Great Britain: unilateral action in the Northern Ireland Protocol?

It has long been known that the British government, and in particular Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Liz Trace, are willing to do whatever it takes to end the “tough” border between Britain and Northern Ireland created after Brexit, and even if their purpose is achieved unilaterally.

That is why, according to reports, they are preparing a new law that will give ministers the power to bypass the Northern Ireland protocol, ie the agreement that the UK had signed with the EU after Brexit, unilaterally.

Britain: Purpose sanctifies the means …

This new legislation, which has not yet been presented to the cabinet, will help, among other things, the free movement of products between British nations, which after Brexit and the signing of the protocol, is the wick that is constantly lit in Northern Ireland.

At the same time, and unequivocally, these unilateral actions risk sparking a new confrontation between London and Brussels, as they violate the jointly signed rules.

The Financial Times today hosts a European diplomat who describes such a move as “completely irresponsible” as the West seeks to show unity with Putin. But it is a fact that the United Kingdom is struggling to maintain unity within itself. Although the issue has been on the ice for some time, as the London-Brussels talks are at a standstill, it is coming to the fore again, in the run-up to the May 5 parliamentary elections in Northern Ireland.

The separatist Sinn Fein leads the polls

And that is where the eyes of the British government are. Her main concern? The fact that the nationalist Sinn Fein party, which is seeking the secession of Northern Ireland from the United Kingdom, is leading the polls after 20 whole years.

Characteristic is the percentage of recent polls, which give 7 “net” points lead in Sinn Fein over the DUP (Democratic Union Party) with 27%. In addition, the pressure on the government is intensifying as the parliamentary year officially begins next month and Boris Johnson and Liz Trace want to put the issue on the agenda as soon as possible.

The reaction of the Irish was immediate, with Thomas Byrne, the Irish Minister for European Affairs, emphasizing via Twitter that “the British government must allow the parliamentary elections in Northern Ireland to take place without such distractions”.

A government spokesman said in a statement that “no decision has been taken yet but maintaining peace and stability in Northern Ireland remains our top priority”.

Zoe Katzagiannaki, London

Source: Deutsche Welle