North has no power to veto Brexit, says Arlene Foster

Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster has dismissed suggestions that she has the power to veto the result of the EU referendum.

An online petition calling for the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party to refuse consent for Northern Ireland to leave the European Union is gathering pace. As of yesterday it had more than 31,000 signatures. But there is nothing the power-sharing executive can do, said Ms Foster.

“I do not want to ignore anyone in Northern Ireland who voted to remain part of the European Union, but such petitions will not have any impact.

Ms Foster dismissed claims that a withdrawal from Europe would result in a "hard Border."

“We should not forget when we talk about a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic, that the only time we have really ever seen this was because of a terrorist threat.”

Sensible

“It is in the interests of people in Fermanagh and those in counties like

Donegal

and Cavan to ensure sensible and practical arrangements are put in place. That is what I will be engaging with our government in London to achieve.”

Ms Foster said she “does not accept” Britain’s decision to leave the EU “should have any impact on the chances of a united Ireland”.

“Whether we are inside the EU or outside, the Republic is not only a neighbour but an important trading partner and it is a Border that people constantly cross for social, business and family reasons. It would be in no-one’s interests to see impediments to trade and travel imposed on that Border.”

Ms Foster does not believe Scotland nor Northern Ireland can veto the decision.

"Unfortunately some ill-informed politicians raised the spectre that the Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly could somehow block the decision. Legally there simply is no power for any devolved legislature to do this."

Pro-Brexit

Some 28,200 voted for Remain in Ms Foster’s constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone while 19,958 voted for Leave. Asked if her pro-Brexit position makes her out of touch with the people she represents, she said: “I indicated my belief that on balance it would be better for the

United Kingdom

to leave the European Union because I believed in the arguments and not because of any cynical electoral calculation. While a majority of unionists voted to leave, I do not ignore the fact that a majority of people across Northern Ireland voted to remain.”

It is understood one Fermanagh business has been contacted by a supplier in the Republic announcing immediate price increases and a reduction in credit terms. “There is simply no rational explanation for such a decision to have been taken,” said Ms Foster.

“Until the United Kingdom formally initiates the process to leave the European Union and the negotiations have completed, then there will be no changes to trade, migration or law.

“It benefits no one to talk down our economy.”