UK: Sunak to 'give everything' to reach new Brexit deal
United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday vowed to "give everything" he has to fix the remaining Brexit problems and also reach a new agreement to resolve the troublesome Northern Ireland Protocol with the European Union (EU). Agreed by former PM Boris Johnson, the protocol was aimed at preventing a "hard border" between the UK's Northern Ireland and EU member state Ireland.
Why does this story matter?
- Since its implementation, the Northern Ireland Protocol has proven to be largely problematic and even led to a standoff between the EU and the UK on a resolution till now.
- However, anticipations of a new deal between the two are slowly growing following intensive discussions, with Sunak set to hold more talks with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday.
Northern Ireland Protocol causing serious barriers to trade: Sunak
"I voted for Brexit and I believe in Brexit because it offers vast opportunities for families and businesses across our whole country," the British PM wrote in The Daily Telegraph. Sunak also added that while Brexit's goal was to restore the UK's sovereignty, the Northern Ireland Protocol had weakened that and caused "serious barriers to trade within the United Kingdom, and that is unacceptable."
Sunak promises to get 'Brexit done'
On the topic of getting "Brexit done," Sunak wrote: "I promise you this: I won't agree on any deal which doesn't fix the problems and deliver for Northern Ireland and our precious Union." "That is the best way to finish the job, to unleash the opportunities of Brexit for every part of our United Kingdom and, finally, to get Brexit done," he added.
Predecessors right to create Northern Ireland Protocol Bill: Sunak
Sunak also remarked that no British PM could "sit back" and allow such issues to continue, which is why his predecessors were correct in creating the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill and that is why he "supported them in doing so." "For as long as the European Union refused to reopen negotiations on the Protocol itself, this Bill was the only way forward," Sunak added.
Know about Northern Ireland Protocol
Under the laws of the protocol agreed by former UK PM Johnson, Northern Ireland comes under the EU's single market for goods. That allows an open trade border on the island of Ireland but implies that a sea border has been created instead, noted The Guardian. Meanwhile, products arriving in Northern Ireland from the rest of Britain are subject to controls and checks.
Trade issues since Braxit happened
Before leaving the EU, transporting goods across this land border was easier as both sides followed EU protocols. After Brexit, special agreements were required due to Northern Ireland having a land border with the Republic of Ireland, which is part of the EU. The EU has tight food rules and needs border checks when goods like eggs and milk arrive from non-EU nations.
UK's plan to have 2 lanes for goods
Under the current deal, goods are checked upon arrival in Northern Ireland and then moved to Ireland. But the UK wants goods entering Northern Ireland to be divided into two routes: red for those heading to Ireland and green for those meant for Northern Ireland. A major problem for businesses is how much the green lane will lessen the need for customs paperwork.
Sunak's meeting with von der Leyen
AFP reported that Sunak would meet von der Leyen on Monday afternoon for final talks, followed by a cabinet meeting where the UK PM, his foreign secretary James Cleverly, and Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris will inform colleagues about the discussion, too. If things go as planned, von der Leyen and Sunak might address a joint press conference to announce the deal later.
