Britain and EU appear set for Northern Ireland deal
Britain and the European Union have struck a customs deal that could pave the way to ending years of post-brexit wrangling over Northern Ireland.
The Times understands that Brussels has accepted a proposal that would avoid the need for routine checks on products destined for the province.
Separately the EU has also conceded for the first time that the European Court of Justice could rule on issues related to the province only if a case were referred by the Northern Irish courts. Previously Brussels had insisted that the European Commission should be able to take cases straight to the court.
It marks a critical step towards ending the impasse over the Northern Ireland protocol, which has overshadowed relations with Europe since Brexit three years ago.
The Times understands that the customs element of the deal had been due to be announced last month but was pulled at the last minute.
One source suggested Brussels had feared Rishi Sunak could not sell the complete package to the Democratic Unionist Party and Tory Brexiteers. The UK side said Sunak wanted the whole deal ready to sign rather than announcing it in parts.
The framework for a deal comes after months of private talks led by Foreign Office officials and Sir Tim Barrow, Sunak’s national security adviser, who helped to negotiate the original Brexit trade deal.
UK sources said that Brussels had made significant concessions on matters such as the jurisdiction of the European court. ‘‘This is a critical issue of sovereignty and that will remain with the UK,’’ one government source said.
Another added: ‘‘The EU has moved a lot from its original position. This deal won’t delight anyone, but the hope is it satisfies everyone enough.’’
On customs the agreement is largely modelled on UK proposals for a system of green and red lanes. Goods destined for Northern Ireland would be allowed in without routine checks whereas goods for onward export into the Republic of Ireland would undergo customs formalities in Northern Irish ports. Data on vehicle movements would be shared with the EU and the UK would agree to investigate any suspicious activity.
Under the plan the UK and EU would negotiate a separate longterm agreement covering exports of meat, live animals and other produce to Northern Ireland, with the UK agreeing to uphold EU veterinary standards on goods exported to the province.
One senior government source said that the parameters of the overall deal were in place and it was up to Sunak to decide whether to sign it off. Downing Street insisted, however, that no agreement had been reached and ‘‘intensive scoping’’ was continuing.
It is understood that although the customs element had been finalised the exact role of the European court and details of the veterinary deal have yet to be finalised. One government source said they believed that the deal met all seven tests laid down by the DUP. Others feared there was no possible deal that the DUP would sign up to. –