Brandon Lewis: We acted because of the EU’s leisurely approach to dealing with problems from the Northern Ireland Protocol

The Northern Ireland Protocol was agreed as a unique solution to a complex matter as the UK left the European Union, and the UK government remains committed to giving the protocol effect in the pragmatic and proportionate way intended – taking account of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement in all its dimensions.

This means consistently and effectively implementing the guarantee in the protocol of unfettered access from Northern Ireland to the rest of the United Kingdom; maintaining the smooth flow of trade from Great Britain to NI; and protecting NI’s place in UK customs territory.

We have always acknowledged there would be a necessary period of adjustment as businesses, in both Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, adapted to new requirements at the beginning of this year.

We accept there were additional challenges in the operation of the protocol in early January as business took time to adapt and the impacts of coronavirus on the supply chain continued to be felt. And we recognise that continued challenges are having a direct, and often disproportionate, impact on Northern Ireland’s citizens.

It is in this context that we have been seeking urgent progress with the EU to address concerns about the protocol and our discussions will continue in the Joint Committee to take that forward.

However, the EU’s leisurely approach to addressing the outstanding issues has meant we needed to take temporary, pragmatic steps to reflect the practical reality that retailers and operations need more time to adapt while discussions in the Joint Committee can continue.

It is regrettable those discussions have not yet resolved the current difficulties. But the measures we have taken largely continue measures already in place and are both lawful and consistent with a progressive and good faith implementation of the protocol.

We have set out that the existing grace period for supermarkets will continue until 1 October to give them further preparation time to ready their processes and supply chains. Fast parcel operators such as DPD and Royal Mail also need time to put in place processes to enable them to administer the requirements of the protocol.

To allow time for them to adapt, the grace period on customs declarations for the vast majority of goods will also continue until October 1. For parcel deliveries to consumers, we recognise that additional time will be needed beyond this and we will work closely with operators and retailers to give six months’ notice before any change to these customs arrangements.

We have also set out pragmatic guidance about what requirements on the movement of soil mean in practice – giving reassurance that bulbs, vegetables, plants and agricultural machinery can be moved even if they have small amounts of soil attached. Finally, we have confirmed that arrangements in place since 1 January whereby charges are not imposed on traders moving goods through designated points of entry will continue on an ongoing basis.

In my discussions with Northern Ireland businesses and civic society, it had been increasingly clear that decisions needed to be taken now on the implementation of the Protocol to avoid significant immediate-term disruption to everyday life in NI.

We have also heard the legitimate concerns of the unionist community. It has been disappointing to see others, including the Irish government, continue to understate their concerns. It is vital the EU recognise the serious, ongoing consequences of their actions in January.

Not only did their move to improperly invoke Article 16 go right to the heart of the sense of identity for unionist communities, it was also contrary to the spirit of the protocol. It failed to respect the importance of both the East-West and North-South dimensions of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and continues to seriously undermine cross-community confidence in the protocol’s operation.

The temporary measures we have made do not change the legal obligations set out in the protocol. They are also consistent with the common trade practice adopted by countries internationally — including by many EU Member States. Indeed, the Irish government decided to temporarily waive requirements in some cases for a safety and security declaration for goods entering Ireland from Great Britain. This sensible, practical measure has been in place since early January and has not been objected to – or legally challenged by – the European Commission.

While these measures remain in place, we will continue to press for urgent progress with the EU to address these outstanding issues and the effect they are having on the lives and livelihoods of people in Northern Ireland – contrary to the very purpose of the protocol. The UK government has an unwavering commitment to the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement in all its aspects.

We are determined to protect the agreement and uphold the gains that have followed in the 22 years since long into the future.

Stability, security and prosperity are the very least NI deserves – it is an integral part of our Union and our commitment to its place in the UK is unshakeable.

We will ensure that Northern Ireland is able to reap the benefits of Brexit just like every other part of the UK and maximise its globally competitive advantage now we have left the EU.

• Brandon Lewis MP is Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

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