Govt Ramps Up Preparations For No-Deal Brexit

The Government has said it will intensify its preparations for a no-deal Brexit after MP's in Westminster voted to reject the Withdrawal Agreement that UK Prime Minister Theresa May had struck with the EU.

A statement released after the meaningful vote on Tuesday 15 January said the Government regrets the outcome, which will serve to amplify uncertainty around the nature of the UK's exit and increase the risk of a disorderly Brexit.

"The Irish Government recalls the clear position of the European Council at its meeting of 13 December when it stated that the Withdrawal Agreement is not open for renegotiation. This was restated in the joint letter from Presidents Tusk and Juncker to Prime Minister May yesterday," it reads.

Ahead of yesterday's vote, the Cabinet met to continue with preparations for a no-deal Brexit, including for essential legislative measures.

"This work will intensify over the next few weeks," the Government statement added.

"A disorderly Brexit is a bad outcome for everyone, not least in Northern Ireland. It is not too late to avoid this outcome and we call on the UK to set out how it proposes to resolve this impasse as a matter of urgency."

Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald, speaking after the deal was rejected, said that Ireland's people, Ireland's economy and Ireland's peace process all need to be protected and that the Taoiseach needs to stand firm on the backstop.

Ms McDonald attended the briefing on contingency plans from Tánaiste Simon Coveney, which she said places a "heavy emphasis on East-West relations and arrangements but the situation regarding Ireland remains unchanged".

"The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste and our partners at a European level need to stand firm and not move away from or attempt to dilute the backstop.

"We need to say clearly to the British that if they wish for Brexit then that's a matter for themselves but any agreement needs to recognise, understand and protect the people, the economy and the peace process on this island."



(JG/CM)