Northern Ireland

Brexit: Leo Varadkar says UK faces 'enormous difficulties' with no deal

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar Taoiseach Leo Varadkar

LEO Varadkar has said the UK would find it "very difficult" to make any trade deals in a no-deal Brexit scenario if the Irish border issue remains unresolved.

The taoiseach said that "after a period of chaos", the UK would have to accept "full alignment on customs and regulations" in Northern Ireland to avoid a hard border.

DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds rejected his analysis as "not a constructive contribution" and told Mr Varadkar to "tone down the rhetoric".

It came as the Irish government yesterday published an outline of legislation that will underpin its plan in the event of a hard Brexit.

British prime minister Theresa May is continuing to consult on a new departure deal with the European Union after MPs overwhelmingly voted down her Withdrawal Agreement.

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One of the main points of dispute is the 'backstop' arrangement, aimed at ensuring an open border between the north and the Republic if no alternative plan is agreed.

The DUP – which props up Mrs May's minority government with votes in the British parliament – wants the backstop scrapped as it keeps Northern Ireland more closely aligned than Britain to the EU.

DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds
DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds

The UK is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29.

Speaking yesterday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mr Varadkar discussed the potential of a no-deal Brexit.

"The United Kingdom would have a responsibility to abide by WTO rules and both the UK and Ireland would have responsibilities to honour the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process," he said.

"So I think we would end up in a situation where EU and Ireland and the UK would have to come together, and in order to honour our commitment to the people of Ireland that there be no hard border, we would have to agree on full alignment on customs and regulations, so after a period of chaos we would perhaps end up where we are now, with a very similar deal."

Mr Varadkar said the UK in a no-deal scenario would "face enormous difficulties".

"In a no-deal scenario, the UK won't have any trade deals with anyone, and I think it will be very difficult for them to conclude any trade deals with the question of the Irish border unresolved," he said.

Flags tied to railings outside parliament in London
Flags tied to railings outside parliament in London Flags tied to railings outside parliament in London

"Given we have a solution on the table already, let's ratify that."

Mr Dodds said the DUP wants the UK's referendum decision to leave the EU honoured with a "sensible deal" that works for the UK as well as the Republic.

"I reject Leo Varadkar's analysis. It is not a constructive contribution when we are focused on trying to reach a consensus," he said.

"In any case, the taoiseach's comments about the Belfast Agreement actually ride a coach and horses through that agreement.

"Mr Varadkar is evidently and understandably concerned about the impact of a 'no deal' on the Republic of Ireland but this is a time to tone down the rhetoric and keep cool heads."

Meanwhile, details were published yesterday of the Irish government's legislation for dealing with a hard Brexit.

The legislation will comprise 17 parts and the Irish government aims to have it passed by the Oireachtas before March 29.

It aims to allow continued access to healthcare, social security protection, student support and protection of consumers.