Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and French President Emmanuel Macron met on Tuesday, April 2. This meeting was an opportunity for the two leaders to unite and denounce the damaging situation caused by Brexit, as well as the risks of a potential “No Deal” scenario.
The Irish leader was clear in stating that Ireland does not want to bear the consequences of a lack of agreement.
“In the event of a No Deal, we do not want Ireland to become the back door to access the European market,” said Mr. Varadkar. “I am determined to prevent goods that do not meet European standards from entering Ireland and other EU countries. In the unlikely event of a No Deal, if the UK strikes deals with the United States or China and there are chickens washed with bleach, hormone-treated beef, or products made with child labor in Asian countries, the last thing we want is for these products to enter the Republic of Ireland.”
This clear statement highlights the Irish Prime Minister’s strong support for the European project.
Macron and Varadkar also warned the United Kingdom about the consequences that could arise from a no-deal Brexit.
“The rejection of the withdrawal agreement three times by the House of Commons, as well as the rejection of any alternative plan, puts us on the path to a no-deal exit,” said Emmanuel Macron. “It is up to the UK to present a credible alternative plan supported by a majority by April 10 to avoid this. If the UK is unable, nearly three years after the referendum, to propose a solution that gathers a majority, it will have effectively chosen to leave without a deal; we cannot prevent failure on its behalf.”
Currently, the British are in turmoil over Brexit and their future. British Prime Minister Theresa May is making her last efforts to request another Brexit delay from leaders, but her credibility appears increasingly fragile, even among her own supporters.
A No Deal could trigger a real shockwave for the global economy. Prices of many products could soar, and Northern Ireland could be the most directly affected by a hard Brexit (with the establishment of a physical and customs border, isolation from the rest of trade with the Republic of Ireland, etc.).
This prospect could unsettle markets and jeopardize many businesses and households in Northern Ireland…
It is worth noting that the United Kingdom could still abandon Brexit, provided a new referendum is launched…
