Possibility of violence in Ireland over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

[RogerRanger]

@Nilgiri

Coincidentally, I was in Dublin a couple of months ago and they are indeed obsessed with Palestinian, Kurdish, Kashmiri and other minority topics.

The bookstores, though, were full with publications about the Northern Irish society and how the North is increasingly becoming pro-IR. It was interesting to see Irland but the people are anything but unique. In fact, Irland was very, very similar to the UK in many ways. What I'm trying to say is that reality beats ideology. The anti-capitalist, leftist average Irish citizen should first fight against the national laws that have turned Irland into a tax haven for big multinational corporates. They voluntarily assist the evil 1% to steal the money and resources of their beloved European brethren.

What I'm trying to say is:

Just another first world society with too much money and time on hand.

Nailed it. The only area's of Ireland which aren't globalized are certain hard Loyalists and Republican area's in the north and the Galway coast of Ireland. Dublin and many area's of Belfast are just like a UK city. My parents complain are Ireland losing its uniqueness all the time. It also happens where I live in Cumbria. I would also say easy cheap money beats ideology.

 

[Avanti]

People can choose their identity and loyalty how they want to. You can also choose to respect it or not. However if you don't, please don't play the victim card at the same time how you were oppressed by the British. It reminds me of Cyprus quite a bit

 

[Nilgiri]

If I recall correctly, and that's a shaky if, then the support base the IRA held with the irish-american demographic was the by far most important in terms of finances and armaments supplies. Whatever Gaddafi, ETA and the eastern bloc supplied was overshadowed by the smuggled goods coming in from overseas, and the IRA could have continued the conflict on that base alone.

That's what makes the Troubles one of the most interesting conflicts of the Cold War to me. A terrorist organization with a strongly leftist political ideology that fights against America's most powerful and important european ally, all the while being supported by american citizens, who had a political reality build on anti-communism and anti-leftism. And this went on for 30 years!

Another thing that I thought about a few days back was how a renewed conflict would potentially be fought... Because if what Roger says is true and the Loyalists have vastly more manpower, arms and better organization than the republicans, or whatever remnants are still active, then what can they realistically do? Taking the conflict to Britain itself and resorting to bombings doesn't seem to unlikely, depending on what loyalists will do in NI itself. They've proven themselves capable of massive attacks in major, A-Tier cities, and loyalists and republicans will have been very busy rebuilding their arsenals since pre-brexit...
Will there be targeted killing of media personnel? Control over the narrative of the conflict held by the British state during the Troubles was a major plus for the domestic and international PR for the government back then, maybe the republicans will try to pry this weapon away from them.

@RogerRanger @Nilgiri

Like roger says, the unionists feel far more pushed up against a wall than the republicans do (latter having enjoyed the GFA status quo favouring them etc).

That bears out on your proclivity to take major action as you feel closer to the precipice etc

Now what it will all lead up to, I suppose we can only wait and see.

 

[RogerRanger]

A political activist had been assaulted and threatened in NI. A member of the people before profit party.

NI election 2022: Hannah Kenny 'gripped by throat' and threatened

Hannah Kenny says she was approached by three men last week while canvassing in east Belfast.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[RogerRanger]

As expect the Loyalist parties have rejected power sharing with Sinn Fein, they won't return to power sharing, either at all or unit the NI protocol is removed. As expected the SF push for a 'border' poll, or United Irish state, enshrined within the Good Friday agreement. So here we once again see the three things being used to threaten the Loyalists in political terms. Power sharing, GFA and NI protocol. All that is needed now is a event to spark the violence from the Loyalists. They have lost economically, politically, demographically, all they have left is the force of arms and their culture, so I expect the spark to come from another attack on their culture. https://www.theguardian.com/politic...n-of-northern-ireland-power-sharing-executive

2022 Northern Ireland Assembly election - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

As we see from the election results, Liberalism is now the main political ideology in NI, SF has swung to the Liberal side, away from the Republican side. The Loyalists/Unionists have shifted away from the the weak tea UUP, and towards the TUV, taking voted from the DUP as well. However this means the Loyalists community is moving to a harder line. Preparing from the conflict and moving its political support to who they know will back them. The TUV will back them, the DUP may back them, but it is less certain.

There has also been reaction from the Brexiteers in England, who are trying whip up anti-EU sentiment, and push for further weakening of the Union on behalf of the Americans groups who support and fund them. I can tell you now, the Loyalists/Unionists are not divided, they are uniting. And the EU has every right to want to protect its internal market, the problem is the Brexiteers don't have the diplomatic vision to cut a deal with the Irish state. So this is pushing the Loyalists more down the path of last resort.

