There will have to be “elaborate and extensive checks” on goods and animals crossing the Irish border in the event of a hard Brexit, it was revealed on Monday.
The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier finally confirmed what Irish ministers have been refusing to admit that there will have to be a return to some kind of border checks if the UK crashes out without a deal.
Mr Barnier also admitted that the chances of a hard Brexit is increasing with each passing day as the chaos at Westminster continues.
It is still unclear where the actual checks would take place or how they would be carried out or if it will mean the return of border posts.
Mr Barnier said: “We need to find the way somewhere to implement the checks. We’re working with Irish Government to know where we can apply these checks.”
This appears to contradict recent statements from the Irish Government amid claims that there are no plans in place for border checks.
But Mr Barnier made it clear that if Britain leaves the EU without a deal there is no other alternative but to apply checks.
Speaking in Brussels, he added: “We have to implement everywhere, at each and every external border of the EU three types of controls to protect consumers, food security, animal disease, to protect the budgets of the EU and national budgets, so the fiscal controls for VAT and customs controls, and serve to protect businesses against counterfeiting and ensure the goods entering the EU are meeting standards.
“This is the pre-condition to avoid any kind of controls inside the single market. That’s why we need to find the way somewhere to implement the checks.
"We’re working with the Irish Government to know where we can apply these checks but I will not elaborate on this point today.”
Mr Barnier also attacked arch Brexiteer Nigel Farage over Brexit saying “these people want to destroy the EU”.
Mr Barnier had a stark warning that a no-deal Brexit would not mean an end to wrangling over the Irish border, citizens’ rights and the UK’s financial liabilities, which he predicted would restart in a more difficult atmosphere.
In response to a question from a British MEP on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, he said: “If there is no deal, the atmosphere will be different. The lack of a deal means a lack of faith, a lack of deal means a rupture in confidence between us.
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“I think we have to have confidence in order to build a future relationship. Your country will have to have relations with us and we with them.
“There won’t be many months passing before the UK will start asking for negotiations on a free trade agreement or other issues, like transport.
“The topics of Brexit will still be there - Ireland, the financial resolution, the legal obligations of the UK, the issues of citizens and citizens’ rights. These are questions we will put again and again.
“If there is no deal and the UK wants to discuss trade or other subjects, we will put the same subjects back on the table.”
