SINN Féin MEP Martina Anderson has said the EU need to make it clear to the Tories that the Brexit backstop must be maintained.
Speaking today after attending the joint sitting of the Oireachtas addressed by President of the European Commission, Jean Claude Juncker, Martina Anderson said:
“I welcome EU Commission President Jean Claude Juncker’s speech to the joint sitting of the Oireachtas today and the commitment that Ireland comes first for the EU.
“I, along with my Sinn Féin MP colleagues sat with our TDs and Senators and listened as Jean Claude Juncker made it clear that the EU is supporting Ireland in the Brexit negotiations.
“This is the message that must now be given loud and clear to Theresa May and the Tories at the upcoming EU summit.
“The EU needs to make it clear to the Tories that there can be no backsliding on the backstop and that it must be protected at the EU summit. There must also be no backsliding from the Irish government on the guarantees it has given to protect the rights of the people of the north.
“It was important that Jean Claude Juncker heard that message today and it must now be communicated to the Tories at next week’s Council meeting.
“It is clear that the EU is preparing for all scenarios, including a no deal Brexit that would drive Britain over a cliff. The Irish government must also be prepared to ensure the entire island of Ireland is protected and not dragged over with them.”
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