 

[Blackbeardsgoldfish]

UK threat over NI Brexit deal ‘breeding mistrust in EU capitals’​

Anger and disbelief within EU at UK’s position given goodwill Boris Johnson has built up over Ukraine

Leo Varadkar: ‘The fact that the UK government is talking openly about breaching international law is a matter of concern.’ Photograph: Damien Storan/PA

Lisa O'Carroll and Jennifer Rankin
Wed 18 May 2022 10.12 BST

The UK government’s plan to walk away from parts of the Northern Ireland Brexit deal is destroying the repaired relationship with the EU, political leaders and diplomats have said.
Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s deputy prime minister, told a business dinner in Dublin on Tuesday night that the move was “breeding mistrust in EU capitals”.

A measure of the anger and disbelief within the EU was reflected in a tweet posted by the German diplomat Sebastian Fischer, considered one of the most mild-mannered of his cadre in Brussels.

“Let’s just all threaten each other with breaking international law. Makes for really good partnerships #Brexit,” he tweeted on Tuesday evening.

“If you are wondering what friends and allies think …” tweeted Ireland’s foreign minister, Simon Coveney, in response.

https://twitter.com/simoncoveney/status/1526636969865928707?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^1526636969865928707|twgr^|twcon^s1_&ref_url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/may/18/uk-threat-over-northern-ireland-brexit-deal-breeding-mistrust-in-eu-capitals

There is a growing feeling of disbelief and disappointment in the EU over the UK’s position, given the goodwill that the prime minister, Boris Johnson, had built up over Ukraine.

One EU diplomat said unilateral action was “neither necessary nor desirable”, adding that the timing could not be worse.

“One would imagine that the foreign secretary [of the UK, Liz Truss,] to be well placed to assess the geostrategic implications of her actions, but she seems to prioritise domestic politics over peace and stability on the European continent,” the source said.

“The fact that the UK government is talking openly about breaching international law is a matter of concern,” Varadkar said. “[It] stands in contrast with the enormous leadership the UK government is showing in supporting Ukraine against Russia, which has breached international law in a very serious way,” the tánaiste said.

He co-designed the protocol with Johnson in October 2019 to deliver a breakthrough that helped the Conservative party leader present what he described as an “oven-ready” real to the electorate in an election the following December.

There are fears that the relationship between London and Brussels, which had deteriorated badly over the past four or five years due to Brexit, has once again been damaged.

EU negotiators are said to be frustrated at what they see as the UK government’s failure to engage with proposals to reform the Northern Irish protocol laid out by the European Commission vice-president Maroš Šefčovič last autumn. Sources believe the proposals have the potential to solve many problems raised by businesses in Northern Ireland.

The government’s aim of waiving all checks on goods travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland that are not destined for the Republic of Ireland, is seen as a reversion to earlier unsolved Brexit debates.

“We are back to issues that it was not possible to square in 2017,” said one diplomat, who added there was a “lack of honesty” about how the UK government’s chosen hard Brexit had created checks and red tape.

“The more Great Britain wants to diverge from the EU the more difficult [the issue of] Northern Ireland becomes.”

But one EU source said they had expected the move and believe Johnson will ultimately pull back from any attempt to break a treaty signed two years ago.
“There will be American pressure on Boris Johnson. The US will not want to see a rift in Europe at this time. It simply will not allow a trade war,” they said.

Speaking in Dublin on Tuesday, Coveney said there had been “no serious engagement since February” between the EU and the UK, contrary to claims by Truss in the Commons that she had been engaged in talks for the past six months.


https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news...-brexit-deal-breeding-mistrust-in-eu-capitals

 

[Ravenman]

Northern Ireland is Ireland's territory, and it should be one island.

Like the Golan is Syrian, and the Kurils are Japanese, and the West Bank is Palestinian, and Crimea is Ukrainian, and Kuwait is Iraqi territory.

I hope one day the Irish resistance will beat up the British invaders and take back the whole island.

