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25th Nov 2018

Arlene Foster wants to get rid of the Irish backstop

Alan Loughnane

Arlene Foster backstop

Wants it gone.

DUP leader Arlene Foster has said that if British Prime Minister Theresa May wants to retain the DUP’s backing, it will mean removing the Irish backstop from the Withdrawal Agreement.

Speaking on The Andrew Marr Show on BBC One, Foster said she and her party believe there is no need for the Irish backstop, and said if it’s not removed, the DUP will vote against the Withdrawal Agreement.

“First of all we want to see the Irish backstop gone,” Foster said.

“If everybody is committed to no hard border on the island of Ireland – Leo Vardakar has said it, Theresa May has said it, Europe has said it- who is actually going to put this hard border in place?

“There is no need for the Irish backstop. So let’s get rid of it. If people are saying ‘No we actually want to keep the Irish backstop’, then lets take a look at the exit clause. Where’s the exit clause that we were promised? It’s not there.”

She reiterated the DUP stance that unless Theresa May takes note of their shared priorities, the DUP would have to review the confidence and supply agreement.

The backstop the guarantee to maintain an open border on the island of Ireland in the event that the UK leaves the EU without securing a deal.

A handy explainer for the whole thing is available here.

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