.@DavidGHFrost says a zero-risk approach is privileging one community over another, trade patterns are changing, supply chains are being diverted, says its the UK's primary responsibility to protect all dimensions of the GFA.
2/ Frost says "we need to find a new balance in the way this works, that needs to be taken seriously...
"If operating the protocol is making the situation worse how can pressing for even more of it be the right response?
"If operating the protocol is making the situation worse how can pressing for even more of it be the right response?
3/ "The current situation is not consistent with the careful balance of the GFA. That political reality has got to be dealt with. The govt can’t ignore that reality and stand by if things get more tense and difficult.
4/ "There are ways of finding a new balance and working this way is the responsible thing to do. But obviously all options remain on the table.
"We are considering our next steps. We’ll set out our approach to parliament before the summer recess."
"We are considering our next steps. We’ll set out our approach to parliament before the summer recess."
5/ Brandon Lewis now says "we're still dealing with" the EU's move to invoke Article 16 [in January], meant instincitively the EU could put a north south border, something we've always opposed."
Lewis says: "We’ve not seen much pragmatism and flexibility in practice [from the EU]. The surprise has been the lack of genuine flexible engagement."
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
