Brokenshire: Customs union would stop UK negotiating trade deals

By Deborah McAleese, Press Association

The UK Government has insisted there is no possibility of remaining within a customs union post-Brexit.

Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire said that to do so would prevent the UK from negotiating international trade deals.

However, he told businesses across the island of Ireland that there would be a period of implementation where the UK would adhere closely to the existing customs union.

Speaking following a meeting with the Irish and British Chamber of Commerce in Dublin on Tuesday Mr Brokenshire said businesses had voiced their "desire for certainty, not wanting to see cliff edges, sudden shifts."

"We think it is important there is an implementaion period where the UK would adhere closely to the existing customs union," said Mr Brokenshire.

"But ultimately it is about the UK being able to negotiate international trade deals. We want to harness those freedoms. If we were to remain in the customs union that would prevent us from doing so.

"We are leaving the EU, customs union and single market. We have set out options as to how we can achieve that frictionless trade," he added.

Mr Brokenshire said he had also reassured business leaders during the meeting of the UK's intent to ensure there will be no return to a hard border across the island of Ireland."

He has also scheduled meetings in Dublin with Irish Government ministers including Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney.