Lord Howard told the European Union it has two years to catch up and prepare technology to stop the backstop being implemented in the event that both Brussels and the UK cannot find a solution to the border issue. The former Tory leader told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I have great sympathy for those who are worried about the backstop. I think there have very recently been some developments which ought to reassure people. Mr Coveney, the Irish foreign minister, said very recently that he recognised the obligation to work with the UK to make sure there was no infrastructure at the border.

I can’t believe that the EU is so far behind us technologically

Lord Howard

“Leo Varadkar said he had no plans to put in infrastructure if there was a misleadingly-called no deal. And HMRC has for some time been saying they see no need in any circumstances for any need for infrastructure.

“I can’t believe that the EU is so far behind us technologically that they think they have to have the infrastructure and we don’t.”

The DUP said on Wednesday they could not support the Brexit deal, which they see as a threat to Northern Ireland’s place within the UK.

“I hope the DUP will look at what has happened recently and will look at the reality of what is likely to happen if the EU is behind us technologically on these issues, they’ve got nearly two years to catch up.

“I’m sure HMRC would stand ready to help them catch up.

“There is no need for infrastructure at the border and therefore there will be no need for the backstop.”

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Theresa May suggested to a meeting of the backbench Tory 1922 Committee that she would stand down as Prime Minister if Parliament approves her EU exit deal.

The apparent pledge won the support of a number of senior Conservatives, including former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who says he will now vote for the deal.

But in order to get support for her controversial deal, Mrs May still needs the backing of the DUP.

However, yesterday in a statement the DUP said: “Given the fact that the necessary changes we seek to the backstop have not been secured, and the remaining risk that Northern Ireland would be trapped in backstop arrangements at the end of the implementation period, we will not be supporting the Government if they table a fresh meaningful vote.

“The backstop if operational has the potential to create an internal trade border within the United Kingdom and would cut us off from our main internal market, being Great Britain.

“We want to secure the United Kingdom’s departure from, and our future relationship with, the European Union on terms with our key objectives to ensure the integrity of the United Kingdom.”

Source: Read Full Article