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<p>My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union has
regularly met with the EU Commission to discuss preparations for leaving the EU.</p><p>The
Government has been clear that the unique social, political and economic circumstances
of Northern Ireland must be reflected in any arrangements that apply in a no deal
scenario. We are absolutely committed to upholding the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement,
and would do everything possible to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and
Ireland.</p><p>In a no deal scenario, the UK Government is committed to entering into
discussions urgently with the European Commission and the Irish Government to jointly
agree long-term measures to avoid a hard border and to limit the impact of a no deal
exit on life on the island of Ireland.</p><p>We have confirmed a unilateral approach
to checks, processes and tariffs to do all we can to avoid a hard border. The UK Government
would not introduce any new checks or controls on goods crossing from Ireland to Northern
Ireland, including any new customs declarations for nearly all goods.</p><p>The UK
temporary tariff regime would therefore not apply to goods crossing from Ireland into
Northern Ireland.</p><p>We would need to apply a small number of measures strictly
necessary to comply with international legal obligations, protect the biosecurity
of the island of Ireland, or to avoid the highest risks to Northern Ireland businesses
- but these measures would not require checks at the border.</p>
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