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Theresa May in new Brexit defeat as EU rejects her plans to avoid hard border in Northern Ireland

The PM may have to stay in the customs union as the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator has also 'halted internal trade deal talks'

By Greg Wilford
20th April 2018, 2:31 am

EU CHIEFS have piled pressure on Theresa May by rejecting British plans to avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland.

The Prime Minister’s proposals were subjected to a “systematic and forensic annihilation” this week in a meeting between senior EU officials and the UK’s lead Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins, senior EU sources claim.

The EU has rejected Theresa May’s plans to avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland
AFP or licensors
3
The EU has rejected Theresa May’s plans to avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland

Mrs May may now be forced to remain in the customs union if she wants to avoid a hard border.

Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, has also suspended internal talks on the future EU-UK trade deal, according to The Telegraph.

It comes after the PM’s plan to leave the EU Customs Union was dealt a blow at the House of Lords
AFP or licensors
3
It comes after the PM’s plan to leave the EU Customs Union was dealt a blow at the House of Lords

The PM may now be forced to stay in the customs union as Michel Barnier – pictured – has reportedly suspended internal trade deal talks
AFP or licensors
3
The PM may now be forced to stay in the customs union as Michel Barnier – pictured – has reportedly suspended internal trade deal talks

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The knockback comes after the House of Lords voted for an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill that favours staying in the customs union.

A source said: “It was made clear that none of the UK’s customs options will work. None of them.”

Mrs May and her Brexit “war cabinet” will now hold weekly meetings as Whitehall scrambles to find solutions.

Ex-PM Tony Blair says Brexit would pose serious challenge to Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement
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