There's 'no chance' of a US-UK trade deal making it through the US Congress if the UK violates the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, Nancy Pelosi has said.
The US House Speaker has warned the British government not to undermine the Good Friday Agreement.
In a statement, Ms Pelosi said: “The Good Friday Agreement is the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and an inspiration for the whole world.
“Whatever form it takes, Brexit cannot be allowed to imperil the Good Friday Agreement, including the stability brought by the invisible and frictionless border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland. The UK must respect the Northern Ireland Protocol as signed with the EU to ensure the free flow of goods across the border.
“If the UK violates that international treaty and Brexit undermines the Good Friday accord, there will be absolutely no chance of a U.S.-U.K. trade agreement passing the Congress.
"The Good Friday Agreement is treasured by the American people and will be proudly defended in the United States Congress.”
The British prime minister Boris Johnson has come under fire at home and abroad over new legislation published today that aims to override parts of the Withdrawal Agreement relating to Northern Ireland - with his government admitting the move will break international law.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald earlier noted that 'very significant' political figures in the US won't tolerate Ireland being damaged in the Brexit process.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, meanwhile, expressed his concerns about Brexit "in forthright terms" to Boris Johnson during a phone call this evening.
