If Brokenshire is serious he should read SF special status document - Anderson

» Martina Anderson

"If he is serious about reaching a solution which recognises the unique circumstances of the north and delivers for its people then he should start by reading the case for special designated status for the north within the EU." - Martina Anderson MEP

It seems that James Brokenshire has been reading the from the same playbook as his cabinet colleague David Davies when it comes to Brexit. 

Both appear to be operating the same, head-in-the-sand, everything-is-fine, nothing-to-see-here approach, despite everything else pointing to the contrary. 

While in Brussels today to meet EU leaders and negotiators, James Brokenshire said he wants to find an agreement which delivers for everyone, including the North. 

It appears, however, what he intends to deliver for the north is the Tory Brexit agenda, despite the fact that the majority of people in the north - from all backgrounds - rejected this at the polls. 

He also talked about being committed to protecting the interests of the north and its people through the development of 'specific solutions' which address its 'unique circumstances.' 

This would be laudable if it had anything concrete behind it. In truth, however, it appears to be yet more empty rhetoric from the Tories attempting to pull the wool over everyone's eyes. 

In all of the documents published by the British government to date in the negotiating process, they have yet to come up with any credible proposals on dealing with the north of Ireland or the border. 

Instead what they have proposed to date has been widely dismissed as unworkable and fanciful. 

Perhaps James Brokenshire has not been paying attention to what has been happening in Europe on Brexit and the resolutions passed by the European Parliament. 

If he had he would have heard Michel Barnier dismiss the notion of a so-called 'frictionless' border and he would also have heard the EU's negotiator say that the British government needs to come up with solutions on Ireland and the border. 

He would also have been aware of the European Parliament's resolution on the need to protect the Good Friday Agreement in all of its parts. 

If he was the surely he would realise that the Brexit agenda of his government is incompatible with the Good Friday Agreement. 

As it stands, however, James Brokenshire, like David Davies, is carrying on regardless, seemingly oblivious to what is happening. 

He also appears to be completely oblivious to the fact that he has no mandate to represent, or negotiate for anyone in the north. 

If he is serious about reaching a solution which recognises the unique circumstances of the north and delivers for its people then he should start by reading the case for special designated status for the north within the EU. 

By doing so he would be getting up to speed with the growing numbers of people across Ireland and across the EU who see it as a credible alternative to the Brexit proposals of the Tories.