Theresa May responds to NI leaders’ Brexit letter

Prime Minister Theresa May has written back to Northern Ireland’s political leaders about their concerns over the impact of Brexit.

First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness had sent the PM a letter back in August.

They highlighted a range of economic and business issues, as well as the border between NI and the Republic of Ireland.

Ms May’s reply was published by the Executive Office on Tuesday.

In it, she writes: “I agree with you that the future of the border with Ireland is of the highest priority for Northern Ireland and indeed is an important priority for the UK as a whole.

“The UK Government, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government have all been clear that we wish to see the continuance of the free movement of people and goods across the island of Ireland and the maintenance of the Common Travel Area across the whole of the UK and Ireland, which has served us well.

“No one wants to see a return to the borders of the past, the disruption that would bring to the people and businesses crossing the border as part of their daily lives and the opportunity it could present for those who are not committed to supporting the political process and the rule of law.”

Theresa May also invites the ministers to attend the next meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee on 24 October at Downing Street.