Backstop must remain non-negotiable – Ní Riada

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada has said the Government must remain steadfast on the backstop.

The Ireland South MEP was speaking after Theresa May announced she had secured “legally binding changes” to the Brexit deal.

Ms Ní Riada said nothing could be allowed to alter or weaken the backstop.

“Let me first say that there is no ‘good deal’ for Brexit,” she said.

“The people of Ireland do not want it, especially those in the north who clearly and emphatically voted against it. So the backstop is by no means a good deal for Ireland, it is the bare minimum we need to protect our economy and our peace process.

“Therefore it is absolutely crucial that neither the Irish Government nor the EU waver on making it a pivotal part of any agreement.

“The assurances Theresa May insists she has received do not appear to alter the central purpose of the backstop; that the north will remain in the Customs Unions and Single Market unless and until some alternative arrangements of equal standing are achieved.

“Even the legal advice from the British Attorney General shows that the backstop has not been altered and remains intact.

“The British Parliament is in chaos, we cannot allow them to sow their chaos here.”