EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has offered Britain not to be part of a customs union with the European Union on the controversial Northern Ireland catch-up solution. The EU gives London „the option of a one-sided exit from the Customs Union,“ Barnier wrote in the short message service Twitter yesterday following a meeting with the ambassadors of the EU-27.
The Northern Ireland problem is the most difficult issue in the ratification of the withdrawal agreement, which was once rejected by the UK House of Commons. Barnier stressed that the other elements of Northern Ireland’s „backstop“ would have to remain in place to prevent the emergence of a hard border with EU member Ireland.
May asks Brussels for concessions
British Prime Minister Theresa May had previously urged the EU-27 to make a final compromise on the Northern Ireland issue to secure an acceptance of the Brexit deal in the London House of Commons on Tuesday.
Because of the „backstop“ the Brexit deal was rejected in January by an overwhelming majority. „The EU will work hard over the next few days to ensure that the UK leaves the EU on the basis of an agreement,“ Barnier said.
