Government questioned about the future of the Irish border
1 October 2019
Hilary Benn MP asked ministers to make a statement on the Government's proposals for checks and customs arrangements on the border between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland to replace the current backstop.
James Duddridge, Minister for Exiting the European Union said;
"I can assure the House that under no circumstance will the UK place infrastructure, checks or controls at the border. Both sides have always been clear that the arrangements for the border must recognise the unique the circumstance of the island of Ireland and reflecting that be creative and be flexible."
Hilary Benn responded saying;
"The Government's position now is that the reality of Brexit will require customs checks on the island of Ireland. That is the inexorable logic of the PMs statement this morning that, and I quote, 'A sovereign united country must have a single customs territory'."
- Watch Parliament TV: Urgent Question the Irish border
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