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The DUP has said Boris Johnson rejected the idea of a Northern Ireland-only backstop during a meeting at Downing Street.<\/p>\nThe DUP has said Boris Johnson rejected the idea of a Northern Ireland-only backstop during a meeting at Downing Street.<\/p>\n
DUP leader Arlene Foster and parliamentary leader Nigel Dodds met the British Prime Minister this evening.<\/p>\n
Afterwards Mrs Foster released a statement saying Mr Johnson had again rejected the idea of a special economic zone for Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Prime Minister rejected a Northern Ireland-only backstop in a letter to Donald Tusk on 19 August,\u201d a statement said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is undemocratic and unconstitutional and would place a tariff border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. That would be unacceptable.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring today\u2019s meeting, the Prime Minister confirmed his rejection of the Northern Ireland-only backstop and his commitment to securing a deal which works for the entire United Kingdom as well as our neighbors in the Republic of Ireland.\u201d<\/p>\n
The idea of a Northern Ireland-only backstop had been reintroduced as the parliamentary impasse meant a no-deal Brexit became increasingly likely, and no agreed solution on how to manage the border has yet been offered during negotiations between the EU and UK.<\/p>\n
The Taoiseach has not ruled out the idea, and Fianna F\u00e1il’s Miche\u00e1l Martin said on Monday that he felt it was a viable solution.<\/p>\n
The DUP has been against the idea since its inception, labeling it \u201canti-democratic and unconstitutional\u201d.<\/p>\n
Today, Mrs Foster, whose party backed Brexit, said a deal is possible without Northern Ireland being subject to different customs regulations to other parts of the UK.<\/p>\n
\u201cHistory teaches us that any deal relating to Northern Ireland which cannot command cross-community support is doomed to failure,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is why the Northern Ireland backstop is flawed. Not one single unionist MLA in the Northern Ireland Assembly supports it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to see the referendum result implemented. Those blocking Brexit are causing uncertainty but more worrying they are damaging democracy by ignoring the United Kingdom\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cA sensible deal between the United Kingdom and European Union, which respects the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom, is the best way forward for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n