MEP blasts plans for UK border controls in Ireland

A European Parliament member from Ireland has heavily criticised plans from the British government to introduce immigration controls in the Republic of Ireland as a result of Brexit.

On Sunday, it emerged that Britain would push for a shift in the front-line of immigration controls in the aftermath of Brexit, something that Matt Carty referred to as "ridiculous".

Carty said that British immigration problems should not be transferred to Ireland.

"The Irish government and a succession of its representatives have been deferential to the British government from time to time," Carty said. "What we are saying is that this is not an occasion for this. We need to be pointing out the needs of this island and making demands for the Irish people."

Fears have been expressed by many both north and south of the border that Brexit could cause new tension in an already fragile peace process in Northern Ireland.

"This island will suffer more than anyone else… because of Brexit in terms of the economy, the social issues and the political issues," Carty said in an interview with the Guardian.

Carty is the MEP for the Midlands North-West constituency in the Republic, and said that the likelihood of British security forces securing the border is not very high.

"They couldn't seal the border at the height of the Troubles so it is unlikely now. But that is not the point. Any hardening of the border on this island is unwelcome."

A British exit from the European Union is expected to be particularly tough on the Irish economy, with €1.3bn per week being traded between it and Britain.