Prospects for an agreement with the European Union on post-Brexit arrangements Northern Ireland It has been raised because Michael Gove said the government is “confident” that it does not need to trigger Article 16 to suspend current transactions.
Cabinet ministers who have special responsibility for unions said that after five weeks of negotiations, there are enough signs of progress that the government does not need to take action on recent threats.
“Everyone recognizes that the current application of the agreement is causing some disruption to trade, at least causing inconvenience to citizens in the north. Ireland,” Gove said in a press conference after the UK-Irish committee summit.
“I do believe that the government is taking a constructive approach [European] The Commission and Lord Frost have stated that although, of course, Article 16 may need to be invoked, but we believe that without it, we will be able to make progress. “
It is understood that those close to the negotiations do not fully agree with Gove’s optimism, and it is generally expected that the negotiations will be held after Christmas.But the combative language surrounding the previous meeting David FrostOn Friday, the Brexit Secretary and Vice President of the European Commission Maroš Šefčovič were removed, and the two chief negotiators held talks in Brussels on Friday.
Lord Frost said in a statement that although there are still “major differences”, “it is possible that some momentum will be generated in our discussions.” “Looking forward, the UK’s preference is still to ensure a consensus-based solution,” he said.
In its post-meeting statement, the European Commission once again called on the Boris Johnson’s government Cancel most inspections of goods from England. The committee added that “recent changes in the tone now lead to joint practical solutions within the framework of the agreement to be crucial”.
But the European Union did not comment on the claim that the UK was Fail to participate in good faith During the talks, Shevcovic did not publicly mention the possibility of retaliatory action if Article 16 is triggered.
Both parties reported that good progress has been made in ensuring that drugs authorized by the United Kingdom are freely available in Northern Ireland, although the EU is somewhat frustrated that no agreement has been reached on this issue. The committee said: “We now need to continue to advance and resolve this critical issue.”
Frost told reporters earlier that he was encouraged by the comments made by the governor of Ireland, Michael Martin, on Thursday night. In an interview with the BBC, Martin said: “As long as there is a will, there is a way. I think both parties need to work hard to solve the problem.”
When asked whether there was any prospect of a compromise solution in the UK’s request that the European Court of Justice cease to serve as the arbitrator of the EU legal dispute in Northern Ireland, Frost expressed reconciliation.
He said: “So far, this is not the issue we are trying to discuss. We have very different positions. But I know that the Minister said last night that the EU seriously intends to solve the difficulties we face, and I think we take this very seriously. good.”
At the same time, French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the committee for failing to defend the interests of fishermen operating in British coastal waters, while his maritime minister said that Paris would “fight for” their rights.
Facing the April election, Macron told reporters during his visit to northern France that Britain should be forced to fulfill its treaty obligations. He said: “We didn’t get what we wanted. They were playing with our nerves.”
The French government claimed that it should obtain another 150 permits for ships operating in the waters of the British and British royal possessions of Jersey. French Maritime Minister Annick Girardin told Radio France International: “We will continue to strive for what should belong to us every day so that these 150 permits can arrive.”
The Northern Ireland Agreement in the withdrawal agreement Johnson signs Keep the area in the single market and draw a customs border in the lower reaches of the Irish Sea to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland. In October, the European Union proposed Significantly reduce the number of inspections For goods shipped from the UK to Northern Ireland, to acknowledge the political and economic chaos caused.
On Friday, Shevcovic said: “These measures will create a kind of’fast track’ that greatly promotes trade between all parties. It is a win-win situation for everyone. This is how a unique and brand-new product can be developed from The British model of shipping to Northern Ireland will provide more opportunities for people and businesses.”
Frost and Šefčovič will meet again next Friday.
