Presbyterian moderator: I welcome this deal between the UK and EU, coming at the end of a very difficult year

As we inch towards the close of what has been a very difficult year, and with the end of the United Kingdom’s transition period in sight, I welcome the news that agreement has now been reached between the UK and EU on trade, writes Rev DAVID BRUCE.
By Dr David Bruce
Published 24th Dec 2020, 20:59 BST
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Christmas Eve during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on the agreement of a post-Brexit trade deal. Photo: Paul Grover/Daily Telegraph/PA WirePrime Minister Boris Johnson on Christmas Eve during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on the agreement of a post-Brexit trade deal. Photo: Paul Grover/Daily Telegraph/PA Wire
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Christmas Eve during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on the agreement of a post-Brexit trade deal. Photo: Paul Grover/Daily Telegraph/PA Wire

For Northern Ireland, a new relationship between the UK and the EU has introduced a set of specific regulatory arrangements, unique in these islands. Northern Ireland’s relationship, and interconnectedness, with both the rest of Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom will require significant commitment from us all, to identify ways that will continue to build trust and support the onward pursuit of reconciliation.

While a hard border will not exist on the island of Ireland, there is the new challenge to be faced regarding the regulation of goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. While the practicalities of this are as yet unknown in detail, the trade agreement between the UK and the EU can only be seen a helpful and positive development.

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Moving forward in the days, weeks and months ahead, we commit to pray for those in authority who are tasked with implementing this agreement, those involved with logistics, and for businesses as they begin to trade in this new environment and for our neighbours across these islands.

Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor

Right Reverend Dr David Bruce, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

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Related topics:Northern IrelandPresbyterian Church