Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he has had discussions with the leaders of the political parties in Northern Ireland on the Government’s plan for Northern Ireland in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

Over the past months, UK Government Ministers and officials have met a range of stakeholders in Northern Ireland, including representatives of political parties, and made clear that while we are confident that we will agree a deal with the European Union, which remains by far the most likely outcome, it is the responsibility of the Government to continue preparations for the full range of potential outcomes, including no deal. As we do, and as decisions are made, we will take full account of the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland.

In the event there was no deal, the UK Government is clear that we must respect our unique relationship with Ireland, with whom we share a land border and who are co-signatories of the Belfast Agreement. The UK Government has consistently placed upholding the Agreement and its successors at the heart of our approach and we will continue to do so while safeguarding the integrity of the United Kingdom and respecting the principle of consent.