British Prime Minister Theresa May has vowed to protect the Common Travel Area.
At a speech in Italy, May discussed the UK’s future relationship with the EU following Brexit.
During the speech, she acknowledged that there are “unique issues” with regard to Northern Ireland, and says that the UK is committed to protecting the Belfast Agreement and the Common Travel area.
“Looking ahead we have both stated explicitly that we will not accept any physical infrastructure at the border.
“We owe it to the people of Northern Ireland, and indeed to everyone on the island of Ireland, to see through these commitments.”
Leo Varadkar has “cautiously” welcomed May’s references to the Common Travel Area and the Peace Process.
“I think it is a genuine effort by the prime minister to move things along.
“We will need further clarity and further understanding as to how a transition period might work – requesting a transition period is a step in the right direction.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney told RTÉ that “there is more progress needed in the context of clarifying the approach to how we solve the peace process, and Northern Irish issues, to how we solve the border issues, before we can move on.”
“I do think the sentiment and approach in the speech today is welcome and we should welcome it, but there’s a lot of detail to discuss and agree yet.”
Varadkar and May will meet on Monday to discuss moving forward towards phase two of the negotiations.
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