Stormont leaders: ‘We call on Boris Johnson to comply with the EU’s proposal to open an office in Belfast’

An open letter from four of Stormont’s party leaders to Downing Street
By SF SDLP All Green
Published 3rd Apr 2020, 06:26 BST
Updated 3rd Apr 2020, 11:53 BST
The then four party leaders of Alliance, SDLP, Sinn Fein and Green in a previous joint approach in May 2018 at Stormont opposing UK policy over the EU, from left Naomi Long, Michelle O'Neill, Colum Eastwood and Steven Agnew. Pic: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker PressThe then four party leaders of Alliance, SDLP, Sinn Fein and Green in a previous joint approach in May 2018 at Stormont opposing UK policy over the EU, from left Naomi Long, Michelle O'Neill, Colum Eastwood and Steven Agnew. Pic: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press
The then four party leaders of Alliance, SDLP, Sinn Fein and Green in a previous joint approach in May 2018 at Stormont opposing UK policy over the EU, from left Naomi Long, Michelle O'Neill, Colum Eastwood and Steven Agnew. Pic: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press

Dear Prime Minister,

We write concerning your government’s recent correspondence to the European Commission, opposing its proposal to open an office of the EU Delegation to the UK in Belfast.

As party leaders representing a majority of citizens who voted to remain within the EU, we feel strongly that an office in Belfast is necessary to ensure the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland which you negotiated with the EU.

Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor
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You are aware that under, the terms negotiated by your government, EU representatives have a right under law to be present during any activities relating to the protocol implementation.

It is also for the EU to determine the extent to which it wishes to exercise these rights, including the opening of an office in Belfast staffed by EU representatives who can carry out their functions without interruption by the Westminster government.

It is necessary for EU experts to be based in Belfast in order to liaise with your government and NI Executive departments on the implementation of the protocol and our obligations within it.

To oppose the opening of such an office by the EU in Belfast represents an act of bad faith by your government and a breach of trust at this critical stage of the process.

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We are calling on you to reverse the approach taken by your government without delay and comply with the request made by the European Commission.

Co-signed,

Michelle O’Neill MLA, Sinn Féin, Colum Eastwood MP, SDLP, Naomi Long MLA, Alliance Clare Bailey MLA, Greens

Related topics:BelfastPrime MinisterBoris JohnsonDowning StreetProtocolColum Eastwood