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BREXIT BRIEF
BRIEF
BREXIT
Brexit Brief Issue 64: 17 May 2019
Introduction
The Brief seeks to provide up-to-date information on the progress and content of the UK-EU negotiations, and
bring together relevant statements and policy positions from key players in Ireland, the UK and EU.
The Brief is part of a wider communications programme covering the work of the IIEA’s UK Project Group –
including commentaries, speeches, texts and event reports – which are highlighted on the Institute’s website.
(www.iiea.com)
Section One: State of Play A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said that the talks
broke down due to divisions over a second referendum and
Collapse of the Cross Party Talks customs union. The Prime Minister has previously said
that the next steps would be to hold a series of indicative
In a letter to the Prime Minister sent on the morning of
votes in the Parliament, and the spokesman refused to
Friday, 17 May, the leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy
rule this out as an option on Friday morning. Although
Corbyn, stated that the cross-party talks had “gone as far
he said that this had previously been planned with Labour
as they can”. He said that Labour had concerns about the
support, Government continues to consider all options.
Government’s ability to deliver on a compromise deal,
Following the announcement, the pound dropped below
given the “weakness and instability” of Theresa May’s
$1.28 for the first time since February.
Government as it moves towards selecting a new leader.
The letter stated that senior Cabinet Ministers have Talks between the Conservative and Labour parties had
rejected any form of customs union, in spite of proposals been ongoing throughout April, with the issues of a
made by Government negotiators during the cross-party customs union, a possible second referendum, and the
talks. Mr Corbyn concluded by saying that Labour will implications of a change in the Tory leadership ultimately
consider any proposals the Government might bring obstructing an agreement. Both party leaders had spoken,
forward, but that as the deal stands, they will continue to or written, about the need to get a deal agreed and ratified
oppose the Agreement. but without any clarity about how this could be done.
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Commenting on the ongoing debate in the UK earlier The Conservative seat losses led to an immediate call
in the week, the Tánaiste, Simon Coveney, insisted on for the Prime Minister, Theresa May, to step down. A
the importance of the backstop saying that, whatever former councillor - a victim of the collapse in Tory votes
the outcome of talks between the UK parties, “These – interrupted the Prime Minister as she began to address
realities don’t change. It is an evidence-based issue.” He a party function, saying “Why don’t you resign? We don’t
pointed out that the Withdrawal Agreement provides want you.” Another complained that local councillors had
for consideration of alternative arrangements to the been punished “for something that wasn’t our fault.”
backstop, if they work. “If they stand up they can replace
the backstop.” The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, said that the results
were a call from voters “to deliver Brexit and move on.”
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has warned that the The Justice Secretary, David Gauke, saw the results as
continued impasse on Brexit was becoming ‘highly “punishment” for the party’s handling of Brexit.
damaging’ to the country’s global image, saying that the
UK’s trading partners just wanted the country to “make The Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, claimed that the
up its mind on Brexit and get on with it.” local election results showed that voters wanted politicians
to get a deal done. “An arrangement has to be made, a deal
Tory Party Leadership has to be done, Parliament has to resolve this issue. I think
that is very, very clear.”
Following pressure on Theresa May to set a firm resignation
date after the local government elections, the Prime In Northern Ireland, the DUP emerged as the leading party
Minister promised the Executive of the 1922 Committee with 122 seats, ahead of Sinn Féin with 105. The UUP
that she will set a date for her departure in the first week won 75 seats; the SDLP won 59 and the Alliance Party 53.
of June. The possibility of agreeing on a ‘soft’ Brexit deal Smaller parties won 24 seats with a further 24 seats going
with the Labour Party had angered Eurosceptic Tories, to Independents.
with Sir Bill Cash asserting that “the time has come for
her to resign.” The percentage share of votes saw the DUP ahead on
24.1% (up 1%) with Sinn Féin on 23.2% (down 1%). The
English and Northern Ireland Local Election Results UUP won 14 % and the SDLP 12% while the Alliance
Party advanced its vote share to 11.5%.
