The UK and EU have reached an agreement on changes to post-Brexit trade rules that will have a significant impact on the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The agreement comes as politicians in Northern Ireland prepare for a return to powersharing. The UK-EU joint committee has expanded the category of not at risk goods entering Northern Ireland, a move that has been hailed by DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson. He stated that the changes prove the naysayers are wrong and that legal changes will occur. Experts also believe that Northern Ireland will benefit from the UK government’s free trade agreements on agri-food products such as New Zealand lamb. The announcement follows the Northern Ireland Secretary’s dismissal of the need for fresh renegotiations with the EU under the proposed deal to bring the DUP back into Stormont.
The agreement has been met with mixed reactions. Trade experts see it as a legal change under the Windsor Framework that allows Northern Ireland to take advantage of the UK’s independent trade policy. However, some senior Conservatives have emphasized the need for the UK to diverge from EU rules to fully capitalize on Brexit. It has been reported that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is considering limiting divergence from EU laws to mitigate the impact of an Irish Sea trade border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. This position could potentially clash with Brexiteers’ desires for increased independence from the EU.
Chris Heaton-Harris, a UK Cabinet minister, has expressed support for the agreement, highlighting the benefits of reduced tariffs for food imports to Northern Ireland. He stated that this would allow Northern Irish traders to benefit from the UK’s independent trade policy, particularly in regard to goods like New Zealand lamb and Australian beef. The agreement on the table to restore the Stormont Assembly’s powersharing has primarily been negotiated between the DUP and the UK government, with the EU offering its support following technical discussions.
While the UK government has sought to reassure that the agreement will not hinder its freedoms and powers secured through Brexit, concerns have been raised regarding potential divergence from EU laws. Some pro-Brexit Tory MPs have expressed reservations about limiting divergence in order to restore devolution in Belfast. The European Scrutiny Committee has also highlighted the differences that may arise between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK regarding new EU rules on mobile phone design.
Overall, the agreement represents a significant step towards resolving the obstacles surrounding the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is seen as a sign of progress as politicians in Northern Ireland prepare for the return of powersharing. However, tensions remain regarding the extent to which the UK can diverge from EU rules and the potential impact on the Irish Sea trade border. The terms of the deal will be published on Wednesday, providing further details on the changes to post-Brexit trade rules.
