Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what recent representations he has made and discussions he has held with the EU on the future of the UK-Ireland land border.

The UK has made extensive representations on this issue throughout all negotiating rounds with the European Commission. There is much agreement between the UK and the EU on the proposals for how to address the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland and Ireland in light of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.

The joint report between the UK and the EU makes clear our steadfast commitment to the Belfast (‘Good Friday’) Agreement, including the principle of consent; the continuation of the Common Travel Area and associated rights; and the vital objective of avoiding any physical infrastructure on the land border between Northern Ireland and Ireland. We are committed to finding a practical solution that recognises the unique economic, social and political context of the land border between Northern Ireland and Ireland. We are clear that we will not agree anything that threatens the constitutional or economic integrity of the UK.