Protocol court challenge fails: Sinn Fein says 'no credible alternative' to Protocol but it could be made 'to work better'
Sinn Fein’s national chairman Declan Kearney MLA has said that no viable alternative to the Northern Ireland Protocol exists.
He made the remarks in response to today’s Supreme Court judgement, which effectively ruled that the Protocol is legal.
Announcing the court’s decision, Lord Stephens said the legal appeal challenging the Protocol was “unanimously dismissed” on all grounds.
Mr Kearney, the party’s Brexit spokesperson, said in a statement: “Brexit has caused seismic political division, and those who championed it must bear responsibility for this.
“The Protocol limits the damage caused by Brexit and while imperfect it is clearly necessary. No credible alternative to it exists which can protect our economic stability.
“This necessity was recognised by both the British Government and the EU who negotiated the Withdrawal Agreement to which the Protocol is an integral part.
“The Westminster Parliament ratified it and has given it effect in domestic law. They are bound as a matter of international law to comply in good faith with the Treaty they entered into.
“Today's Supreme Court judgement recognises and affirms this reality in law.
“Now that legal clarity has been confirmed, it is time to move forward politically and ensure that a deal between the British Government and EU to deliver pragmatic and durable solutions is secured without delay that makes the Protocol work better for everyone.”