Boris Johnson has suggested that government plans granting ministers the authority to override portions of the post-Brexit agreement on Northern Ireland might become law “pretty quickly.”
The ambassador of the European Union to the United Kingdom cautioned the government on Sunday that its plans were “illegal and unrealistic.”
On Monday, lawmakers are scheduled to vote on the controversial new legislation, which contains provisions to eliminate checks on goods, animal, and plant products traveling from the United Kingdom to Northern Ireland.
Before the second reading of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill in the House of Commons, the prime minister told broadcasters that the legislation could be enacted “very quickly” if the legislature so chooses.
He told reporters at the G7 Summit in Germany, “What we are trying to do is fix something that I believe is very important to our country, which is the balance of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement.”
“You have one tradition, one community, that feels that things are not working in a way that they like or understand, and you have trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland that are unnecessary.
“All we’re arguing is that you can eliminate them without jeopardizing the EU single market in any way.”
When asked if the measures might be implemented this year, Mr. Johnson responded, “Yes, I believe we could do it pretty quickly if the legislature agrees.”
The prime minister remarked that it would be “much better” if vice-president of the European Commission Maros Sefcovic displayed some “flexibility,” adding, “We remain optimistic.”
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss defended the government’s plans on social media earlier Monday.
She posted on Twitter: “It will repair problems caused by the protocol in Northern Ireland and maintain the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.
“Our preference continues to be a negotiated outcome, but the EU continues to reject a protocol change.”
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has refused to return to the power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland due to unionist opposition to the imposition of checks, leaving the region without a functioning government.
The United Kingdom has insisted that its unilateral approach is the only remaining option for resolving the issues, but the European Union has harshly criticized the move.
The ambassador of the European Union to the United Kingdom cautioned the government on Sunday that its plans were “illegal and unrealistic.”
However, Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis stated that action was required to address the “substantial problems” caused by the agreement’s implementation.
Environment Secretary George Eustice noted that the plans to supersede protocol-related portions of the post-Brexit pact will safeguard the single market.
“What is legal is determined by the legislation passed by the legislature,” he said.
Brussels has initiated legal action against the United Kingdom in retaliation for the proposed legislation that, if enacted, would nullify key provisions of the agreement signed by Mr. Johnson and the EU in 2019.
Mr. Sefcovic has indicated that additional measures could be taken if the United Kingdom moves forward with the bill.
Previously, he refused to rule out trade war, stating, “We must keep all options open.”
However, he emphasized the EU’s preference for negotiating a solution to the protocol’s flaws, regretting the “radio silence from London since February.
The environment secretary stated that it would be “foolish” for the EU to initiate a trade war in response to the controversial proposals.
The United Kingdom plans unilateral action to introduce distinct “green” and “red” lanes for goods traveling between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, drawing a border between those bound for the United Kingdom and those bound for the Republic of Ireland and farther.
Alongside the second reading, the government will undertake a series of “organized dialogues” with the business community to debate the bill’s implementation and receive feedback.
On Monday, the Foreign Office will hold the first roundtable session, bringing together more than a dozen prominent British firms and representative organizations, including the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, Asda, John Lewis, and the Northern Ireland Dairy Council.
Sir Keir Starmer stated that the planned laws would be repealed if Labor were in power and indicated that his party will vote against the bills at Westminster.
