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Charlie Flanagan: Brexit may mean border controls

Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan addressed Derry Chamber of Commerce
Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan addressed Derry Chamber of Commerce Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan addressed Derry Chamber of Commerce

IRISH foreign affairs minister Charlie Flanagan last night warned that immigration controls may have to be placed on the border if the UK votes to leave the European Union.

Mr Flanagan also said a Brexit would be "bad for Ireland and bad for Irish-British relations".

The Fine Gael TD was speaking at a dinner hosted by Derry’s Chamber of Commerce.

Earlier he had met SDLP leader Colum Eastwood for discussions on legacy issues and visited Derry’s Cultúrlann Uí Chanaín.

In an appeal for a “remain” vote in next month's referendum, Mr Flanagan said all his life’s experience and political judgement showed him that the cause of peace was assisted by Ireland and the UK being members of the EU.

“The open and accommodating space of the European Union has served Northern Ireland, its people and the cause of peace well –why now risk a backward step to narrower ground?” he said.

Mr Flanagan said the fact that today's Irish border was “practically invisible” greatly facilitated trade, investment, social mobility.

And he again contradicted claims by Secretary of State Theresa Villiers that movement of people and goods need not be restricted by a Brexit vote.

“If the UK leaves the customs union of the EU, there may well have to be some form of customs control or inspection on the land border between both parts of the island, perhaps even some form of immigration controls – even though every effort would no doubt be made to reduce the disruption of such a regime.”

The minister added: “There are very many reasons why a UK exit from the EU would be bad for Ireland and bad for Irish-British relations.”