Northern Ireland Brexit deal resurfaces to rifts and confusion
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s new potential deal with the EU over the UK’s trade arrangements for Northern Ireland following Brexit are facing mixed scrutiny.
The NI protocol came into effect in 2021 to ensure the free movement of goods across the border between NI and Ireland following Brexit.
The EU has strict rules when certain foods arrive from non-EU countries, requiring border and import checks. Instead of goods being checked at the Irish border, the protocol agreed that checks would take place between Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and Northern Ireland.
The UK’s new plan would involve splitting shipments into two groups: those destined for only Northern Ireland would fall into the ‘green lane’ and would not be checked; those for Ireland and the EU would go into the ‘red lane’ for checks to be carried out.
Unionist parties, the largest of which is the DUP, argue that the protocol reflects a trade border across the Irish Sea and undermines Northern Ireland’s position in the UK. The Republic of Ireland remains part of the EU and is subject to EU rules.
Key papers focused on the potential implications of Sunak’s decision to amend the agreement, and what it would mean for his position as PM.
Rishi Sunak’s Brexit deal falls short, say Unionists
Deal on Northern Ireland protocol no means done, says Rishi Sunak
- The Times focuses on concerns within the Conservative Party about changes to the protocol, highlighting “significant reservations” among the party’s Eurosceptics.
Sunak facing threat of Tory rebellion over Northern Ireland protocol plans
UK edges closer towards agreement on Northern Ireland protocol as talks to break deadlock reach crucial stages – but Rishi Sunak is warned the threat of a Tory rebellion remains very real
Boris Johnson plotting to oust Rishi Sunak so he can return as PM, warns George Osborne
- George Osborne accused Boris Johnson of wanting to ’cause trouble’ by challenging Rishi Sunak on Brexit. The Tory former chancellor said he would ‘hit the PM over the head’ over talks on Northern Ireland