Local Government elections in England on 2 May 2019
saw the Conservative Party suffer the loss of more than Brexit Party Launched
1,300 seats in a contest which was dominated by the
impasse in the Brexit negotiations. Labour had a marginal Nigel Farage’s new party was launched on 20 January
loss of 84 seats. The winners were the Liberal Democrats, 2019 and registered with the United Kingdom Electoral
who recovered from recent bad results to gain more than Commission on 5 February 2019 to run candidates in any
700 seats and, unusually in UK elections, Independents English, Scottish, Welsh and European Union elections.
gained 600 seats. The Green Party enjoyed an increase in The party has no policies other than its desire for the
support with almost 200 gains. UKIP collapsed with 145 United Kingdom to leave the European Union without a
losses in an election in which the new Brexit Party did not Withdrawal Agreement. Nigel Farage has warned that a
contest. The other new party, Change UK, also decided not deal between the Conservative and Labour parties will be a
to participate, choosing to wait for the European elections. “coalition against the people.”
As an independent forum, the Institute does not express any opinions of its own. The views expressed in the article are the sole
responsibility of the author.BREXIT
BRIEF BREXIT BRIEF 064 | MAY 2019
The party attracted immediate popular support and the EU immediately without a deal. Farage had described
attracted members who pay an individual donation of the Prime Minister’s deal as “like a surrender document of
£25. Funding has come from significant personal donors a nation that has been defeated in war.”
of £100,000 and more. The party organises rallies on the
model of Donald Trump’s events in the US. It decided not Early opinion polls show that support for the Brexit Party
to contest the English local elections but to field candidates had reached levels higher than that for the two main parties
in the European Parliament elections on Thursday, 23 May. put together. An Observer poll put the Brexit Party on
34%, with Labour on 21%, the Liberal Democrats on 12%
Opinion polling suggests that the new party will be the and the Conservatives on a devastating 11%. The same poll
clear winner in the European elections. revealed levels of party support at a future general election
at: Labour 28%, Conservatives 22% and the Brexit Party
European Parliament Elections 21%. A Sunday Telegraph poll puts Labour at 27%, the
Brexit Party at 20%, the Conservatives on 19%, with the
On 7 May, David Lidington, the de facto Deputy Prime
Liberal Democrats on 14% and Change UK on 7%.
Minister, indicated that the UK was obliged to hold
European Parliament elections on 23 May, despite hopes
Sibiu Summit
from the Government that a Brexit deal would be done by
then. He said that “regrettably it is not going to be possible The European Council, meeting informally as EU27, met
to finish that process” before the date the UK legally has to in Sibiu, Romania on 9 May. They adopted a Declaration
take part. which will form the basis for a European Council meeting
in June, following the European Parliament elections,
If the UK has not left the EU by 23 May, it is legally which will adopt the EU’s priorities for the next five years.
obliged to take part in the EU-wide election process and
to send MEPs to the European Parliament. A Downing In a few weeks, Europeans will elect their representatives
in the European Parliament, forty years after they first
Street spokesman said that the Prime Minister deeply
exercised this fundamental right. A Europe re-united in
regretted that the UK did not leave as planned in March peace and democracy is but one of many achievements.
and recognised that many people felt “great frustration” Since its inception, the European Union, driven by
that the European elections were going ahead. She hoped its values and freedoms, has provided stability and
prosperity across Europe, within and beyond its borders.
Parliament would finalise a Brexit deal before MEPs start
Over the years, it has grown into a major player on the
their initial session in July. international scene. Gathering around half a billion
citizens, with a competitive single market, it is a leader
If the Brexit process is completed before 30 June, the UK in worldwide trade, and shapes global politics.
