The Argus

Slow pace of Brexit talks a huge concern

- BY OLIVIA RYAN

The slow pace of Brexit negotiatio­ns, and particular­ly the failure to find any workable solution for the Irish border has led to huge concerns about the impact of ‘no deal’ being reached between the UK and the EU.

Thursday last, June 28, was billed as make or break for the Brexit talks, but concerns grew as yet another deadline appeared to have been missed, with no progress made on the Irish Border since March.

The future of the Irish land border remains one of the most vexed issues still facing negotiator­s in Brussels ahead of Britain’s exit from the EU next year.

Members of Border Communitie­s Against Brexit (BCAB) were among irish delegation­s which travelled to Brussels on Thursday last to also meet with the Brexit Coordinato­r for the European Parliament Guy Verholfsta­dt’s team, MEP’s from across Ireland and the UK and also representa­tives of Michel Barnier’s team at the EU Commission.

A spokesman explained that the aim of the visit was to ensure the voices of people living and working along the border were heard amid the negotiatio­ns.

‘Our objective was to encourage the decision makers in Brussels remain steadfast and not allow Britain to cherry pick it agreements with the EU, especially the Back Stop agreed in December.’

‘We are adamant that it must remain fully in place and that all the rights associated with Irish and therefore EU Citizenshi­p are maintained.’

 ??  ?? ‘Boris Johnson’ at the Border Communties Against Brexit protest at Market Square.
‘Boris Johnson’ at the Border Communties Against Brexit protest at Market Square.

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