Forum Topic

UK and EU reach deal on NI border checks

The UK and EU have reached agreement on how rules in the withdrawal agreement will be implemented, particularly in relation to Northern Ireland.The government says an agreement in principle has been found for issues including border control posts and the supply of medicines.The government says it will now withdraw controversial clauses in the Internal Market Bill.However. negotiations to reach a post-Brexit trade deal are still ongoing.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-55229681It is something, in a small and measured way, at least or at last?

Ivonne Holliday ● 1967d8 Comments

Apparently the removal of the clause is dependent upon an EU deal.Not looked to much but either the government has miscommunicated or changed its position.

Ed Robinson ● 1966d

Sammy Wilson, the DUP's Brexit spokesman, is on Newsnight complaining loudly about betrayal etc.  So maybe the government has got something right, finally?

Jonathan Callaway ● 1966d

The guarantee of Johnson's word is not a function of time, it's only as good until he changes his mid and decides something else is more in Johnson's interest or he made a mistake in agreeing to something.  

Michael Ixer ● 1966d

A more serious point Richard is that Ireland changed its constitution which required a referendum to implement the GFA.The UK has no constitution and does not appear to be any good at holding a referendum. Instead a chancer can get changes voted through the HoC to be given consent by the head of state.But still no reform needed!

Ed Robinson ● 1966d

Or, putting it another way, it's like the husband making such a great concession in saying he'll stop beating his wife so that they can discuss a separation.

Richard Carter ● 1966d

So essentially the UK to get a deal has agreed not to break a previous deal - is that right?Unfortunately I think a lot of damage has already been done to the UK's reputation.How long is Boris' word good for this time?

Ed Robinson ● 1966d

I agree Michael, just trying to find a positive aspect to the news - and hopefully it is true!The other day Gove (I think) was saying that it will be businesses fault if they are not ready, as all requirements will be the same the moment the transition period ends, deal or no deal. Hmmmmm

Ivonne Holliday ● 1967d

It sounds positive, particularly if it means the clauses that would break the previous withdrawal agreement are removed from the internal markets bill. I suspect that it's essentially a prerequisite for a trade deal although no guarantee one can be concluded. However, the details aren't known yet so it doesn't help businesses in knowing how they will need to operate ... and it is only an eagreement in principle.

Michael Ixer ● 1967d