MEPs will not take up their seats. It has been explained
We reaffirm our belief that united, we are stronger in
that “if it is done and dusted after that date but before
this increasingly unsettled and challenging world. We
Parliament begins its summer recess in July, MEPs will only recognise our responsibility as Leaders to make our Union
need to sit for a month, until 1 August.” stronger and our future brighter, while recognising the
European perspective of other European States. That is
The decision to go ahead with the poll has created an why today we unanimously agree on 10 commitments
that will help us live up to that responsibility:
extraordinary situation in which the emergence of Nigel
Farage’s Brexit Party has challenged the main parties by We will defend one Europe - from East to West, from
responding to the widespread frustration with the failure to North to South.
reach an exit deal and by arguing that the UK must leave
As an independent forum, the Institute does not express any opinions of its own. The views expressed in the article are the sole
responsibility of the author.BREXIT
BRIEF BREXIT BRIEF 064 | MAY 2019
We will stay united, through thick and thin. Union and Africa where the Union plays a central role in
advancing the Sustainable Development Goals; and
We will always look for joint solutions
• A deep and comprehensive partnership across a range
We will continue to protect our protect our way of life,
democracy and the rule of law of areas of importance to Ireland in the future EU-UK
relationship.
We will deliver where it matters most
Welcoming the launch of the National Statement, the
We will always uphold the principle of fairness
Tánaiste, Simon Coveney TD, said: “The Single Market
We will give ourselves the means to match our ambitions is one of the Union’s greatest achievements but it is
incomplete and we need to make it fit for the digital age.
We will safeguard the future for the next generations of
The digital transformation will accelerate over the next five
Europeans
years and Europe can become a world leader, if it invests
We will protect our citizens and keep them safe now in the necessary research and innovation. Greater
interconnectedness will empower communities and
Europe will be a responsible global leader.
enhance the quality of our lives. But artificial intelligence
The decisions we take will follow the spirit and letter of and automation will also pose challenges for society. It
these 10 commitments. The Union of today is stronger will change the way we live and will disrupt the labour
than that of yesterday and we want to continue to build market. The new Strategic Agenda will, therefore, need
its strength for tomorrow. This is our commitment for
the future generations. This is the spirit of Sibiu and of to anticipate these developments and protect the most
a new Union at 27 ready to embrace its future as one. vulnerable.”
Section Two: The Evolving Debate In Dáil Éireann, on 18 April, the Tánaiste addressed the
key elements of the National Statement and highlighted a
Irish EU Strategy Paper number of issues that are of most importance to Ireland:
the Services dimension of the Single Market; fitting the
On 17 April, the Government published a new National Single Market for the new Digital Age; interconnectedness
Statement on the European Union. The document is through broadband; action on climate change; effective
the Government’s response to the citizen’s dialogues on political dialogue between the European Union and
the future of Europe conducted across Ireland in 2018, Africa; and advancing the Sustainable Development
designed to inform Ireland’s contribution to the EU’s Goals.
Strategic Agenda for the next five years. The priorities
identified include: For Fianna Fáil, Sean Haughey TD argued that threats to
EU democratic freedoms and values need to be confronted
• The completion of a Single Market fit for the digital age; and challenged. He emphasised the importance of
migration and the refugee crisis and the need to promote
• A Union that is a global leader in finding solutions to
policies of integration and inclusion both here and in the
climate change;
European Union as a whole. The Labour Party Leader,
• A Union that is also ready for the social and economic Brendan Howlin TD, stressed the need for solidarity at
challenges of the digital transformation; EU level that can allow the Union and its Member States
solve problems that nation states cannot solve on their
• A more effective political dialogue between the European own, like climate change.
As an independent forum, the Institute does not express any opinions of its own. The views expressed in the article are the sole
responsibility of the author.BREXIT
BRIEF BREXIT BRIEF 064 | MAY 2019
Common Travel Area Agreement The Conference agreed that the United Kingdom and
Ireland enjoy a unique bilateral relationship with strong
On 8 May 2019, the UK and Irish governments signed a cooperation which takes place at all levels of government
Memorandum of Understanding on the Common Travel and across all policy areas. It was noted that the Irish
and UK Governments had that day entered into a
Area. In a brief ceremony at Downing Street, the Tánaiste,
Memorandum of Understanding reaffirming their joint
Simon Coveney, and the de facto Deputy Prime Minister, commitment to the Common Travel Area. They further
David Lidington, signed the Memorandum in advance of a reaffirmed their commitment made at the BIIGC held
meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. in November 2018 to ensure that the current high level
of bilateral cooperation between Ireland and the UK is
The Memorandum guarantees reciprocal rights in areas such maintained and strengthened following the departure
of the United Kingdom from the European Union. At
as social security, health services, education and citizens’ that meeting, officials had been tasked to work together
rights to work and vote in local and national parliamentary to identify and explore areas of mutual interest, with
elections in each other’s jurisdictions. a view to developing a shared bilateral work plan.
