N Irish Unionist MEPS shun Barnier meeting

the EU – something Mrs May has previously ruled out.

His comments come ahead of a crunch meeting of the Cabinet’s Brexit sub-committee, which will decide on the UK’S approach to future customs arrangements.

He said: “I don’t think there is a customs union that could ever be acceptable. If we are in a customs union of any sort we will have less ability to shape Britain’s future than we have today. That is not what the public voted for.”

Dr Fox refused to say whether he would quit if Mrs May changed course, adding: “Getting no answer you can draw your own inferences.”

Reports suggest Brexit Secretary David Davis is also prepared to quit if the red line on leaving the customs union is watered down. Unionist MEPS have been accused of “bad manners” for not meeting the European Union’s Brexit negotiator during a visit to Northern Ireland.

Michel Barnier was greeted in Londonderry’s historic Guildhall yesterday by Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson, who suggested the DUP’S Diane Dodds and Ulster Unionist Jim Nicholson were failing to represent the unionist people by “snubbing” Mr Barnier.

Ms Anderson also said the DUP would “not be too put out” if there was a harder border in Ireland, something they may regard as a “job done”.

Speaking before a meeting with Mr Barnier, she was asked about the absence of the unionist MEPS.

She said: “I think it’s unfortunate that they haven’t turned up. The European Parliament is closed, so there’s no reason why both of the MEPS from the Unionist population shouldn’t be here.

“All three of us should be maximising the opportunity when Michel Barnier is in our constituency.”