Northern Ireland could have a different relationship to the European Union’s single market compared to the rest of the United Kingdom following its exit from the EU, said the leader of the British province.
Northern Ireland’s First Minster Arlene Foster has repeatedly said she wants to avoid having a “hard border” with customs checks with the Republic of Ireland.
Speaking to Reuters on Saturday, Ms Foster said that Northern Ireland may seek a special status in relation to either the customs union or the EU’s single market.
Speaking at her annual party conference, Ms Foster said,
“Because of our history and our geography things will be slightly different here in Northern Ireland. We have to recognise that we are the only part of the kingdom with a land border with the European Union so all of those issues have to be sorted through negotiation.”