Ministers reviewed the progress made by officials to date
After the signing, the Tánaiste said that: and requested further proposals for new, reinvigorated
and regular opportunities for future cooperation.
Today marks an important moment for the long-standing
Common Travel Area arrangement between our two The Conference reviewed political developments since the
countries. The CTA has provided rights and privileges to last meeting in November and welcomed the resumption
Irish and British citizens for nearly a century. However, of talks aimed at restoring all the political institutions
it has not before been formalised in this way. Many of us of the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement. The shared
have personal experience of the CTA in our daily lives. objective of both the UK and Irish Governments is for
This MOU demonstrates and confirms the commitment this short focused process to proceed with urgency and
of both Governments to maintaining the CTA in all with the clear aim of making rapid and substantial
circumstances. It provides clarity and assurance for progress. The Conference noted the intention of the
citizens of both countries that the way in which British Prime Minister and the Taoiseach to review progress in
and Irish citizens can live and work freely across these the talks at the end of May.
islands will not change.
Both the UK and Irish Governments agreed to continue
working closely together in full accordance with the
Speaking in London, where he was attending the British- three-stranded approach set out in the Belfast/Good
Irish Intergovernmental Conference, the Minister for Friday Agreement.
Justice and Equality, Charles Flanagan T.D. said that: “The
Common Travel Area, where citizens of Britain and Ireland It was agreed that the Conference would meet again in
the coming months.
have enjoyed free movement in each other’s countries
since 1922, is highly valued on all sides. The formalisation
Juncker on Prime Minister Theresa May
of arrangements today, a process which started in my
Department, demonstrates our ongoing commitment to The Commission President, Jean Claude Juncker, told
working together to foster greater reconciliation, shared reporters in Sibiu that “I miss Theresa May”, who did
understanding and partnership.” not attend the Summit, and expressed the hope that she
would succeed in finalising a deal before his scheduled
British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference departure from office in the autumn. He had earlier
commented that British politicians are not passionate
The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC)
about Europe and that the UK had always insisted that
met in London on 8 May, under the terms of the Good
the EU was “about economic interests, not values. Over
Friday Agreement. A Joint Communique stated:
As an independent forum, the Institute does not express any opinions of its own. The views expressed in the article are the sole
responsibility of the author.BREXIT
BRIEF BREXIT BRIEF 064 | MAY 2019
decades of meeting British politicians my impression has irishtimes.com/news/world/uk/brexit-eu-elections-
always been that they don’t feel at home in the EU.” inevitable-as-talks-produce-no-breakthrough-1.3884200
RedC Poll Results The Guardian Poll surge for Farage sparks panic among
Tories and Labour. Guardian, 11 May 2019. www.
A RedC opinion poll on attitudes to the European Union theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/11/poll-surge-for-
has been published by European Movement Ireland. farage-panic-conservatives-and-labour
The central finding of the poll is that 93% of respondents European Council The Sibiu Declaration, 9 May
agree that Ireland should remain a member of the EU with 2019.www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-
support greatest in Dublin and amongst 18-24 year olds. releases/2019/05/09/the-sibiu-declaration
86% agree that the Euro has been positive for Ireland.
