EuroParlRadio

Clarity Needed on Backstop Commitments - Matt Cathy

Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy says is remains unclear if the UK parliament will back the Brexit deal, in the wake of the fresh assurances given over the backstop.

His party wants the Government to clarify the backstop is ‘locked in’ as an insurance policy for Ireland.

A vote is scheduled to take place this evening on the Brexit deal in London, including the measures outlined by the British Prime Minister Theresa May and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Strasbourg last night.

MEP for Midlands North-West, Matt Carthy says clarity is needed on commitments made:

Out words: of Ireland

Dur:  29 secs

Agreed Deal Preferable to Crash Out Brexit - Sean Kelly

A Brexit deal agreed by MPs in the House of Commons would be preferable to Britain crashing out of the EU.

That’s the view of Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly.

His comments come as politicians on both sides of the Irish Sea take stock of the latest deal struck to avoid the UK leaving the European Union without an agreement in place.

Assurances on the border backstop are key to the deal's progress in the House of Commons.

MPs are due to vote on the deal, reached between the British Prime Minister Theresa May and EU Commission President Jean- Claude Juncker, later this evening.

Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says he would like to see MPs back the deal:

Out words: tonight

Long clip of Harkin on Brexit-Houdini backstop deal

Long clip of Marian Harkin speaking in the European Parliament last night before the final details of the latest Juncker-May Brexit deal were announced.

MEPs are today absorbing and analysing the implications of the deal that was struck last night.

This clip relates to the previous shorter clip filed on same story.

Out words: the backstop

Dur: 1:12

No Houdini Like Smokescreen to allow UK Unilateral action to end Backstop – Harkin

The Independent MEP Marian Harkin is warning against possible unilateral action by the UK to end the backstop.

Speaking in the European Parliament last night, the Midlands North-West MEP said she welcomed the latest pledge by the Parliament’s Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt to stand by Ireland and safeguard the Good Friday Agreement.

However, she’s concerned the UK would find a way to unilaterally pull out of the backstop deal.

Out words: the backstop

Dur: 00:37

Investor protection mechanism in EU-Singapore deal needed – Hayes

The Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes has dismissed concerns about the inclusion of an investor protection mechanism in the new EU-Singapore trade deal.

The free trade agreement which was approved by the European Parliament this week, will remove virtually all tariffs between the EU and Singapore within five years.  Supporters of the agreement say it will be a stepping stone to trade deals with other countries in the region.  

However opponents are concerned about the investment protection agreement in the deal, which provides a court system with independent judges to settle disputes between investors and state.

Brian Hayes says it’s a necessary requirement.

Out words: all about

Dur: 00:16

Interview Sinn Fein MEP Matt Cathy on "utterly sickening" silence on Catalan trials

Karen Coleman talks to the Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy about the trial of 12 Catalan separatists which began last Tuesday.

In the piece Carthy slams the EU and the Irish government for their “silence” on the trials.

The piece begins with Carthy discussing a press conference he and other MEPs held in the European Parliament this week about the trial.  

Out words: of Europe

Dur: 2:44

Carthy condemns government for “utterly sickening” silence on Catalan trials

The Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy has condemned the government and other European countries for what he says is their silence on the trials of Catalan separatists which began last Tuesday.

A dozen Catalan separatist leaders are on trial for rebellion and other charges connected with their declaration of independence in October 2017. That  followed an independence referendum which the Spanish government said was illegal.

Matt Carthy says the government should remember Irish history and show solidarity for the Catalans on trial.

Out words: of Europe

Dur: 00:27

Ireland will face pressure to pay a price for backstop solidarity – Hayes

Ireland will inevitably be pressured into paying a price for EU support on the Irish backstop.

So says the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes who believes Ireland will come under increasing pressure to agree to harmonised corporate tax rates across the EU.

However, the Dublin MEP says Ireland needs to hold its nerve and remind EU colleagues of the sacrifices it made during the banking crisis.

Out words: go down

Dur: 00:40

Brexit extension couldn’t go beyond July 1st – Harkin

Theresa May is to continue with her attempts to seek changes to the backstop deal in the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement.

In a further blow to Mrs May, British MPs last night rejected a government motion to reaffirm support to seek changes to the Brexit deal. 

Now, some ministers within Mrs May’s Cabinet are said to be pushing for an extension of the Brexit March 29^th deadline if Mrs May can’t win support for her deal in the House of Commons.

However, the Independent MEP Marian Harkin says Britain could not stay in the EU beyond July the first.

Out words: MEPs

Dur:  00:37

Interview – Hayes on European Parliament push to harmonise EU-wide VAT rates

Interview with the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes on European Parliament’s push to harmonise EU-wide VAT rates and why’s he’s against such moves.

MEPs this week discussed a definite VAT system for the taxation of trade between EU member states.

However, Brian Hayes is not in favour of VAT harmonisation even if it might make it easier for businesses to trade in goods and services across the EU. 

Out words: for Ireland

Dur: 2:57