There are still tensions around the Northern Ireland Protocol, but a breakthrough is still possible.
So says Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly.
He’s to replace Christophe Hansen as standing UK Trade Rapporteur, where he will chair the Trade Monitoring Group and take a prominent seat on the UK Contact Group.
Mr Kelly welcomed that announcement, saying he was looking forward to “working with colleagues to facilitate EU-UK relations. Considering the implications of Brexit on Ireland, as well as the current tensions surrounding the Protocol, it’s important to have an influential Irish voice in the European Parliament in the discussions moving forward.”
He adds “While there is worry about the uncertainty surrounding the next phase of our relationship, the implementation of the Treaty is a priority for the European Union, not only in terms of citizens’ rights but specifically regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol. Its proper implementation would provide stability for businesses, citizens and farmers on both sides of the border”.
Commenting on the current negotiations, Mr Kelly said that, “there is a real problem with the lack of trust in the seriousness of any commitments made by the UK, significant differences and difficulties still remain. Nonetheless, I believe that although it will be a different relationship, particularly for business in the post-Brexit world, the EU and Ireland can have a strong and friendly partnership with the UK if it is willing”, said Kelly.
“There are solutions to be found, particularly in the area of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, and it is imperative that they are for everyone that is involved. However, this must be a give and take, not a situation where one party decides not to implement measures it agreed to or act unilaterally” Kelly concluded.