 

[RogerRanger]

UK threat over NI Brexit deal ‘breeding mistrust in EU capitals’​

Anger and disbelief within EU at UK’s position given goodwill Boris Johnson has built up over Ukraine

Leo Varadkar: ‘The fact that the UK government is talking openly about breaching international law is a matter of concern.’ Photograph: Damien Storan/PA

Lisa O'Carroll and Jennifer Rankin
Wed 18 May 2022 10.12 BST

The UK government’s plan to walk away from parts of the Northern Ireland Brexit deal is destroying the repaired relationship with the EU, political leaders and diplomats have said.
Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s deputy prime minister, told a business dinner in Dublin on Tuesday night that the move was “breeding mistrust in EU capitals”.

A measure of the anger and disbelief within the EU was reflected in a tweet posted by the German diplomat Sebastian Fischer, considered one of the most mild-mannered of his cadre in Brussels.

“Let’s just all threaten each other with breaking international law. Makes for really good partnerships #Brexit,” he tweeted on Tuesday evening.

“If you are wondering what friends and allies think …” tweeted Ireland’s foreign minister, Simon Coveney, in response.

https://twitter.com/simoncoveney/status/1526636969865928707?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^1526636969865928707|twgr^|twcon^s1_&ref_url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/may/18/uk-threat-over-northern-ireland-brexit-deal-breeding-mistrust-in-eu-capitals

There is a growing feeling of disbelief and disappointment in the EU over the UK’s position, given the goodwill that the prime minister, Boris Johnson, had built up over Ukraine.

One EU diplomat said unilateral action was “neither necessary nor desirable”, adding that the timing could not be worse.

“One would imagine that the foreign secretary [of the UK, Liz Truss,] to be well placed to assess the geostrategic implications of her actions, but she seems to prioritise domestic politics over peace and stability on the European continent,” the source said.

“The fact that the UK government is talking openly about breaching international law is a matter of concern,” Varadkar said. “[It] stands in contrast with the enormous leadership the UK government is showing in supporting Ukraine against Russia, which has breached international law in a very serious way,” the tánaiste said.

He co-designed the protocol with Johnson in October 2019 to deliver a breakthrough that helped the Conservative party leader present what he described as an “oven-ready” real to the electorate in an election the following December.

There are fears that the relationship between London and Brussels, which had deteriorated badly over the past four or five years due to Brexit, has once again been damaged.

EU negotiators are said to be frustrated at what they see as the UK government’s failure to engage with proposals to reform the Northern Irish protocol laid out by the European Commission vice-president Maroš Šefčovič last autumn. Sources believe the proposals have the potential to solve many problems raised by businesses in Northern Ireland.

The government’s aim of waiving all checks on goods travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland that are not destined for the Republic of Ireland, is seen as a reversion to earlier unsolved Brexit debates.

“We are back to issues that it was not possible to square in 2017,” said one diplomat, who added there was a “lack of honesty” about how the UK government’s chosen hard Brexit had created checks and red tape.

“The more Great Britain wants to diverge from the EU the more difficult [the issue of] Northern Ireland becomes.”

But one EU source said they had expected the move and believe Johnson will ultimately pull back from any attempt to break a treaty signed two years ago.
“There will be American pressure on Boris Johnson. The US will not want to see a rift in Europe at this time. It simply will not allow a trade war,” they said.

Speaking in Dublin on Tuesday, Coveney said there had been “no serious engagement since February” between the EU and the UK, contrary to claims by Truss in the Commons that she had been engaged in talks for the past six months.


https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news...-brexit-deal-breeding-mistrust-in-eu-capitals

Interesting. Its a nice thrust by the Irish and EU, in diplomatic terms. However they are refusing to understand how serious a problem this is for UK. The Protocol breaks the 1800 act of Union. So it isn't something British state can really allow to be maintained, I know the courts said it didn't break the act of Union, but the British government admitted that it did. And the act of Union is trumps International law within Britain.

Another thing which is clear from all the EU statements, less so the Irish statements, is that NI is annoying little problem. But for Britain it is a massive issue. The EU and media keep threatening a 'trade war', however the British state is trying to prevent the Loyalists from actually starting a proper war. I wish the British government would make this clear, they are responding to the protests of the Loyalists and Unionists in Northern Ireland. It isn't some hardline Brexit thing or anything else. In the end the British army would be the ones having to police any conflict, so its urgent that they don't allow it to start in the first place. Again none of this has been properly set out by the British government. The way the Irish did with the threat of in my view non-existent IRA violence.

Lastly the Irish government is a huge problem, they never accept or talk to the Loyalists/Unionists about their concerns and fears, they don't mention them, they just keep banging on about the GFA and international law. So far from the British state breeding mistrust, the Irish government is doing it much more within the Loyalists/Unionist community.

