EU award for anti-Brexit campaign group

Campaign group Border Communities Against Brexit have won the prestigious European Citizens Award 2017.

The group were nominated by six Irish MEPs, Martina Anderson, Matt Carthy, Lynn Boylan, Liadh ni Riada, Marian Harkin and Nessa Childers for their efforts in defending cross border cooperation.

The group were established after the shock Brexitreferendum result to lobby all parties involved in the negotiations to defend the will of the people of the north who voted to remain in the EU.

The ceremony taking place in Monaghan’s Garage Theatre July 14 at 7.30pm will celebrate the group’s tireless campaign in Ireland and in Brussels to oppose Brexit and its impacts on Border communities.

A spokesperson for Border Communities Against Brexit said the group were delighted to receive the news:

“We have worked very hard to get the interest of Border citizens onto the political agenda in Europe. While this award is recognition of our efforts, it is also an indication that the EU institutions understand the impact that Brexit will have on Border Communities, whether that is through fluctuations in currency, removal of EU funding, impacts on trade or a return to customs posts. These issues will affect every business, farmer, community group and individual in this region. It is heartening to know that our communities concerns have been elevated to this level after a year of campaigning.

”The ceremony next Friday evening is open to the public and we hope to see all those who we have engaged with and who have supported us there. This prize is recognition of Border Communties and our place in the EU.”