UK will have to pay price for ‘good deal’

BRITAIN will pay the price for an ambitious post-Brexit trade deal, MEP Mairead McGuinness has said.

“A third country, which the UK will become, cannot enjoy the benefits of the EU without carrying the responsibilities of membership,” Ms McGuinness told the consumer protection as an example, saying UK regulatory divergence would disturb supply chains and be “extremely damaging to citizens”.

“Ireland wants a close trading relationship with the UK, which insists it is leaving the single market and customs union,” Ms McGuinness warned.

“We know the consequences if they continue down that path; I’m not sure that the UK does.”

There are fears that Ireland will lose importance as the trade talks wear on, with EU governments putting their interests first and the UK already starting to work its bilateral alliances.

“Support is a two-way street. Ireland is working with our EU colleagues to understand their concerns around Brexit, in the same way as Ireland’s issues around Brexit are being taken on board by our counterparts,” Ms McGuinness said.

“The issue of the border and the peace process is a top priority.”

Talks on trade are expected to begin in March, after the EU agrees a new negotiating mandate.

Negotiations are to begin with the UK next month on a short transition period.