All-island coronavirus approach 'not acceptable practically or politically' - DUP

Описание: An all-island approach to international travel is not acceptable practically or politically, according to the DUP.

The Cabinet Sub-Committee on COVID-19 is this afternoon discussing new restrictions on international travel – including plans for mandatory quarantine for passengers arriving into Ireland.

Over the weekend, the Taoiseach ruled out any attempt to seal the border with the North and experts have warned that travel quarantine would be ineffective unless it was introduced at all points of entry to the island.

Micheál Martin said he had discussed the idea of a ‘two-island strategy’ with his UK counterpart Boris Johnson; however, he warned that the talks remain “very embryonic.”

On The Pat Kenny Show this morning, DUP MP Sammy Wilson said travel restrictions between Northern Ireland and Britain would be politically unacceptable.

“I certainly would not accept that we would have travel restrictions between Northern Ireland and GB,” he said. “There shouldn’t be restrictions within our own country.

“I think it is impractical as well – because there is a lot of vital movement which goes across the stretch of water between Northern Ireland and GB.

“Most of our activities are orientated toward GB, whether it is our trading activities, our business activities and a lot of other movements, family movements etc.

“It would not be practical and it would not be proportionate to close down the border between Northern Ireland and GB in terms of how vital the activity and the movements between the two are.”