Michel Barnier warns of disorderly Brexit

EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has warned that there is a real risk of a disorderly withdrawal by Britain from the EU unless there is a clear solution for the island of Ireland.

Speaking at a special all-island conference in Dundalk, Co Louth, Mr Barnier also told ministers, opposition leaders, and business figures from the North and the Republic that there should not be a hard border.

His comments come amid increased scepticism about Britain providing a comprehensive solution to the border dilemma and Brexit by June. Mr Barnier said that negotiations were “complex”, that there should not be a hard border and that the EU wanted to protect the Good Friday Agreement.