North is not EU’s ‘bargaining chip’ in Brexit talks, insists Foster

THE North’s First Minister Arlene Foster has accused the European Union of treating the region as its plaything.

She claimed the North has become a ‘bargaining chip’ in trade talks between the EU and the British government.

Ms Foster was responding to Northern Ireland Assembly questions on the controversy around the UK government’s plan to override elements of the Northern Ireland Protocol through legislation in the form of the Internal Market Bill.

She said her hope is the contention around the protocol can be removed with the striking of a comprehensive zero-tariff free trade agreement between the UK and EU.

As the North would effectively remain part of the single market for goods under the terms of the protocol, the UK government has claimed the EU is essentially threatening to blockade its goods from entering the region.

That contention has been dismissed by senior figures across the EU.

Ms Foster said: ‘The EU needs to stop using Northern Ireland to get their own way. We are not the plaything of the European Union and it causes great difficulties here in Northern Ireland when people use Northern Ireland in that fashion.’

Ms Foster also expressed surprise there is still a stand-off around the issue of goods being imported to the North from Britain.

‘I am amazed that that issue has not yet been solved because it’s a very straightforward issue,’ she said. ‘That should not be used as a bargaining chip but instead it should be dealt with as quickly as possible.’