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Theresa May writes to people of Northern Ireland on Brexit

Theresa May outlined commitments to Northern Ireland in a letter
Theresa May outlined commitments to Northern Ireland in a letter Theresa May outlined commitments to Northern Ireland in a letter

THERESA May has written to the people of Northern Ireland outlining commitments that guided her during Brexit negotiations with the EU.

Mrs May wrote that the talks included ruling out a hard border between the north and Republic.

As a prime minister "who hugely values Northern Ireland’s position within our United Kingdom", she wrote, she wanted to set out six key commitments.

There was some suggestion the letter would be sent to every household in the north, however, Downing Street was last night unable to confirm this.

The commitments, she said, were "consistent with our steadfast support for the Belfast Agreement and its successors; the principles that underpin them; the institutions they establish; and, the rights and opportunities they guarantee for everyone".

"First, we will always uphold and support Northern Ireland's status as an integral part of the United Kingdom, consistent with the principle of consent," she wrote.

"Second, we will fully protect and maintain Northern Ireland's position within the single market of the United Kingdom. Third, there will be no new borders within the United Kingdom.

"Fourth, the whole of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, will leave the EU customs union and the EU single market. Fifth, we will uphold the commitments and safeguards set out in the Belfast Agreement regarding north-south cooperation. This will continue to require cross-community support."

Finally, she wrote that the whole of the UK would no longer be subject to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.