Ritchie calls for end to confusion over regulatory border

Press Eye Belfast - Northern Ireland 8th June 2017

Westminster General Election 2017

SDLP candidate for South Down Margaret Ritchie pictured after loosing her seat at the election count at the Eikon Exhibition Centre Sprucefield for Lagan Valley, Newry & Armagh, South Down and Upper Bann.

Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com — Press Eye Belfast - Northern Ireland 8th June 2017 Westminster General Election 2017 SDLP candidate for South Down Margaret Ritchie pictured after loosing her seat at the election count at the Eikon Exhibition Centre Sprucefield for Lagan Valley, Newry & Armagh, South Down and Upper Bann. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com

Baroness Ritchie said: “On the one hand the Prime Minister states there is no such thing, whilst EU Ministers stated this week that the UK Government should be in a state of preparedness at British ports exporting to Northern Ireland ports.

“The Treasury Minister in response stated there will be light touch administration but failed to specify what that will be. I intend to meet with the new Northern Ireland Minister, Lord Younger to impress upon him that there must be no borders in Ireland or in the Irish Sea. Above all the Protocol already agreed by the British Government and the EU must not be undermined. That protocol allows Northern Ireland to stay in the EU customs union for agricultural and manufacturing products.

“Above all, the people of Northern Ireland and their livelihoods must be protected now and after the transition period.”