Leaving the EU

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Northern Ireland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 5 September 2018.

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Photo of Kerry McCarthy Kerry McCarthy Labour, Bristol East 12:00, 5 September 2018

I thank the Minister for that response and for his tribute to Peter Melchett who, as well as serving in the Northern Ireland Office, was a good friend of mine, a lovely man and a passionate environmentalist.

Is it not the case that the backstop proposal is now just dead in the water? The Government are not going to get anywhere with it. A poll this week said that people in Northern Ireland would vote for a united Ireland if a hard border was put in place. Are not the Government sacrificing the Union on this altar? Would not the best solution be to move forward with plans to stay in the single market, stay in the customs union, avoid a hard border, and protect the people of Northern Ireland from Brexit?