UK long had problem with EU. sequencing. Early doors Enda Kenny and Juncker recognised it needed to get protocol into withdrawal agreement. One source at time they had experience of British being “slippery” in 1998 peace talks and couldn’t trust them. theguardian.com/politics/2021/…
When withdrawal agreement finally done was sense of relief in Ireland. But the protocol was agreed by both sides two years later. difficult as it was, some would say relief that Brexit was done after five painful years was felt on all sides. Bad deal worse than no deal?
As far as ERG and Johnson Govt concerned getting out of the EU with protocol they didn’t believe in was worth it. Was bigger prize. And for Johnson? Icing on cake was keys to no 10
But the losers in the middle? Ordinary folk and business in NI. Not because they are suffering but because a high stakes political game, with multiple self-interest is being played in their name.
NI biz told me 10 days ago they don't trust UK or EU...
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NEW: Brexit trouble ahead for Boris Johnson after DUP announce it will launch cross-unionist party campaign against Northern Ireland protocol.
It has also put London and Dublin on notice that it will not engage in any north/south political engagement on issues relating to NIP 1/
- It said will try and build support for its anti-protocol position at Westminster
- will launch an online petition calling for the UK Government to remove barriers to unfettered trade and tp oppose protocol-related legislation in the Stormont Assembly 2/
- Will will also launch a parliamentary epetition with the ambition of securing enough signatures to force a debate on the issue.
Cabinet office doc seen by Guardian on no deal scene:"The likelihood of a systemic economic crisis has increased and will have major impacts on disposable incomes, unemployment, business activity, international trade/commerce, market stability, and security decisions/capability"
Cabinet office doc seen by Guardian on no deal and health cover for tourists
It also for the first time states that Brexit and the ending of British residents of the EU-wide European Health Insurance Card will see a 10-20% rise in insurance premiums for holidays on the continent.
Cabinet office doc seen by Guardian on no deal and relations with other member states
"No Negotiated Outcome, we would move into negotiating bilaterals with EU Member States. Some countries may not wish to engage in bilaterals 1/2
BREAK: Brexit talks to continue.
Joint statement between Johnson and VDL - still differences Will speak again Monday eve
“In a phone call today on the on-going negotiations between the EU and the UK, we welcomed the fact that progress has been achieved in many areas. 1/
Nevertheless, significant differences remain on three critical issues: level playing field, governance and fisheries. Both sides underlined that no agreement is feasible if these issues are not resolved.2/
“Whilst recognising the seriousness of these differences, we agreed that a further effort should be undertaken by our negotiating teams to assess whether they can be resolved.3/
Brexit talks in critical phase but for anyone selling in N Ireland from GB much ignorance (no fault of their own) applies in British businesses. Last night the government asked for v useful bit of information about NI EORI to be added to this story 1/ theguardian.com/politics/2020/…
Traders who were being automatically allocated an XI EORI number would receive letters from HMRC by 11 December and those who already have a GB number could sign up for the Trader Support Service by 14 December for an XI one. 2/
Businesses who haven't applied for an EORI number yet can apply for both a Northern Ireland one, prefixed by XI, and a GB EORI at the same time, 3/
Justice committee endorses selection of Sir Ashley Fox, a former Tory politician, to be head of the Independent Monitoring Authority which launches 1 January and is mandated to be independent adjudicator of complaints about EU citizens rights under W/A. But it has reservations:
"The Committee noted that Sir Ashley said he saw the Authority’s role as monitoring rights and that he does not intend to "raise hopes" that it will deal with individual citizens' complaints. However.. 1/
"the final report of the Committee on the appointment made clear that the new body is required to make a judgment on all complaints it receives, has power to initiate investigations and, if it considers it necessary, may take action up to and including seeking judicial review 2/
BREAKING: Gove has formally told the EU Britain will not be seeking Brexit extension
- border controls will be introduced in three phases, Jan, April and July
- full controls including customs declarations at point of importation will not be introduced to July
- Full checks on controlled goods inc alcohol, tobacco and chemicals will be applied from Jan 1.
- businesses can defer customs declarations and tariff payments for 6 months
- from Jan also will be checks on live animals and high risk plants
Phase 2. April
- All products of animal origin (POAO) – for example meat, pet food, honey, milk or egg products – and all regulated plants and plant products will also require pre-notification and the relevant health documentation.