Irish parliament debates emergency no-deal plans
THE latest debate in the House of Commons illustrates the “fluidity” of Brexit, Ireland’s deputy premier has said.
As the debate on the no-deal Brexit emergency plans got under way in the Irish parliament (Dail), Tanaiste Simon Coveney said yesterday’s events at Westminster showed the need to be prepared for “all eventualities”.
On Friday the Irish Government published the Brexit preparedness Omnibus bill which features a wide range of worst-case contingency laws that will be enacted if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
The Omnibus Bill, which will be fast-tracked through the Oireachtas parliament in Dublin, is designed to support businesses and jobs affected by a no-deal and secure ongoing access to essential services and products across the Irish border.
Mr Coveney introduced the debate on the Brexit bill shortly after Prime Minister Theresa May offered MPS a chance to vote to delay Brexit if her deal is rejected again next month.
He told the Dail that a no-deal Brexit could only be prevented at Westminster.
“Westminster needs to make up its mind, collectively, about what it wants,” he said. “Today’s debate at the House of Commons illustrates the fluidity of the situation and accordingly the need for us to be prepared for all eventualities.
“Our history with Britain is deep and complicated but it has arrived at a position of parity, trust and close friendship where we are co-guarantors of peace on our islands.
“The Irish and the British live together, study together, work together, marry each other and have families together.
“In politics we agree on a lot more than we disagree on. Brexit must not be allowed to take any of this away from us.”
He said the current position of Brexit poses “unique and unprecedented challenges”.