British government is threatening to override Northern Ireland rules if bloc does not show ‘requisite flexibility’
The UK is saying it will have to take unilateral action to override part of the Northern Ireland Brexit protocol unless the EU shows the “requisite flexibility”. The EU has said it believes a deal can be done but only through negotiation.
So what are the differences between the two sides and is the latest row more about politics than substance?
Removal of checks on British sausages and other chilled meats. She also cited barriers to the supply of “Thai green curry ready meals, New Zealand lamb and Brazilian pork”.
Removal of customs declarations for parcel post, which would mean the restoration of online shopping for some of the big high street chains that have stopped delivering to Northern Ireland.
Removal of veterinary certificates for pets travelling from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK.
Ability to control the VAT rate in Northern Ireland. Truss complained that the protocol means some VAT cuts, including the relief on energy bills, which apply in the rest of the UK cannot be applied in Northern Ireland because of the protocol.
Removal of the European court of justice as the arbiter in disputes.
A green lane and red lane at ports to distinguish between goods destined for Northern Ireland and those travelling onward into the Republic of Ireland and the single market.
It offered to do away with the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks on chilled meats with a new “national identity” exemption for British sausages and other goods destined for Northern Irish supermarkets. It offered a “bespoke solution” it claimed would get rid of 80% of the SPS checks on food. In exchange the UK would have to complete the construction of border controls and ensure a new “for Northern Ireland” labelling system.
It offered to reduce customs declarations by 50%.
It offered an “express lane” out of ports for goods destined for Northern Ireland only.
It offered an “enhanced” role for Stormont, business and civic stakeholders in the implementation of the protocol including attendance at meetings of specialised committees charged with overseeing the operation of the protocol.
An uninterrupted supply of medicines was offered.