Britain set to pull plug on Northern Ireland Protocol
BRITAIN is on the verge of pulling the plug on the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol as a senior government source accused the EU of putting dogma ahead of peace in the province.
In a sign that talks with Brussels are floundering on resolving the crisis in Northern Ireland that has led to riots, a government source confirmed to the Sunday Express that patience in London has almost worn out.
It comes as Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis has appointed a special envoy to Washington to help persuade US President Joe Biden that the EU is being unreasonable and endangering the Good Friday Agreement.
A source close to Lord Frost, who is in talks with the EU, said the current arrangements are not sustainable.
The protocol was set up as a means of ensuring an exit deal could be completed with the EU.
But it has seen Ulster cut off from the rest of the UK with a virtual border down the Irish Sea.
A senior government source said: “It is hard to see that the way the protocol is currently operating can be sustained for long. Trade patterns have changed more quickly than we thought.
“The level of day-to-day disruption for businesses has become a running sore. And the EU’S abortive triggering of Article 16 over vaccines changed the politics in a way we could never have anticipated.”
Some suppliers in Great Britain are beginning to stop sending products into Northern Ireland as they find it too difficult and time-consuming to deal with the paperwork.
About 98 per cent of Northern Ireland’s supply of medicines comes from Britain – and the Government has told Brussels that checks that prevent cancer drugs moving freely or cause trade diversion are unjustifiable.
The Government is emphasising the need for a genuine negotiation with the EU that produces flexibility and the re-establishment of a balance that all sides feel protects their interests.
Mr Lewis today announced the appointment of Trevor Ringland, a solicitor and former rugby international, as Special Envoy to the United States on Northern Ireland. He will be responsible for promoting Northern Ireland interests and be tasked to work with US firms and investors to support its long-term economic development.