A NO-deal Brexit will lead to an "unprecedented tide of violence" and politicians' will have 'blood on their hands', senior Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies warned during a visit to Belfast yesterday.
The MEP, who spent two days in Northern Ireland meeting representatives of border communities and campaigners for reconciliation, warned that the return of a hard border with the Republic will spark a return to violence.
"Time and again people here have told me that paramilitary groups will exploit the situation and killings will resume," he said.
"They are asking a very good question – why is the government in London not listening?
"Politicians will blame terrorists if a no-deal Brexit leads to a return of the Troubles.
"But as decision-makers, they cannot ignore the consequences of their actions. No-deal will unleash a tide of unprecedented violence and blood will be on their hands."
MPs will only have days to try and stop a no-deal after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's request to suspend parliament shortly after it returns from the summer recess was approved by the Privy Council.
As part of his two-day visit, Mr Davies met south Armagh residents at the former British army camp at Forkhill, talked to young people who formed the Our Future Our Choice group to campaign against Brexit and discussed community reconciliation initiatives with representatives from the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations.
As Chair of the European Parliament's fisheries committee, he also met fishermen at the port of Kilkeel in Co Down.
