Thread by @tconnellyRTE

NEW: The UK’s lead minister on the Northern Ireland Protocol has said the Protocol was “not sustainable” if it continued to operate as it currently does.

2/ @DavidGHFrost also warned that the British government was "considering all options" in responding to how the Protocol was implemented.

3/ Speaking after meeting businesses on his first visit to NI, Lord Frost said: “Businesses have gone to extraordinary efforts to make the current requirements work, but it is hard to see that the way the Protocol is currently operating can be sustainable for long.”

4/ He added: “Solutions must be found rapidly in order to protect the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement in all its dimensions and to minimise disruption to the everyday lives of people in Northern Ireland - as the Protocol itself requires.

5/ “As the Prime Minister has made clear, we will continue to consider all our options in meeting our overriding responsibility for sustaining the peace and prosperity of everyone in Northern Ireland.”

6/ In a statement the UK government said Lord Frost, accompanied NI Sec @BrandonLewis, had “heard concerns about the level and complexity of paperwork required even on goods remaining in Northern Ireland, notably in the agrifood sector; about disruption to supply chains from GB..

7/ ...and consequent diversion of trade; and about the risks associated with the expiry of the grace periods and the introduction of further processes as a result.”

8/ Lord Frost urged the EU to take a “risk-based” approach to consignments of food entering Northern Ireland from GB.

9/ UK officials have said this would involve the EU assessing the risk both to the EU’s single market and consumer health when it came to certain categories of food of animal origin entering Northern Ireland from GB.

10/ However, @rtenews reported last Friday that the European Commission had ruled out such an approach.

rte.ie/news/brexit/20…

11/ Lord Frost urged the EU to “show pragmatism”, according to a statement.

12/ The statement said both men spoke to a range of businesses, including those from the aerospace, manufacturing, food and drink, retail, and life sciences sectors.
They also visited Larne Port, where a border control post, or Point of Entry, checks goods moving from GB-NI

13/ Both men were accompanied by Northern Ireland and UK agriculture and veterinary officials, as well as EU staff who are mandated to oversee checks and controls under the Protocol.

14/ The statement said: “Lord Frost and SoSNI also pledged to continue working closely with all sectors of opinion in Northern Ireland, including the NI Executive, as talks with the EU Commission continue."

15/ Brandon Lewis added: "It is vital that the experiences, opportunities and challenges faced by people and Northern Ireland are understood and at the heart of our approach.

16/ “I will continue these constructive and practical discussions in the weeks ahead, supporting Northern Ireland's business needs and minimising the risk of disruptions at a crucial time."