They are also Unionists in Ireland too. https://www.sundayworld.com/news/no...in-uk-told-hed-be-skinned-alive-41365327.html

 

[RogerRanger]

Northern Ireland is Ireland's territory, and it should be one island.

Like the Golan is Syrian, and the Kurils are Japanese, and the West Bank is Palestinian, and Crimea is Ukrainian, and Kuwait is Iraqi territory.

I hope one day the Irish resistance will beat up the British invaders and take back the whole island.

Ireland was a United Island, the Irish Republic decided to leave and partition it.

 

[Blackbeardsgoldfish]

Northern Ireland is Ireland's territory, and it should be one island.

Like the Golan is Syrian, and the Kurils are Japanese, and the West Bank is Palestinian, and Crimea is Ukrainian, and Kuwait is Iraqi territory.

I hope one day the Irish resistance will beat up the British invaders and take back the whole island.

The partition of Ireland back in 1921 was seen as the lesser of two evils. Had it not happened, then the British would have put down the rebellion with insurmountable military might and Ireland would, potentially, still be part of the UK today.

Saying that "X territory is part of Y nation" can also quickly lead into nasty discussions, like "Taiwan belongs to China" or "Cyprus is Greek", so please be careful with that.

 

[RogerRanger]

Very interesting interview with a former Loyalists prisoner and political activist.

 

[Blackbeardsgoldfish]

Interesting. Its a nice thrust by the Irish and EU, in diplomatic terms. However they are refusing to understand how serious a problem this is for UK. The Protocol breaks the 1800 act of Union. So it isn't something British state can really allow to be maintained, I know the courts said it didn't break the act of Union, but the British government admitted that it did. And the act of Union is trumps International law within Britain.

Another thing which is clear from all the EU statements, less so the Irish statements, is that NI is annoying little problem. But for Britain it is a massive issue. The EU and media keep threatening a 'trade war', however the British state is trying to prevent the Loyalists from actually starting a proper war. I wish the British government would make this clear, they are responding to the protests of the Loyalists and Unionists in Northern Ireland. It isn't some hardline Brexit thing or anything else. In the end the British army would be the ones having to police any conflict, so its urgent that they don't allow it to start in the first place. Again none of this has been properly set out by the British government. The way the Irish did with the threat of in my view non-existent IRA violence.

Lastly the Irish government is a huge problem, they never accept or talk to the Loyalists/Unionists about their concerns and fears, they don't mention them, they just keep banging on about the GFA and international law. So far from the British state breeding mistrust, the Irish government is doing it much more within the Loyalists/Unionist community.

They are also Unionists in Ireland too. https://www.sundayworld.com/news/no...in-uk-told-hed-be-skinned-alive-41365327.html

I can't help but feel that the situation in NI is seriously close to breaking point. Can't really pinpoint why, just wanted to get it out. Please keep us updated every once in a while if you have a chance!

 

[Sami1234]

Northern Ireland is Ireland's territory, and it should be one island.

Like the Golan is Syrian, and the Kurils are Japanese, and the West Bank is Palestinian, and Crimea is Ukrainian, and Kuwait is Iraqi territory.

I hope one day the Irish resistance will beat up the British invaders and take back the whole island.

Don't forget Western Sahara which is in war with Moroccan occupation.

 

[Blackbeardsgoldfish]

Future of NI at stake unless Protocol changed, say Orange Order​

Updated / Saturday, 28 May 2022 18:53

By Vincent Kearney
Northern Editor

A senior member of the Orange Order has said Northern Ireland's future is at stake unless the Northern Ireland Protocol is fundamentally changed.

The Rev Mervyn Gibson, the Order's Grand Secretary, also said those trying to persuade unionists that their future lies in a United Ireland are wasting their breath.

He was speaking at the start of a parade to mark Northern Ireland’s centenary.

Up to 25,000 people are expected to attend the event which was postponed from last year, the actual centenary, due to Covid-19 restrictions.

"We have no interest in becoming part of an All Ireland," he told the crowd gathered at Stormont.

"It doesn’t matter what you promise or offer, it doesn’t matter if every day was the Twelfth of July.

"If it’s not under the Union Jack then count us out. British we are and British we stay."

On the Protocol, he said it must be fundamentally changed before the Stormont Assembly can be restored.

"We will not tolerate any system, process or structure that will allow checks on any goods trading within the UK for use within the UK," he said.

