Northern Ireland

Leo Varadkar confirms talks with UK over no deal Brexit customs difficulties

&nbsp;<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">Leo Varadkar believes the withdrawal agreement is the key to avoiding physical infrastructures at the border. Picture by AP/Geert Vanden Winjngaert</span>
 Leo Varadkar believes the withdrawal agreement is the key to avoiding physical infrastructures at the border. Picture by AP/Geert Vanden Winjngaert  Leo Varadkar believes the withdrawal agreement is the key to avoiding physical infrastructures at the border. Picture by AP/Geert Vanden Winjngaert

LEO Varadkar has confirmed that there have been discussions with the British government about potential difficulties at the border if the UK changes its customs regulations in the event of a no deal Brexit.

But the taoiseach reiterated his determination to avoid the upheaval of Britain crashing out of the EU after the his government warned that such a scenario would be "highly disruptive".

At the same time, Mr Varadkar conceded that Dublin's no deal contingency plan has made "no preparations whatsoever" for a hard border, arguing that to do so would create a "self-fulfilling prophecy".

Speaking in Dublin yesterday, the Fine Gael leader said the withdrawal agreement was the key to avoiding physical infrastructure on the border.

"We are not preparing for a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland," he said.

"We have made no preparations whatsoever for physical infrastructure or anything like that – we certainly do not want it to become a self-fulfilling prophecy."

Read More:

  • Leo Varadkar says Brexit withdrawal treaty cannot be changed
  • Colum Eastwood frustrated by Jeremy Corbyn's backstop stance

Mr Varadkar remained adamant about the border issue but revealed there had already been some discussions with the UK and the EU about the difficulties the Republic could face if the Britain changed its customs regulations.

"The answer I've been giving people all along is the honest truth," he said.

"We're not making plans for a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland – our focus is entirely on getting an agreement that ensures that that doesn't happen."

The Republic's government published contingency plans for dealing with a no-deal Brexit on Wednesday night, identifying affected sectors that would require up to between 40 and 50 pieces of new legislation.

The no-deal plans include the purchase of land at ports to prevent congestion from new customs.

The taoiseach said his government "cannot countenance" a hard border and that he would work to secure agreement on the withdrawal deal.

He indicated that customs divergence between the EU and UK "would create a problem" but said even in the event of Britain crashing out, it would still be aligned in terms of customs and regulations.

Read more:

  • Analysis: Whatever you do don't mention the border(Premium)
  • Leo Varadkar: Republic is looking out as some other countries turn inwards

DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds had earlier accused Dublin and the EU of an "utter con trick" by arguing that checks on goods moving across the Irish Sea were necessary.

He said the EU's contingency plans avoided "spelling out what happens on the border".

DUP's Nigel Dodds has accused Dublin and the EU of pulling a 'con trick'
DUP's Nigel Dodds has accused Dublin and the EU of pulling a 'con trick' DUP's Nigel Dodds has accused Dublin and the EU of pulling a 'con trick'

"Even the Dublin authorities in its no deal plans admitted no checks on goods at the border," the North Belfast MP said.

"The utter hypocrisy of those espousing the current withdrawal agreement with its trap of a backstop has been completely exposed."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the Irish government's plans underlined the "serious chaos that awaits" if Westminster fails to back the withdrawal agreement.

"This action rightly highlights that the island of Ireland will be disproportionately impacted by Brexit, leaving Northern Ireland sharing a land border with another EU state – despite myths peddled by Brexiteers, this leaves Ireland in a very precarious position," he said.

"These plans, in contrast to the weak technical papers issued by the British government and the absence of any action from Stormont, at least acknowledge the state of affairs as they are."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said the Irish government plans show the 'chaos' that awaits
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said the Irish government plans show the 'chaos' that awaits SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said the Irish government plans show the 'chaos' that awaits

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O’Neill said she has told Secretary of State Karen Bradley that the Brexit debate has descended into "farce and pantomime".

Speaking on the phone to Mrs Bradley yesterday morning, the Mid Ulster MLA called for a referendum on Irish unity in the event of a no-deal crash Brexit.

"With less than 100 days before Britain exits the EU and two and a half years since the EU referendum this is a stark reminder of the dangerous game the Tory government, with the support of the DUP, is playing with the north’s hard-won progress and peace," she said.

“This reckless approach has made the prospect of a disastrous no-deal crash much more likely."