Brexit and the Irish border
The Chair called the next speaker, and Senator Coghlan argued that despite Boris Johnson’s comments, British ministers understood the need to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.
Senators Mark Daly and Craughwell referred to the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Johnson.
If one were to pay attention to some of his comments, one might have cause for concern. However, I prefer to listen to the Business Secretary, Mr. Greg Clark, the Brexit Secretary, Mr. David Davis, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Philip Hammond, and the Prime Minister, Mrs. May. We are well aware of the divisions within the British Government and the Tory Party. However, they all know they have to avoid a hard border within Ireland and they do not want a border between the islands of Ireland and Britain. These are matters for negotiation and we will have to be patient while the negotiators hammer out the issues behind all our backs in Brussels.
Another debate on this would be welcome but not until the outcome of the leaders' summit in June is known. I plead with Members to be patient until then. I wish Michel Barnier and all the other negotiators well as they attend to their work diligently. Let them at it.