The DUP MEP claimed the integrity of the Good Friday Agreement would be at risk if the backstop protocol was not removed from the Brexit withdrawal agreement agreed by Theresa May with the EU as she reminded the House it was signed by both nationalists and unionists on the island of Ireland. “Parity of esteem” was at the core of the agreement, she said, but as she hit out at EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier she was cut off by the Parliament President. 

Ms Dodds said: “Firstly, I would like to reaffirm my strong belief that an orderly withdrawal process is the best and preferred way forward for the European Union, for the United Kingdom and to be specific, for our neighbours in the Republic of Ireland.

“I have always believed that this is in our interest and will work to achieve this end.

“However, that withdrawal agreement must not damage the constitutional and economic integrity of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland’s place within it.

“The agreement must also meet the basic democratic test. The backstop endangers this fundamental principle.

“This House has confirmed in a number of occasions its adherence to the Belfast Agreement, it was referenced this morning by President Juncker and Mr Barnier.

“One of the core principles of that agreement is parity of esteem between the two traditions in Northern Ireland.

“Meaning the Unionists and nationalist traditions are treated and heard equally.”

She added: “Let’s be clear, the letter sent to the European institutions was not signed or supported by a single member of the Northern Ireland Assembly from the Unionist tradition.

“Every Unionist party which stood in the European elections did so on a platform rejecting the backstop.”

She continued: “There is a democratic problem with the backstop Mr Barnier, and you cannot wash your hands of it.”

Addressing the House on Wednesday morning, Mr Barnier insisted the EU is committed to protecting the Good Friday Agreement, saying the controversial backstop included into the divorce deal would help ensure no hard border is reinstated.

The EU chief Brexit negotiator said: “It is in Ireland that Brexit creates the most problem. It is in Ireland that harbours the most risk.

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“It is the only place where the United Kingdom has a land border with the EU.

“There is a specific policy which, as you know, is linked to an often-tragic history. Provisions are enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement which the UK and Ireland are signatories to and have committed to upholding.

“The position from the side of the European Union has never been an ideological one it is always been a pragmatic one.”

Mr Barnier continued: “The backstop provided a kind of safety net, insurance that would allow the preservation, under all circumstances, of the requirements.”

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