Trouble continues, after Brexit-Rishi Sunak to start a New Dawn
Table of Contents
THE BACKGROUND
In January 2021, Former Britain Prime Minister Boris Johnson framed the agreement between Northern Ireland Protocol with the EU. It immediately became part of international law. It came into effect on 1 January 2021. As per the Northern Ireland Protocol, Â new checks were introduced, which included inspection and document checking to be carried out at Northern Ireland’s Port rather than it taking place at the Irish Border. This rule applied to all goods which were brought from Great Britain((England, Scotland, and Wales) to Northern Ireland. However, businesses all over, have complained that these checks would mean extra costs and delays as well.
Before Brexit happened, it was very much easier to transport goods across the border as both sides were following the same rules as per the European Union norms. After the UK exited from the EU, certain steps were taken to set up special trading arrangements as Northern Ireland continued to have a land border with the Republic of Ireland, which remains to be part of the EU. According to the terms of the protocol as agreed by Boris Johnson, Northern Ireland was considered to be inside the European Union’s single market for goods which meant an open trade border on the island of Ireland but in actuality, it meant that a sea border has been created instead. The products which were arriving in Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK were then subjected to checks and controls.
THE PROBLEM WITH THE PREVIOUS DEAL
The deal as a result had led to political instability in Northern Ireland after the Democratic Unionist party (DUP) decided to withdraw from the Stormont assembly in protest at the checks on arriving goods. It also decided to disagree that the continuing role the European court of justice (ECJ) continues to play in the region.
THE NEW DAWN-WINDSOR AGREEMENT
The Windsor agreement was drawn upon after the meeting of the UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, at the Fairmont Hotel at Windsor Great Park. After the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunka met, he announced the deal at the Windsor Guildhall, after having tea with Von der Leyen and King Charles III in Windsor Castle.
The agreement which was proposed has to be first passed in the UK Parliament. However, Its adoption will probably be halted as the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill due to the infringement procedures by the European Commission brought against the UK about the bill.
On the European Union’s side, the agreement would have to pass with a qualified majority at the Council of the European Union.
The new deal has been framed with aiming significantly at reducing the number of checks.
There have been talks regarding two lanes being created for goods arriving in Northern Ireland from Great Britain that is first, a green lane for goods that would remain in Northern Ireland and a red lane for goods that could be sent to the EU. The product which would be going through the green lane would not need checks and paperwork. However, the Red lane goods would still be subjected to checks. Several bans on certain products – like chilled sausages – entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain will also be removed. Northern Ireland also need not follow certain EU rules, for example, VAT and duties on alcohol.
