THE IRISH GOVERNMENT will ‘intensify preparations’ for a no deal Brexit after tonight’s failure of Theresa May’s Withdrawal Agreement in the Commons.
MPs voted 432 to 202 to reject the deal, the 230-vote loss representing the largest Commons defeat by a sitting government.
In a statement, the Irish Government said it ‘regrets’ the outcome, believing the deal is the best way to avoid a hard border.
“The Irish Government continues to believe the ratification of this Agreement is the best way to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the UK, which avoids a bard border and respects the single market and Customs Union, while also delivering on the UK’s objectives for withdrawal,” it said.
The backstop contained within the agreement, which seeks to avoid a hard border on the island, is the main sticking point for MPs.
It would see the whole of the UK temporarily remain in a customs union with the EU, while Northern Ireland would be part of the single market, avoiding a land border but creating an east-west sea border between Britain and Ireland.
'Not open for negotiation'
However the Irish Government hinted that the backstop was not up for renegotiation and it would instead focus on its contingency plans for a no deal outcome.
“The Irish Government recalls the clear position of the European Council at its meeting of December 13 when it stated that the Withdrawal Agreement is not open for negotiation,” it said.
“This was restated in the joint letter from Presidents Tusk and Juncker to Prime Minister May yesterday.
“Regrettably, the outcome of tonight’s vote increases the risk of a disorderly Brexit. Consequently the Government will continue to intensify preparations for such an outcome.
“Earlier today, Cabinet discussed preparation for a ‘no deal’ Brexit in detail. Cabinet took a number of significant decisions, including the preparation of essential legislative measures as part of this ongoing work.
“This work will intensify over the next few weeks.”
Should Mrs May survive tomorrow’s vote of no confidence, she has until Monday to outline her next move.
However the Irish Government warned time is running out.
“t is not too late to avoid [a hard Brexit] and we call on the UK to set out how it proposes to resolve this impasse as a matter of urgency,” it added.
