Brexit deal must not undermine status of NI: Orange Order

The Orange Order has warned that any Brexit deal which undermines Northern Ireland's place within the UK would have 'far reaching implications for the Union'.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Dec 2017, 11:56 BST
Updated 12th Dec 2017, 13:24 BST
Breixt has cost a joint bid by Londonderry and Belfast to be considered for European Capital of Culture in 2023.Breixt has cost a joint bid by Londonderry and Belfast to be considered for European Capital of Culture in 2023.
Breixt has cost a joint bid by Londonderry and Belfast to be considered for European Capital of Culture in 2023.

As Theresa May seeks to get her negotiations with the EU back on track after the DUP torpedoed a deal on the Irish border issue, the Order has said there must ne no arrangement which treats NI differently to the rest of the UK

A Grand Lodge spokesman said: “As a single entity, the UK voted to leave the European Union last year. Northern Ireland is an integral part of the United Kingdom.

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“As our Government continues to engage in complex discussions with EU officials regarding the border with the Republic of Ireland, it must not countenance any arrangement which undermines or diminishes the political and economic status of Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom.

“Such an arrangement would have far reaching ramifications not only locally, but for the Union as a whole.”

The spokesperson added that the UK Government “must honour” commitments that there will be no new customs border in the Irish Sea.

“Equally, the Government of the Republic of Ireland must respect the constitutional position of Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom, and ensure that their contribution to the current debate does not make the situation even more difficult to resolve,” the Grand Lodge spokesperson concluded.

Related topics:BrexitTheresa MayGovernmentDUP