PM May visits Northern Ireland as farmers worry about trade

Access across the Irish border is a major concern for Northern Irish farmers
Access across the Irish border is a major concern for Northern Irish farmers

Prime Minister Theresa May has sought to reassure Northern Ireland's political leaders that there will be no border checks for goods entering the UK from the Republic of Ireland.

Mrs May has arrived in Northern Ireland for talks with First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness on the fall-out from the EU referendum result.

Speaking before she left London, she said she viewed Northern Ireland as a "special and valued part" of the UK.

Northern Ireland farmers could have the possibility of tariffs being introduced on agricultural produce due to the UK voting to leave the European Union.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness with First Minister Arlene Foster
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness with First Minister Arlene Foster

A report compiled by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee identifies the potential impact of Brexit in key areas such as the economy, agriculture and the border with the Republic.

It said that a post-Brexit deal between the EU and World Trade Organisation would be "hugely damaging" to farmers in NI.

"No one can say for certain what our trade arrangements with the EU would be or how border arrangements with the Republic of Ireland would change, if at all," said Committee Chair Laurence Robertson.

"Nor, of course, do we know what the EU will look like in, say, five or ten years’ time, or what the depth of the UK’s involvement with the EU will be by that time."

Theresa May seeks to reassure

56% of people in Northern Ireland voted to Remain in the European Union referendum, the result sparked a renewed debate on potential Irish reunification.

Mrs May is thought to be reassuring Northern Ireland first minister that there will be no return to border checks for people entering the UK from the Republic.

May said: "I have been clear that we will make a success of the UK’s departure from the European Union.

"That means it must work for Northern Ireland too, including in relation to the border with the Republic.

"We will engage with all of Northern Ireland’s political parties as we prepare for that negotiation."

It follows similar meetings in Scotland and Wales, and in a statement she said she was "delighted to be visiting Northern Ireland".