Ireland Won’t Budge on Backstop, Irish Senator Richmond Says

The transcript discusses the Brexit negotiations, emphasizing that Brexit is a British decision and the responsibility lies with the British Parliament to agree on a fair deal. The backstop is crucial to avoid a hard border, and alternative arrangements have not been presented. The Irish and British governments have responsibilities under the Good Friday Agreement. The EU stands in solidarity with Ireland, which is most exposed to a no-deal Brexit. The negotiations ended in November, and the deal cannot be reopened. The future relationship between the EU and UK is crucial, but nothing will be as beneficial as the current EU membership.

What does the speaker suggest is necessary for maintaining an open border?

In what way does the speaker believe the EU has a role in the Brexit negotiations?