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As it happenedended

Brexit - as it happened: Barnier dissects May's blueprint with concerns about fraud, border checks and fair competition

Benjamin Kentish
Political Correspondent
,Lizzy Buchan,Ashley Cowburn
Friday 20 July 2018 08:43 BST
Comments
What is still needed to complete a deal with the EU?

Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, has delivered the EU 27's response to the Theresa May's Brexit plan.

He welcomed several elements of the proposals agreed by ministers at Chequers but raised concerns over whether they are compatible with the integrity of the EU's single market. He also cited border checks, unfair competition and potential fraud as other possible problems.

Earlier on Friday, Theresa May used a speech in Northern Ireland to call on the EU to accept the UK's Brexit proposals.

Visiting the region for the first time since taking office, the prime minister sought to reassure residents and businesses that she is committed to maintaining a soft border with the Republic of Ireland. She insisted that her government's Brexit plan "works for the whole UK, including Northern Ireland" and said it is "now for the EU to respond".

See below for live updates

She says Northern Ireland makes a 'major contribution to our union and also derives great benefits' from being in the UK. 

May points to the success of TV and entertainment, tourism and other industry in the province, underscored by UK government funding.

She says her government will 'never be neutral' in its support for Northern Ireland and want to protect the union.

However she acknowledges that many people consider themselves Irish and she promises to ensure parity of esteem for everyone.

Lizzy Buchan20 July 2018 11:08

May says she 'shares the concern' over outbreaks of violence in recent weeks and says it is 'not representative of the wider community'.

'We are all committed to ensuring that Northern Ireland moves forward,' she says.

Moving onto the Good Friday Agreement, the PM pays tribute to Tony Blair, Ian Paisley, Martin McGuinness and John Major, as well as others who contributed to this.

Lizzy Buchan20 July 2018 11:10

She says it is a matter of 'enormous regret' that Northern Ireland has been without a functioning executive for 18 months, after power-sharing collapsed last January.

May pays tribute to the civil service for their work and says the UK government will do everything it can to support a new executive. She says it cannot be imposed. Interventions from Westminster are no match for decisions taken in Belfast, she says.

Lizzy Buchan20 July 2018 11:12

Lizzy Buchan20 July 2018 11:13

May says the notion of a hard border is 'inconceivable'. She spent the day meeting people around the border on Thursday, during her first visit to the province since the referendum.

Here's a summary of the key views on the Irish border question.

Lizzy Buchan20 July 2018 11:16

No technological solution has been tested out anywhere in the world to the Northern Ireland border, she says. Interesting issue here, as the future customs rules hinge on this issue.

May says it would be a betrayal of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, if the UK does not find a suitable solution in the Brexit talks.

UK cannot 'wash its hands' of the matter - which is a bit of a jibe at the Brexiteers who are open to the idea of a no deal.

Lizzy Buchan20 July 2018 11:18

She repeats her position on the EU's proposals for a backstop, saying no PM could ever accept a solution where there would be a customs border down the Irish sea.

May defends her Chequers plan as a 'sensible, practical Brexit' as it takes back control of money, laws and borders.

Lizzy Buchan20 July 2018 11:21

May says she understands concerns around maintaining a common rulebook over goods and agrifoods. She says it is in the 'national interest' in a way it wouldn't be if it was about financial services.

Brexiteers have been furious about any attempt to maintain common rules with the EU.

Lizzy Buchan20 July 2018 11:24

She says some EU proposals have been 'unworkable' but she looks forward to starting 'constructive discussions'.

I am passionate about the brighter future and the possibilities it entails, she says.

That is the end of her speech.

Lizzy Buchan20 July 2018 11:26

There's now a Q&A.

May is asked about the DUP deal and Ian Paisley Jr, who has been suspended from parliament for 30 days for failing to declare two luxury holidays.

May says the DUP deal has meant she can deliver on the wishes of the people of the UK.

Lizzy Buchan20 July 2018 11:28

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