European Council Remarks by President Donald Tusk
50% or more agree that Ireland should contribute more to at the press conference of the informal summit in Sibiu,
the EU budget and that Ireland should be part of increased 9 May 2019. www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-
EU tax cooperation while 58% agree that the country releases/2019/05/09/remarks-by-president-donald-tusk-
should be part of increased EU defence and security at-the-press-conference-of-the-informal-summit-in-sibiu
cooperation. 58% also agree that Brexit has improved their
opinion of the European Union and 50% hold the view Financial Times The Road from Sibiu. FT, 10 May
that a United Ireland as a member of the EU is more likely 2019. www.ft.com/content/2d029586-72de-11e9-bf5c-
in the wake of Brexit. 6eeb837566c5
Brexit boosts support for Scottish Independence Irish Times EU set to embrace politics of lowest common
denominator at Sibiu. IT, 6 May 2019. www.irishtimes.
The latest polling on Scottish independence shows support com/news/world/europe/eu-set-to-embrace-politics-of-
rising to 49%, the highest level since 2015. The change lowest-common-denominator-at-sibiu-1.3881979
appeared to be driven by a change in attitudes among
Remain voters with 54% now in favour of independence. Government of Ireland National Statement on the
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon argues that Scotland European Union, 17 April 2019. www.dfa.ie/media/
should hold a referendum on the issue before 2021 if the dfa/newsmedia/pressrelease/National-Statement-on-the-
UK leaves the EU. European-Union.pdf
Section Three: Background Material and Further Department of Foreign Affairs Joint Communique of
Reading the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, 12 May
2019. www.dfa.ie/news-and-media/press-releases/press-
Background Material release-archive/2019/may/joint-communique-of-the-
british-irish-intergovernmental-conference
BBC Brexit: UK will take part in European elections, says
David Lidington. BBC, 7 May 2019. www.bbc.com/ Politico Brexit boosts support for Scottish independence
news/uk-politics-481889451 to 49 percent. Politico, 29 April 2019. www.politico.eu/
article/brexit-boosts-support-for-scottish-independence-
Irish Times Brexit: EU elections inevitable as talks
to-49-percent
produce no breakthrough. IT, 8 May 2019. www.
As an independent forum, the Institute does not express any opinions of its own. The views expressed in the article are the sole
responsibility of the author.BREXIT
BRIEF BREXIT BRIEF 064 | MAY 2019
The Guardian May buys time with hints at new Irish Times Party pressure on May to set firm resignation
withdrawal bill vote and exit date. Guardian, 9 May 2019. date. IT, 7 May 2019. www.irishtimes.com/news/
www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/08/may-buys- world/uk/party-pressure-on-may-to-set-firm-resignation-
time-with-hints-at-new-withdrawal-bill-vote-and-exit- date-1.3883326
date
BBC Economists warn over impact of customs union
The Telegraph Brexit latest news: Theresa May wins stay Brexit. BBC, 10 May 2019. www.bbc.com/news/uk-
of execution, but Tory rebels lose patience. Telegraph, 9 politics-48213055
May 2019. www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/08/
brexit-latest-news-talks-labour-million-miles-away- The Guardian Tories lose over 1,300 seats in local
breakthrough elections as major parties suffer. Guardian, 3 May 2019.
www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/03/tories-lose-
The Guardian Theresa May under pressure to quit over-1200-seats-in-local-elections-as-major-parties-suffer
after local election losses. Guardian, 3 May 2019. www.
theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/03/theresa-may- BBC Local elections: Tories call for unity after election
under-pressure-quit-local-election-losses drubbing. BBC, 4 May 2019. www.bbc.com/news/uk-
48157991
The Guardian Theresa May rebuffs fresh calls to resign.
Guardian, 8 May 2019. www.theguardian.com/2019/ The Guardian Corbyn says local elections show voters
may/08/theresa-may-rebuffs-fresh-calls-to-resign want deal done on Brexit. Guardian, 3 May 2019. www.
theguardian.com/politics/may/03/deliver-brexit-is-local-
Financial Times Downing Street insists Theresa May will election-message-says-labour-mcdonnell
not quit until after Brexit. FT, 8 May 2019. www.ft.com/
content/0e5900da-718e-11e9-bf5c-6eeb837566c5 Jacob Rees-Mogg These disastrous local elections could
be a blessing in disguise for the Conservatives. Telegraph,
BBC Theresa May urges Jeremy Corbyn to do a Brexit 4 May 2019. www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/03/
deal. BBC, 5 May 2019. www.bbc.com/news/uk- disastrous-local-elections-could-blessing-disguise-
48165373 conservatives
Financial Times Theresa May clings to latest Brexit The Guardian Matt Hancock hints at Brexit compromise
target as hope of cross-party deal fades. FT, 8 May after local election losses. Guardian, 4 May 2019. www.
