NORTHERN Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has ruled out the possibility of the UK remaining within the EU’s Customs Union post-Brexit.
Mr Brokenshire is currently in Dublin for a series of Brexit-related meetings with Irish Government ministers and trade groups.
He said that remaining in the Customs Union would prevent the UK from negotiating trade deals with nations outside of the bloc.
But Mr Brokenshire reassured Irish businesses that the process would be a gradual one and that there would be a period of implementation where the UK would adhere closely to the existing Customs Union.
Speaking following a meeting with the Irish and British Chamber of Commerce, Mr Brokenshire said businesses had voiced their "desire for certainty, not wanting to see cliff edges, sudden shifts.
"We think it is important there is an implementation period where the UK would adhere closely to the existing customs union.”
Speaking in Dublin, NI Secretary James Brokenshire insists there is no possibility of remaining within a customs union post-Brexit. pic.twitter.com/915uZ9ebUG
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 22, 2017
"But ultimately it is about the UK being able to negotiate international trade deals. We want to harness those freedoms. If we were to remain in the customs union that would prevent us from doing so.
"We are leaving the EU, customs union and single market. We have set out options as to how we can achieve that frictionless trade," he added.
Mr Brokenshire will also meet with Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald and Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan during his Irish stay.
He added that he had reassured businesses leaders that there will be no return to a hard border between Ireland and the North.
Brexit discussions must try to design "an outcome than can allow normality, as we currently enjoy it," says Minister Simon Coveney. pic.twitter.com/TFGQRezMR4
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 22, 2017
Speaking after meeting with Mr Brokenshire, Simon Coveney said it remains the opinion of the Irish Government that Britain’s interests would be best served remaining within the Customs Union.
Mr Coveney said: “The best way to progress Britain leaving the EU is for Britain to remain very close to the single market and to effectively remain a member of the Customs Union.
“That would certainly make the issues on the island of Ireland an awful lot easier to manage.
“Of course the British Government’s stated position is not in agreement with that, but that doesn’t mean that we won’t continue to advocate for it.”
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