Ireland and Scotland to join forces on Brexit approach

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon are today expected to discuss joining forces, in an attempt to secure the softest Brexit possible in a deal with Brussels.

Irish officials this week met EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier amid attempts to ensure Ireland secures beneficial trade, border, and travel arrangements under Brexit.

Mr Kenny will meet Ms Sturgeon at the British-Irish Council summit in Cardiff. Government sources said the pair would seek to maximise a joint approach on Brexit. Ms Sturgeon sought the meeting with Mr Kenny, who will be the only head of state at the BIC today involved in talks once Brexit is triggered. “She is watching the North and seeing how it might play. This is especially so as the majority there and in Scotland voted to remain [in the EU],” said a source.