'We intend to be an integral part of the UK for many years to come,'
Orange Order Grand Master Edward Stevenson said
He added: "Secondly and equally critically is we will not be mastered by no foreign power nor subject to laws and regulations made by foreign governments.

"Until these injustices that make Northern Ireland a place apart from the rest of the United Kingdom are removed then those we elect will opt out and stay out of the Executive."

"Let me make clear if the Protocol is not sorted then make no mistake - no mistake - there will be no next 100 years for Northern Ireland."

The Order’s Grand Master, Edward Stevenson, hit out at critics he said had tried to "belittle, undermine and erase the history of our people and our country" throughout the centenary year.

"There have been many dark days and many challenges from within and without, but 100 years on, Northern Ireland remains an integral part of the United Kingdom," he added.

"And let me be clear - we intend to be an integral part of the United Kingdom for many years to come."

Mr Stevenson said that while the Order wanted good relations with all, he did not shy away from its roots or ethos.

"We are unashamedly a Protestant fraternity committed to the protection of the principles of the Protestant Reformation and the Glorious Revolution," he said.

https://www.rte.ie/news/2022/0527/1301631-orange-order/

 

[RogerRanger]

Future of NI at stake unless Protocol changed, say Orange Order​

Updated / Saturday, 28 May 2022 18:53

By Vincent Kearney
Northern Editor

A senior member of the Orange Order has said Northern Ireland's future is at stake unless the Northern Ireland Protocol is fundamentally changed.

The Rev Mervyn Gibson, the Order's Grand Secretary, also said those trying to persuade unionists that their future lies in a United Ireland are wasting their breath.

He was speaking at the start of a parade to mark Northern Ireland’s centenary.

Up to 25,000 people are expected to attend the event which was postponed from last year, the actual centenary, due to Covid-19 restrictions.

"We have no interest in becoming part of an All Ireland," he told the crowd gathered at Stormont.

"It doesn’t matter what you promise or offer, it doesn’t matter if every day was the Twelfth of July.

"If it’s not under the Union Jack then count us out. British we are and British we stay."

On the Protocol, he said it must be fundamentally changed before the Stormont Assembly can be restored.

"We will not tolerate any system, process or structure that will allow checks on any goods trading within the UK for use within the UK," he said.

'We intend to be an integral part of the UK for many years to come,'
Orange Order Grand Master Edward Stevenson said
He added: "Secondly and equally critically is we will not be mastered by no foreign power nor subject to laws and regulations made by foreign governments.

"Until these injustices that make Northern Ireland a place apart from the rest of the United Kingdom are removed then those we elect will opt out and stay out of the Executive."

"Let me make clear if the Protocol is not sorted then make no mistake - no mistake - there will be no next 100 years for Northern Ireland."

The Order’s Grand Master, Edward Stevenson, hit out at critics he said had tried to "belittle, undermine and erase the history of our people and our country" throughout the centenary year.

"There have been many dark days and many challenges from within and without, but 100 years on, Northern Ireland remains an integral part of the United Kingdom," he added.

"And let me be clear - we intend to be an integral part of the United Kingdom for many years to come."

Mr Stevenson said that while the Order wanted good relations with all, he did not shy away from its roots or ethos.

"We are unashamedly a Protestant fraternity committed to the protection of the principles of the Protestant Reformation and the Glorious Revolution," he said.

https://www.rte.ie/news/2022/0527/1301631-orange-order/

Thanks for this. Been away for a few days.

Nothing has really changed or happened, things are continuing as before. The side are drawn up now, the Loyalists won't move anywhere but forward for this point, the British state is slowly moving to support the Loyalist position while balancing other concerns it has. All that is needed now is a spark for the thing to kick off for real. I thought the spark could have been Sinn Fein coming the largest party, but the Loyalists don't seem bother about that.

So at this point it could be anything really, the EU force more checks, Irish doing something reckless or even just the Loyalist hardcore moving ahead of more moderation people. One thing for sure is the stage is set, and like you don't see a way out of it now.

Also statements from the Americans don't help either.

 

[Blackbeardsgoldfish]

Thanks for this. Been away for a few days.

Nothing has really changed or happened, things are continuing as before. The side are drawn up now, the Loyalists won't move anywhere but forward for this point, the British state is slowly moving to support the Loyalist position while balancing other concerns it has. All that is needed now is a spark for the thing to kick off for real. I thought the spark could have been Sinn Fein coming the largest party, but the Loyalists don't seem bother about that.

