Coveney claims EU could yet reject the UK’s proposals on a soft border for Ireland  – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

Coveney claims EU could yet reject the UK’s proposals on a soft border for Ireland 




The Tánaiste Simon Coveney has claimed that the European Union could reject the UK’s proposals on the Northern Irish border.

In an interview on BBC’s Andrew Marr programme, Mr Coveney claimed the EU might not be willing to accept the British Government’s terms when it comes to preventing a hard border between the North and South.

Mr Coveney told the programme that Ms May’s proposals of electronic alternatives and no new restrictions on 80% of cross border trade, could be rejected by the EU as it would threaten the integrity  of the single market.

The Tánaiste who is hopeful of a quick solution that suits all parties, also claimed that negotiations are only at the beginning rather than at the end for the British Government. 

He added if an agreement cannot be reached in the coming months, a backstop plan would have to be put in place that would see British alignment with customs union and single market rules. 

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