Irish issues remain central in Brexit debate

» Michael McMonagle

"This resolution currently before the European Parliament is hugely significant as is goes further in recognising that a special solution is needed for the North as a result of Brexit." - Martina Anderson MEP

Issues around Ireland and the border remained front and centre in the European Parliament today as it debated a resolution on Brexit. 

The resolution, which will be voted on tomorrow, calls for no regression in the rights of people of the north as a result of Brexit. 

It also formally welcomes the 'backstop' option which was included in the draft Withdrawal Treaty published earlier this moth which would allow the north to remain in the customs union and elements of the single market in the absence of any other deal in the Brexit negotiations. 

The Brexit resolution also states that there should be no reduction in the democratic rights currently enjoyed by EU citizens as a result of Brexit. If passed tomorrow then this would mean that the MEPs would be calling for EU citizens in the north, including Irish passport holders, to be able to directly elect representatives to the European Parliament after Brexit. 

The text of the resolution was strongly influenced by Sinn Féin MEPs, led my Martina Anderson, through GUE/NGL representatives on the European Parliament's Brexit Steering Group. 

Ahead of the debate, Martina Anderson also met with the European Union's lead Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, to discuss the need for special status for the north. 

Jean Claude Juncker told MEPs in the Parliament that the backstop option represented a what was agreed before between the EU and Theresa May in December. 

Speaking from Strasbourg, Martina Anderson said: 

"This resolution currently before the European Parliament is hugely significant as is goes further in recognising that a special solution is needed for the North as a result of Brexit.

“Through our Group's (GUE/NGL) membership of the Brexit Steering Group we have been able to shape this resolution in order to address the concerns around the border and citizens rights. 

“As a result this resolution calls for no diminution of rights, including employment rights and social rights.

“It also formally welcomes the backstop option which would see the north remain in the customs union.

“It also states that our democratic rights in the north should not be reduced, signalling EU acceptance for people in the north to continue to have representation in the European Parliament.

 “I look forward to this debate and the resolution passing with the support of Parliament.”