London: The United Kingdom and the European Union have reached a historic Northern Ireland Protocol agreement, paving the way for post-Brexit trade issues to be resolved. The agreement was reached in a meeting between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen yesterday.
The two signed an agreement called the Windsor Framework. Von der Leyen arrived in the United Kingdom yesterday morning to finalise the agreement. The agreement is expected to free Northern Ireland from the United Kingdom’s strict controls and various EU taxes. However, it is believed that the political deadlock and political uncertainty in Northern Ireland will be resolved only if the agreement receives DUP support.
When the new contract comes…
A new “green lane” for goods passing through Northern Ireland and a “red lane” for goods entering the EU will be established under the new agreement. Northern Ireland supermarkets, restaurants, and wholesalers importing food from the UK will no longer need to produce separate certificates and will be able to ship and sell food produced in accordance with UK regulations.
If the food is available in supermarkets in the United Kingdom, it will also be available in Northern Ireland. UK farmers and businesses can join the scheme for £120 per year, as was the case before the protocol went into effect, rather than paying £150 for each arrival in Northern Ireland.
No inspection; a chip system instead.
Strict checks to prevent pets from the UK from entering the EU will be abolished. Instead, a chip system will be introduced.
EU VAT is not applicable.
Northern Ireland will be exempt from the EU’s plan to lower the VAT threshold by £10,000. Furthermore, small businesses will be exempt from SME VAT. Under this agreement, 2,000 Northern Ireland businesses will not be required to register under the EU Directive in 2025. Northern Ireland will be able to access medicines approved by the UK Medicines Regulator.
More powers for Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Assembly can make fundamental changes to the UK’s freight laws. In this regard, the UK government will also have veto power. The agreement is seen as safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement while addressing practical trade issues.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the deal as a decisive turning point in post-Brexit trade arrangements. Sunak stated that the new agreement will protect the status of Northern Ireland in the Union and its position in the UK. Sunak stated that the VAT and excise laws in the UK will be changed as a result of this.
Prime Minister Sunak urged all Northern Ireland parties to scrutinise the agreement. Sunak stated that it requires time and attention. The agreement will be voted on by the UK Parliament at the appropriate time. Von der Leyen also said that the original protocol has been changed.
Criticism
Simultaneously, DUP leader Geoffrey Donaldson stated that his party would investigate whether the new agreement would restore Northern Ireland’s place in the UK.
There are grumblings against the deal in the Conservative camp as well. There are also indications that they may demand a vote on the agreement in the House of Commons. At the same time, it is noteworthy that King Charles III is among those who criticise the protocol agreement. The king believes that this agreement is unwise.
Historical curiosity
It is a historical curiosity that when the UK-EU negotiations related to the Northern Ireland Protocol are finalised, two Indians will be taking the lead. These heroes are Rishi Sunak, the British Prime Minister, and Leo Varadkar, the Irish Prime Minister.
It is worth noting both of their commitments to resolving the NI protocol issue that affects the entire continent of Europe. Both of them are adamant that the Northern Ireland protocol issue related to Brexit be resolved. Because of their mutual interest, the path to openly discussing this issue with the President of the European Commission has been paved. Leo Varadkar’s role as the ruler of Ireland in setting the stage for the current negotiations is very decisive in this regard.
Leo Varadkar said that the London meeting and discussion with the President of the EU Commission and the British Prime Minister were full of hope. Things have taken a turn for the better. Varadkar said that the agreement will be very beneficial for Ireland and Northern Ireland economically.
According to Varadkar, the NI Assembly and the Executive, as per Good Friday, may also be useful. The relationship between Ireland and the United Kingdom will also be strengthened.
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