they are looking at what is on offer.
Imreoir2 wrote: » What is the point of a Queens Speach, setting out the governments legislative program for the coming session, if you are at the same time demanding an election because you can't get anything done in parliament? Seems rather contradictory if you ask me.
