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A 'hard' border would be catastrophic says MEP Harkin

MEP Marian Harkin has warned that the imposition of a 'hard' border in the wake of Brexit would have catastrophic implications for border counties.

Former Belgian Prime Minister and lead negotiator for the European Parliament on Brexit, Guy Verhofstadt, met with the Independent MEP to discuss matters relating to the border in the context of a British withdrawal from the EU.

At the meeting in Brussels, MEP Harkin impressed strongly on Mr. Verhofstadt the huge adverse effect which a hard border would have on the Republic's economy and the common travel area as well as the implications for the ongoing peace process.She said: "The implications of a hard border would be catastrophic for the border area and I was very encouraged by this meeting and the real understanding that Guy Verhofstadt has of the Irish situation.

"I look forward to welcoming him to Ireland for discussion and meetings which will inform his perspective on this crucial matter.

"In the meantime, I will continue to work on this issue with Mr Verhofstadt who is the President of my group, ALDE, in the European Parliament," she said.

Last week, a new grouping, Border Communities Against Brexit held a Day of Action at six locations along the border corridor in opposition to the recent referendum on British withdrawal from the EU including one at Belcoo/Blacklion where checkpoints were once in place.

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