2019. www.ft.com/content/438eed32-70c6-11e9-bf5c- theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/04/matt-hancock-
6eeb837566c5 hints-at-brexit-compromise-after-local-election-losses
Irish Times Labour reaffirms policy that identifies Politico Brexit tears through UK’s political landscape.
second referendum as ‘an option’. IT,1 May 2019. Politico, 4 May 2019. www.politico.eu/article/uk-local-
www.irishtimes.com/news/world/uk/labour-reaffirms- elections-brexit-tories-labour-political-landscape
policy-that-identifies-second-referendum-as-an-
option-1.3876626 Boris Johnson Far from facing Blair-era oblivion, a huge
electoral triumph is in the Tories’ grasp. Telegraph, 5 May
2019. www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/05/far-
facing-blair-era-oblivion-huge-electoral-triumph-tories
As an independent forum, the Institute does not express any opinions of its own. The views expressed in the article are the sole
responsibility of the author.BREXIT
BRIEF BREXIT BRIEF 064 | MAY 2019
The Telegraph Don’t build coalition against the Politico Jeremy Hunt: Brexit paralysis highly damaging
people, Farage warns May. Telegraph, 4 May 2019. to UK’s global image. Politico, 15 April 2019. www.
www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/04/dont-build- politico.eu/article/jeremy-hunt-brexit-paralysis-highly-
coalition-against-people-farage-warns-may damaging-to-uks-global-image
Daniel Hannan The Tories have only days left to boot The Federal Trust The Very Odd Couple: Theresa May
out Theresa May – and save the party from obliteration. and Jeremy Corbyn. Brendan Donnelly Blog, 7 May
Telegraph, 4 May 2019. www.telegraph.co.uk/ 2019. www.federaltrust.co.uk/the-very-odd-couple-
politics/2019/05/04/tories-have-days-left-boot-pm-save- theresa-may-and-jeremy-corbyn
party-obliteration
Financial Times Nigel Farage: changing British history
Politico Labour’s John McDonnell: I don’t trust Theresa from the margins. FT, 11 May 2019. www.ft.com/
May. Politico, 5 May 2019. www.politico.eu/article/ content/1a61f30c-7263-11e9-bf5c-6eeb837566c5
labour-john-mcdonnell-doesnt-trust-theresa-may
Politico Juncker: No UK politician is ‘passionate about
Bernard Jenkin An anti-Brexit alliance between the Europe’. Politico, 2 May 2019. www.politico.eu/article/
PM and Corbyn will be a catastrophe for the country. jean-claude-juncker-no-uk-politician-is-pasionate-about-
Telegraph, 5 May 2019. www.telegraph.co.uk/ europe
politics/2019/05/05/anti-brexit-alliance-pm-corbyn-will-
catastrophe-country The Guardian ‘I miss her’ says Juncker as EU heads
meet without Theresa May. Guardian, 9 May 2019.
