Brexit: Belfast Agreement

Debate between Lord Rogan and Viscount Younger of Leckie

Thursday 8th September 2016 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

This is a helpful comment from my noble friend. I know that the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has hit the ground running, if I may put it that way. He has been meeting a variety of parties to ensure that he gets into his new role. I will pass that message on.

[Lord Rogan (UUP)]

My Lords, several Ministers have repeatedly stated that our land frontier with the European Union will not be a hard border. What discussions have the Government had with the Government of the Republic of Ireland to determine the exact nature of this, our only land border?

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

It is clearly a priority and I can reassure the noble Lord that discussions are already taking place. There is—and always has been—a strong will to preserve the common travel area and to ensure that we do not have a hard border. This is what the Government are working towards.