Alliance Brexit spokesperson Stephen Farry has said it is essential that Northern Ireland’s MPs safeguard our interests in the Brexit debate.
The Alliance Deputy Leader was speaking after publication of the draft European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Act 2017, which allows the Prime Minister to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.
Stephen Farry said: “Following the Supreme Court ruling that devolved assemblies do not need to be consulted on Brexit, what happens at Westminster is critical. There will be serious constitutional, political and economic implications for Northern Ireland if our special circumstances are not recognised and supported.
“When this draft bill is debated in Parliament, all Northern Ireland MPs should not support the triggering of Article 50 without first securing a commitment from the Government they will seek to negotiate special arrangements for Northern Ireland.
“Article 50 should not be triggered without recognition of our special circumstances. The Good Friday Agreement is given effect by the EU, with our citizens able to live, trade and move freely north – south and east – west. We have an integrated all island economy, we have the right to dual citizenship and we have a border with an EU state. There is much at stake for our MPs to consider.”