UK hopes for Irish help to secure EU Brexit trade deal
David Davis says next phase of talks with EU will offer scope to resolve Border issues
Brexit secretary David Davis gives evidence to the European Union select committee in the House of Lords on Monday. Photograph: PA Wire
Britain hopes that Ireland will support its bid for a comprehensive free-trade agreement in return for co-operation on North-South issues, Brexit secretary David Davis has said. Mr Davis told the House of Lords European Union committee a specific strand on Ireland in the next phase of negotiations with the EU will offer a chance to clarify issues surrounding the Border.
“We’ll talk to the [European] Commission and to the Irish Government about how we make sure that those North-South strands work, about the technical aspects of it as well. And hopefully – I mean, I don’t know, they’re a sovereign country, it’s their call – but hopefully, in return they will be supportive of our aim for a simple, comprehensive free-trade agreement and a very good customs arrangement,” he said.