The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
M.E.P Kelly calls for a quick, orderly UK exit
KERRY based Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly says Europe needs to pull together fast to allow an orderly Brexit.
Mr Kelly said while the British referendum result is disappointing he respects the democratic decision of the British electorate.
“While disappointing and worrying for the UK, for Ireland and Europe, we respect the decision of the UK people to leave the EU. However, with 27 continuing Member States and a remaining population of some 450 million citizens, we are duty bound to press ahead with a fast, orderly exit of the UK from the EU,” said Mr Kelly who is leader of the Fine Gael delegation in the EU.
“Around two-thirds of 18-24 years olds were understood to have favoured and or voted Remain. Perhaps that is the most painful aspect of this. Youth will be most affected by the outcome - the next generation will lose out,” he said.
“Europe is more than one Member State and while there will be serious consequences from a Brexit, particularly for the UK and Ireland, it is a time for Europe to pull together and move forward,” the Ireland South MEP said.
Mr Kelly acknowledged the shock and disbelief felt EU-wide following last week’s dramatic events.
He also noted the slight majority in favour of the Leave vote – at 51.9 per cent – and highlighted the fact that both Northern Ireland and Scotland had voted to Remain.
“The UK-wide result is for Leave and remaining EU leaders will put
the interests of the Union first. To that end, a fast yet orderly, calm exit by the UK is in everyone’s interests,” said Mr Kelly.
“With weekly trade valued at €1.2 billion between Ireland and the UK, and 400,000 jobs linked to that trade, we are very conscious in Ireland of the importance of our trading relationship. It is of equal importance to both Member States and especially for the agri-food sector,” he said.
“In addition, 51 per cent of UK farm incomes come from EU CAP funds, or £8.70 out of every £10 of farm incomes in Northern Ireland. DARD and Defra in the UK have already indicated there are no contingency plans in place if CAP payments end to the UK, and Defra previously said it favoured the end of farm subsidies in 2020,” Mr Kelly said.
“Also Northern Ireland is a net beneficiary of EU funding and its citizens have moved towards peace and reconciliation with the excellent support of EU peace funding programmes. Any withdrawal agreement would be expected to take the end of those funding programmes into account,” Mr Kelly added stressing the potentially serious consequences for the six counties.
“The procedure for a Member State to withdraw is set out under Article 50 of the EU Treaty. However, the UK government must first launch that procedure with a formal notice to the European Council.”
Regarding Irish concerns about future trading conditions Mr Kelly said EU leaders are acutely aware of Ireland’s reliance on the UK market. “EU leaders are very aware of Ireland’s unique relationship with the UK and trading ties. The Irish government and MEPs will continue to make that clear at EU level,” Mr Kelly said.