Euro leaders to support statement allowing 'united' Ireland remain in the EU

European leaders today are expected to give unanimous support to a special declaration that the North would rejoin the EU after Brexit in the event of a vote for Irish reunification.

Diplomats will ask the 27 leaders of the post-Brexit union to recognise the special clause, which would help set the foundations for talks on Britain leaving the bloc.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny will discuss the united Ireland statement at the EU summit in Brussels, where leaders will also formally agree the ground rules to negotiate Britain’s exit over the next two years.