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Video: Karen Bradley and Martina Anderson in Brexit spat at Balmoral Show

Sinn Féin's Martina Anderson and Secretary of State Karen Bradley have a heated discussion about Brexit
Sinn Féin's Martina Anderson and Secretary of State Karen Bradley have a heated discussion about Brexit Sinn Féin's Martina Anderson and Secretary of State Karen Bradley have a heated discussion about Brexit

TWO senior politicians have been caught on camera having a spat over Brexit at the Balmoral Show.

Secretary of State Karen Bradley had an awkward encounter with Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson at the agricultural show yesterday.

The pair had a disagreement over the European Union's preferred 'backstop' option which would see Northern Ireland, or the UK as a whole, aligning with the EU rules required to support North-South cooperation and an all-island economy.

The backstop for the border would come into effect in the event that no Brexit deal is agreed.

Ms Anderson told the Conservative MP her party was "seriously concerned" about the UK's exit from the EU

"There is a backstop and a protocol in place and that's going to allow the north at least to stay in the customs union," she said.

However, Mrs Bradley replied: "We of course don't accept the backstop set down by the EU. We're working on a backstop that we're happy with".

She added: "But come on, let's not argue about that. We are here to enjoy a great show".

Mrs Anderson replied: "We are here to enjoy a brilliant show but these are the people that are going to be damaged.

"We are not going to be collateral damage."

The Sinn Féin MEP also raised a possible border poll, saying there was "demonstrable change for a unity poll and your prime minster knows it".

She also repeated Sinn Féin's request for the release of money for legacy inquests.

"We are waiting for the bid from the Department of Justice," the secretary of state replied.

Ian Knox cartoon 19/5/18: During a robust exchange at the Balmoral show between Martina Anderson and the Secretary of State the latter suggests they break off to enjoy the show 
Ian Knox cartoon 19/5/18: During a robust exchange at the Balmoral show between Martina Anderson and the Secretary of State the latter suggests they break off to enjoy the show  Ian Knox cartoon 19/5/18: During a robust exchange at the Balmoral show between Martina Anderson and the Secretary of State the latter suggests they break off to enjoy the show 

Meanwhile, British prime minister Theresa May has insisted the UK will leave the EU customs union amid speculation the departure could be delayed for years until a replacement system is agreed.

The Cabinet remains divided over a solution to the issue and neither of the two proposed models being considered by ministers is acceptable to Brussels.

The Brexit "war cabinet" met on Tuesday without reaching agreement on which of the two options for customs arrangements - the "customs partnership" and "maximum facilitation" models - it will back.

The BBC reported last night that the Cabinet had agreed a backstop that would see the UK match EU tariffs after 2020, if there is no deal on customs arrangements.

Number 10 sources insisted "there was not a proposal discussed or agreed that would see us staying in the customs union beyond the implementation period", which is due to expire at the end of 2020.

Arriving at the EU Western Balkans summit in the Bulgarian capital Sofia, Mrs May denied climbing down over membership of the customs union.

She said: "No we are not (climbing down). The United Kingdom will be leaving the customs union, we are leaving the European Union.

"Of course we will be negotiating future customs arrangements with the European Union and I have set three objectives, the Government has three objectives in those.

"We need to be able to have our own independent trade policy, we want as frictionless a border between the UK and the EU so that trade can continue and we want to ensure there is no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland."