The Agreement on Northern Ireland Protocol – What You Need to Know
On December 24, 2020, the UK government announced that a Brexit trade deal had been reached with the European Union (EU). One of the key aspects of the deal was the agreement on the Northern Ireland Protocol. Here’s what you need to know about this protocol and what it means for Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole.
What is the Northern Ireland Protocol?
The Northern Ireland Protocol is a legal agreement between the UK and the EU that outlines how trade will function between Northern Ireland and the EU after Brexit. The protocol is part of the wider Withdrawal Agreement that the UK and EU agreed on in October 2019.
Under the Northern Ireland Protocol, Northern Ireland will remain in the EU’s single market for goods and will continue to follow EU regulations on goods. This means there will be no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which is an EU member state. However, Northern Ireland will remain part of the UK’s customs territory, which means it will also benefit from any future trade deals the UK negotiates.
What are the benefits of the Northern Ireland Protocol?
The Northern Ireland Protocol ensures that trade between Northern Ireland and the EU can continue smoothly, without the need for a hard border. This is hugely important for Northern Ireland, which has a complex history of sectarianism and violence. The protocol also provides certainty for businesses and consumers in Northern Ireland, ensuring that they can continue to trade with the EU as they have done in the past.
Another benefit of the Northern Ireland Protocol is that it prevents the need for customs checks at the Northern Ireland border. This is critical for Northern Ireland’s economy, as any delays at the border would have a significant impact on businesses that rely on cross-border trade.
Are there any challenges with the Northern Ireland Protocol?
The Northern Ireland Protocol has been controversial, with some politicians in Northern Ireland and the wider UK expressing concern that it undermines Northern Ireland’s place in the UK. They argue that the protocol creates a de facto border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, as goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain will need to be checked to ensure they comply with EU regulations.
There have also been concerns about the potential impact of the Northern Ireland Protocol on Northern Ireland’s economy. Some businesses in Northern Ireland have already reported difficulties in moving goods across the Irish Sea, and there are fears that this could worsen as new checks and paperwork are introduced.
Overall, the Northern Ireland Protocol is a complex and sensitive issue, with both benefits and challenges. As the UK and EU continue to negotiate their future relationship, it’s likely that the protocol will continue to be a key point of discussion.
