What "statements?" No-one has said they want a hard border. You are clearly being taken in by the nonsense-megaphoning of the DUP. But the obstinate fact is that if we leave the EU, and by doing so leave the single market and customs union and end free movement, there is inevitably going to be a tightening-up on the border. Maybe no-one wants it but the EU is not going to let the UK enjoy soft exceptions. Too many other member countries are watching like hawks, some of them not especially happy with their lot.