THE EU’s chief negotiator on Brexit has suggested that physical checks on goods travelling across the Irish Sea could be cut to a “couple of lorries a day”.
Maros Sefcovic said the union stands ready to work in an “open and constructive” way with Britain following a statement from the new Prime Minister on the prospect of a negotiated settlement on the Northern Ireland Protocol.
It comes as the UK and EU have been embroiled in a row over Britain’s proposals to override parts of the controversial post-Brexit treaty, as it seeks to reduce trade barriers with the region.
Last Wednesday, Liz Truss said her preference is for a negotiated solution to the dispute.
READ MORE: Police Scotland faces questions over anti-monarchist arrests
But she said such a resolution would have to deliver “all of the things we set out” in the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament.
The legislation would allow ministers to unilaterally scrap the arrangements the UK signed up to as part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Sefcovic said he was “encouraged” by Truss’s recent remarks.
“We stand ready to work in an open and constructive and intensive way,” he said.
Sefcovic argued that the trade border would be “invisible” under the EU’s plans, with goods processed “remotely” while making their way to Northern Ireland, as long as the UK provides real-time data on their movements.
He suggested physical checks would typically only be made for a “couple of lorries a day”, when “there is reasonable suspicion of ... illegal trade smuggling, illegal drugs or dangerous toys or poisoned food”.
The treaty is designed to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland after Brexit.
But it has proved deeply unpopular with unionists because it has introduced new trade barriers in the Irish Sea.
It has sparked a powersharing crisis at Stormont, with the DUP withdrawing from the Executive in protest.
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson told the FT “renewed negotiations” would likely require “a change of stance” from the EU.
“They need to recognise that, if we are to arrive at a solution, it requires them to accept, and respect, the integrity of the UK, its internal market and Northern Ireland’s place within it,” he said.
Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin said last week that a “pathway” to resolving the issues with the arrangement can be found “if there is a will”, and that his government will work with Britain and the EU “to do the practical and sensible thing”.
He said a strong partnership between the two governments is “vital” to underpin the Good Friday Agreement and support peace and prosperity on the islands.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel