Boris Johnson confirms UK will set out NI protocol plans this week
Fears Brexit move could lead to trade war with EU
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Boris Johnson has confirmed the government will this week set out plans expected to allow ministers to unilaterally scrap part of his Brexit deal.
The prime minister said more details would be released “in the coming days”, despite warnings they could trigger a trade war with the European Union, in an editorial in the Belfast Telegraph newspaper.
Ministers are engaged in a stand off with the European Union over the Northern Ireland protocol.
Mr Johnson’s government signed up to the agreement, which is designed to protect the EU’s single market.
But ministers warn the deal threatens the Northern Ireland peace process by putting a border down the Irish Sea and introducing checks on goods coming from other parts of the UK.
The government is expected to publish legislation on Tuesday that would allow ministers to unilaterally ditch part of the protocol.
The move has prompted a furious row with the EU, with senior figures warning no compromise can be found while the UK threatens to breach international law.
In his article, Mr Johnson, who travels to Belfast on Monday, suggested that the protocol had delivered unintended consequences and has not been “adapted to reflect” realities.
He said there was “without question a sensible landing spot in which everyone’s interests are protected”.
But he warned: “I hope the EU’s position changes. If it does not, there will be a necessity to act.
“The government has a responsibility to provide assurance that the consumers, citizens and businesses of Northern Ireland are protected in the long-term.
“We will set out a more detailed assessment and next steps to Parliament in the coming days.”
Earlier this month Sinn Fein made history by becoming the first nationalist party to win the right to nominate a first minister of Northern Ireland.
The unionist DUP has refused to re-enter powersharing government with the party until the protocol is reformed.
Unionists oppose the protocol, which they warn has created an artificial border separating them from the rest of the UK.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments