The United Kingdom is intensifying its efforts to negotiate a new agreement with the European Union concerning the Northern Ireland Protocol. This move comes as the current arrangements, established last year, have sparked significant tensions both economically and socially within Northern Ireland.
Brexit Minister David Frost addressed Parliament, emphasizing the urgent need for a revised deal to manage trade in Northern Ireland more effectively. He highlighted issues such as food shortages, increased checks on goods, long queues at ports, and even a resurgence of sectarian violence on the streets. \"We cannot go on as we are,\" Frost stated, underscoring the necessity for change.
The Northern Ireland Protocol was designed to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, ensuring the latter remains part of the EU's single market for goods. While the intention was to protect the historic peace achieved by the Good Friday Agreement, the implementation has proven challenging. Businesses on both sides of the border have faced operational difficulties, and unionist politicians in Northern Ireland have voiced strong opposition, advocating for closer ties with the UK.
In his proposal, Frost outlined key changes the UK seeks: maintaining an open border on the island of Ireland, extending grace periods to facilitate the free movement of goods, and removing EU institutions and the European Court of Justice from governing the protocol. These changes aim to strike a new balance that benefits all parties involved.
However, the European Union remains firm in its stance, insisting that the existing deal must be upheld. Ireland's Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, remarked on the BBC that while the protocol has its complications, it cannot be renegotiated. \"We're clear there can be no renegotiation of the Protocol. It's been agreed by the British government and the EU. We have to work within the confines of that agreement,\" Byrne stated.
The situation remains delicate, with Article 16 of the protocol permitting either the UK or the EU to unilaterally terminate the deal under extreme circumstances. Despite acknowledging that such conditions exist, Frost affirmed that the UK would not trigger this clause at the present time.
Internationally, U.S. President Joe Biden has reiterated the importance of protecting the Good Friday Agreement, emphasizing the global significance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
