During his recent visit to Northern Ireland, Boris Johnson penned an article for a local newspaper outlining his plans to reform the Protocol. He expressed the need for pragmatic changes to address the current shortcomings of the agreement, without seeking to completely abandon it. Johnson acknowledged that the delicate balance established by the Good Friday Agreement has been disrupted and that East-West trade is not functioning as it should. His intention was far from the confrontational rhetoric that the European Union has been eager to attribute to him.
Throughout this process, the EU has engaged in a manipulative strategy that can be likened to gaslighting. It presents itself as the sole defender of the Good Friday Agreement, while dismissing the concerns of Unionists who feel their position within the United Kingdom is being altered without their consent. Brussels has accused the UK of acting in “bad faith,” while hypocritically invoking the Article 16 safeguard clause during a dispute over vaccine deliveries. Throughout the negotiations, the EU painted a false picture of inevitability, suggesting that the UK had no choice but to accept unsatisfactory arrangements as the consequences of Brexit. However, the EU conveniently failed to mention that it was forcing these choices upon Britain by refusing to consider alternative and innovative solutions to the Irish border issue.
Johnson’s visit to Northern Ireland aimed to encourage the various parties in the province to resume power-sharing. It was not expected to bring immediate results. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has made it clear that it will not participate in the government until significant action is taken regarding the Protocol. Conversely, Sinn Fein’s leader criticized the Prime Minister. Many voters simply want a functioning administration, particularly given that Northern Ireland faces similar challenges as the rest of the UK, including the rising costs of living and issues with public services.
At the very least, Brussels should recognize its moral obligation to help rectify this situation. A common-sense solution would be in the EU’s own best interests, especially considering that the Prime Minister still has the option of taking unilateral action, although he does not seem enthusiastic about doing so. However, if the EU remains unwilling to compromise, it is essential for ministers to demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing the Protocol’s most problematic aspects, rather than merely issuing threats. The current status quo is unsustainable, and true progress will only be made when the harsh realities faced by Northern Ireland are effectively confronted.
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Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
During his recent visit to Northern Ireland, Boris Johnson penned an article for a local newspaper outlining his plans to reform the Protocol. He expressed the need for pragmatic changes to address the current shortcomings of the agreement, without seeking to completely abandon it. Johnson acknowledged that the delicate balance established by the Good Friday Agreement has been disrupted and that East-West trade is not functioning as it should. His intention was far from the confrontational rhetoric that the European Union has been eager to attribute to him.
Throughout this process, the EU has engaged in a manipulative strategy that can be likened to gaslighting. It presents itself as the sole defender of the Good Friday Agreement, while dismissing the concerns of Unionists who feel their position within the United Kingdom is being altered without their consent. Brussels has accused the UK of acting in “bad faith,” while hypocritically invoking the Article 16 safeguard clause during a dispute over vaccine deliveries. Throughout the negotiations, the EU painted a false picture of inevitability, suggesting that the UK had no choice but to accept unsatisfactory arrangements as the consequences of Brexit. However, the EU conveniently failed to mention that it was forcing these choices upon Britain by refusing to consider alternative and innovative solutions to the Irish border issue.
Johnson’s visit to Northern Ireland aimed to encourage the various parties in the province to resume power-sharing. It was not expected to bring immediate results. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has made it clear that it will not participate in the government until significant action is taken regarding the Protocol. Conversely, Sinn Fein’s leader criticized the Prime Minister. Many voters simply want a functioning administration, particularly given that Northern Ireland faces similar challenges as the rest of the UK, including the rising costs of living and issues with public services.
At the very least, Brussels should recognize its moral obligation to help rectify this situation. A common-sense solution would be in the EU’s own best interests, especially considering that the Prime Minister still has the option of taking unilateral action, although he does not seem enthusiastic about doing so. However, if the EU remains unwilling to compromise, it is essential for ministers to demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing the Protocol’s most problematic aspects, rather than merely issuing threats. The current status quo is unsustainable, and true progress will only be made when the harsh realities faced by Northern Ireland are effectively confronted.