Theresa May: border controls very probable

Ms May was speaking just weeks prior to the Brexit vote, which triggered a chain of events that has now led to her taking over as Prime Minister this week.

When asked last month about the border question, should the UK vote to leave the EU, she told the BBC: “Just think about it- if we are out of the European Union with tariffs on exporting goods into the EU there would have to be something to recognise that between Northern Ireland and Republican of Ireland.

“And if you pulled out of the EU and out of free movement how could you have a situation where there is an open border with a country within the EU and that had access to free movement?”

Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson meanwhile has expressed grave concern over the appointment of Theresa May.

Ms Anderson said that throughout her career Theresa May has repeatedly indicated that she would look to repeal laws that guarantee human rights, and as recently as May, voted in favour of repealing the Human Rights Act.

“Her appointment as Prime Minister has left me fearful for equality and human rights legislation,” Ms Anderson said, adding that Ms May’s comments that ‘Brexit means Brexit’ did not represent the best interests of the people of the North.