It would be a “very serious situation,” according to Micheal Martin if the British government moved forward with legislation to eliminate key provisions of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Boris Johnson’s threatened action is “the worst kind of unilateralism,” according to Micheal Martin, who argues that problems with the controversial agreement, which has created economic barriers with the British mainland, could be resolved through negotiation.
Destruction of Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit trade arrangements would constitute “economic vandalism,” the Irish prime minister has warned.
He insisted that the European Union desired to avoid a trade war and argued that the contentious deal’s issues could be resolved through negotiation.
His remarks came after Brussels launched fresh legal action against the United Kingdom in retaliation for the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, which would effectively nullify the majority of the 2019 agreement signed by Boris Johnson and the EU.
Critics have warned it would constitute an “unacceptable violation” of international law and increase mistrust of the United Kingdom.
The treaty agreed upon by the United Kingdom and the European Union to maintain a free-flowing Irish land border after Brexit has created economic barriers to the movement of goods between the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, causing resentment and anger among a great number of unionists and loyalists.
The dispute has halted the formation of a devolved government administration in Belfast.
The United Kingdom plans unilateral action to introduce separate “green” and “red” lanes for goods traveling between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, drawing a line between those bound for the United Kingdom and those bound for the Republic of Ireland and further.
Mr. Martin stated, “I believe we will be in a dire situation if this bill is passed.”
He added: “In terms of honoring and adhering to international agreements that governments adhere to, sign, and ratify in their parliaments, it represents the worst form of unilateralism.
We recognize there are legitimate concerns regarding the operation of the protocol, and we believe they can be resolved through serious, sustained negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom government.
“In effect, it constitutes an act of economic vandalism against Northern Ireland, as objective data now indicates that the economy of Northern Ireland is thriving.
“The manufacturing industry is thriving. Agriculture, the dairy industry, the meat industry, and the food industry, in general, are thriving.
There are certain areas where the protocol can be improved, and we should continue to do so.
Mr. Martin added: “We desire a resolution. We believe a resolution is possible with goodwill.
“We believe we know where a landing zone exists to resolve issues surrounding the operation of the protocol to give Northern Ireland the best chance of gaining access to the markets of the European Union and the United Kingdom.
This would position Northern Ireland favorably for foreign investment.
The dispute could ultimately result in a trade war, tariffs, or even the suspension of the entire Brexit agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union, but according to Mr. Martin, all parties wish to avoid this outcome.
“No one desires a trade war in any way,” he added.