The Guardian Labour Party MPs say they won’t back www.theguardian.com/politics/may/09/i-miss-her-says-
a Brexit deal without a people’s vote. Guardian, 5 May juncker-as-eu-heads-meet-without-theresa-may
2019. www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/05/
labour-mps-say-they-wont-back-a-brexit-deal-without-a- Politico Michel Barnier steps out of the shadows.
peoples-vote Politico, 7 May 2019. www.politico.eu/article/michel-
barnier-steps-out-of-the-shadows
Philip Stephens The dangerous allure of a fudged Brexit,
FT, 11 May 2019. www.ft.com/content/1af8c1f6-6674- Politico Macron unveils plan for Europe. Politico, 8
11e9-a79d-04f350474d62 May 2019. www.politico.eu/article/macron-plan-europe-
tech-renaissance
Irish Times Second referendum could be ‘healing process’
for Brexit. IT, 10 May 2019. www.irishtimes.com/news/ Financial Times Why Boris Johnson looms large over
world/uk/second-referendum-could-be-healing-process- the Brexit endgame. FT, 1 May 2019. www.ft.com/
for-brexit-1.3887005 content/b87fca52-6b40-11e9-80c7-60ee53e6681d
The Telegraph Brexit latest news: Labour indicates deal Tony Blair Farage cannot be allowed to dictate Britain’s
on a customs union is close. Telegraph, 1 May 2019. future. He must be thwarted. Guardian, 11 May 2019.
www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/01/brexit-latest- www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/may/11/
newsmay-corbyn-face-commons-clash-amid-major- farage-cannot-be-allowed-to-dictate-britains-future-he-
pressure must-be-thwarted
As an independent forum, the Institute does not express any opinions of its own. The views expressed in the article are the sole
responsibility of the author.BREXIT
BRIEF BREXIT BRIEF 064 | MAY 2019
Department of Foreign Affairs Tanaiste signs European Movement Ireland Ireland and the EU
agreement with UK on Common Travel Area, 8 May 2019 Poll Launched, 3 May 2019. https://www.
2019. www.dfa.ie/news-and-media/press-releases/press- europeanmovement.ie/programmes/ireland-and-the-eu-
release-archive/2019/may/tanaiste-signs-agreement-with- poll
uk-on-common-travel-area.php
RTE All 462 seats filled in the Northern Ireland
Financial Times UK and Ireland agree to maintain council elections. RTÉ, 5 May 2019. www.rte.ie/
common travel area after Brexit. FT, 8 May 2019. www. news/2019/0505/1047583-northern-ireland-elections
ft.com/content/2b3fccf-7186-11e9-bf5c-6eeb837566c5
Irish Times Alliance party surges but DUP and Sinn
Department of Foreign Affairs Tanaiste and Minister Fein remain dominant in North. IT,4 May 2019. www.
of State welcome National Statement on the EU, 17 irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/alliance-party-
April 2019. www.dfa.ie/news-and-media/press-releases/ surges-but-dup-and-sinn-fein-remain-dominant-in-
press-release-archive/2019/april/tanaiste-simon-coveney- north-1.3881495
and-minister-of-state-helen-mcentee-welcome-national-
statement-on-the-eu.php Bobby McDonagh Witholding support from EU a
dangerous mistake. IT, 7 May 2019. www.irishtimes.
Dail Eireann Debate, Thursday 18 April 2019. Ireland’s com/opinion/witholding-support-from-eu-a-dangerous-
Position on the Future of Europe. www.oireachtas.ie/en/ mistake-1.3881686
debate/dail/2019-04-18/40/
Further Reading
Irish Times Britain and Ireland to sign Common Travel
Area deal. IT, 8 May 2019. www.irishtimes.com/news/ O’Driscoll, Keogh, aan de Wiel Ireland Through
politics/britain-and-ireland-to-sign-common-travel-area- European Eyes. Cork University Press.
deal-1.3884176
Tanaiste Simon Coveney Address to the British Irish
Chamber of Commerce, 27 March 2019. www.dfa.
ie/news-and-media/speeches/speeches-archive/2019/
april/tanaistes-address-to-the-british-irish-chamber-of-
commerce-spring-networking-dinner
The Guardian Backstop still needed if May departs,
Irish foreign minister says. Guardian, 10 May 2019.
www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/10/backstop-
theresa-may-irish-foreign-minister-simon-coveney
Irish Times UK still pinning Brexit deal hopes on
alternative to backstop. IT, 10 May 2019. www.irishtimes.
com/news/world/uk-still-pinning-brexit-hopes-on-
alternative-to-backstop-1.3886993
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