David Lidington reveals Brexit concession on Northern Ireland Theresa May’s de facto deputy made the commitment during a visit to Scotland

The Government is prepared to maintain the UK’s close customs ties with the EU beyond the Brexit transition period to preserve the integrity of the Union, Theresa May‘s de facto deputy has said.

David Lidington, the Cabinet Office Minister, said the rest of the UK would “align with Northern Ireland” if no overall customs agreement with the EU was reached by the end of 2020.

“We as a government have given a guarantee that – if the backstop were ever used as a temporary measure – we would seek to align GB with Northern Ireland” The i politics newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. David Lidington

The concession, which Mr Lidington said would “provide reassurance” to Unionists across the UK, appears designed to win the support of the DUP and the Scottish Conservatives for Mrs May’s deal.

The so-called backstop plan included in the agreement is intended to be a safety net, in order to avoid the creation of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

But it has proved highly controversial, with DUP leader Arlene Foster claiming it “hives off” Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK and that she cannot support the deal as a consequence.

Tories representing Scottish constituencies have also expressed concerns that the plan will undermine the integrity of the UK and boost the SNP‘s case for independence.

But appearing in front of MSPs at the Scottish Parliament, Mr Lidington sought to reassure his Tory colleagues that if the backstop plan is needed, the UK will all have the same regulatory rules.

“We as a government have given a guarantee that – if the backstop were ever used as a temporary measure – we would seek to align GB with Northern Ireland,” he said.

‘Reassurance’ for Unionists

Asked to clarify his remarks later, he said: “I think what we would be seeking to do to provide reassurance to Unionists in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and England and Wales for that matter, is to say ‘OK while that [the backstop] is in, GB will not diverge from the regime in Northern Ireland’.”

He added that the policy would not need to be “controversial”, adding: “There is not a big demand from the automotive industry, aerospace, chemicals, pharmaceuticals to diverge quickly away from EU standards.

“Businesses themselves will want to take stock of the new arrangements before lobbying for any possible change in the future.”

Asked if it was a concession to the DUP and Scottish Tories, he replied: “You can describe it as a concession if you like.

“It’s a way of trying to provide that reassurance to people that the commitment to the Union is very deeply felt. If you talk to the PM about this, this is something she cares about passionately.”

Mr Lidington’s comments were described as “vital and welcome” by Scottish Tory constitution spokesman Adam Tomkins, who said there had been fears of an “unacceptable level of divergence”.

“He has confirmed today that Great Britain, including Scotland, will align with the single market rules that apply to Northern Ireland if the backstop kicks in,” he added.

“It is vital that we maintain the integrity of the United Kingdom during the Brexit process and Mr Lidington’s comments today go a huge way to providing the assurance that this will indeed be the case.”

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