So at this point it could be anything really, the EU force more checks, Irish doing something reckless or even just the Loyalist hardcore moving ahead of more moderation people. One thing for sure is the stage is set, and like you don't see a way out of it now.

Going to keep an eye out for updates on this, thanks for telling me!

Also statements from the Americans don't help either.

Do they ever?

 

[Blackbeardsgoldfish]

​

UK poised to introduce Bill dismantling Northern Ireland protocol​

The British government is poised to press ahead with legislation that would override key parts of the Brexit divorce agreement that covers trading rules for Northern Ireland.

The UK’s secretary of state for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, is due to brief business and industry groups in Belfast on Thursday about the proposed legislation, suggesting that London is likely to publish the controversial legislation either on Wednesday or Thursday.

In a move that will further escalate tensions with the European Union, the UK government is preparing legislation that would aim to create “a dual regulatory regime” that the British government says will remove the need for checks and paperwork on goods entering Northern Ireland.
...
The aim of the proposed British legislation is to give UK government ministers powers to allow goods from Britain to circulate freely in Northern Ireland, relying on a system of surveillance on products crossing the Irish Sea into Northern Ireland to prevent the requirement for checks.
...

Asked whether she was willing to risk a potential trade war with the EU over the legislation, British foreign secretary Liz Truss said on Tuesday that the government wanted to create “green lanes” for goods moving into Northern Ireland and a “red lane” for goods bound for the EU.

She said that the move “would protect the EU single market at the same time as enabling goods to flow freely around the UK,” describing it as a “win-win for both the people of Northern Ireland and protecting the EU single market”.

Industry sources in Northern Ireland dismissed the legislation, if passed by the UK parliament, as unworkable, with one saying the dual regulatory regime would be “a disaster”, particularly for the agrifood sector, given the amount of cross-Border dairy and meat processing on the island of Ireland and the UK’s plan to diverge from EU rules and standards over time.
...

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Europe would respond “in a calm a firm way” to whatever decisions were taken by Britain.

He noted that legislation would need to be enacted as well as introduced, and there would be a “journey through the UK parliament”.

Taking a unilateral approach “will not work”, he said at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday. “I think that would be deeply damaging because it would represent the violation of international agreements. And it really is very difficult to comprehend it … in this day and age to be contemplating that.”
...
A few excerpts from: https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/...to-introduce-bill-dismantling-ni-brexit-deal/

------------------------------

NI Protocol: 'Historic low point' if UK unilateral action taken​

By Jayne McCormack

Unilateral action by the UK on the NI Protocol would mark a "historic low point", the Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Michéal Martin has said.
He made the remarks at the European Parliament on Wednesday.
But DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he found Mr Martin's comments "deeply distressing".

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61730258

-----------------------------

New fears that UK will breach international law with plan to tear up Northern Ireland protocol​

Government legal adviser warns it cannot be argued ‘credibly’ that there is no alternative to unilateral move

https://www.independent.co.uk/independentpremium/uk-news/brexit-boris-johnson-northern-ireland-protocol-b2096843.html

-----------------
Compiled a couple of news ​

 

[RogerRanger]

​

UK poised to introduce Bill dismantling Northern Ireland protocol​

The British government is poised to press ahead with legislation that would override key parts of the Brexit divorce agreement that covers trading rules for Northern Ireland.

The UK’s secretary of state for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, is due to brief business and industry groups in Belfast on Thursday about the proposed legislation, suggesting that London is likely to publish the controversial legislation either on Wednesday or Thursday.

In a move that will further escalate tensions with the European Union, the UK government is preparing legislation that would aim to create “a dual regulatory regime” that the British government says will remove the need for checks and paperwork on goods entering Northern Ireland.
...
The aim of the proposed British legislation is to give UK government ministers powers to allow goods from Britain to circulate freely in Northern Ireland, relying on a system of surveillance on products crossing the Irish Sea into Northern Ireland to prevent the requirement for checks.
...

Asked whether she was willing to risk a potential trade war with the EU over the legislation, British foreign secretary Liz Truss said on Tuesday that the government wanted to create “green lanes” for goods moving into Northern Ireland and a “red lane” for goods bound for the EU.

She said that the move “would protect the EU single market at the same time as enabling goods to flow freely around the UK,” describing it as a “win-win for both the people of Northern Ireland and protecting the EU single market”.

Industry sources in Northern Ireland dismissed the legislation, if passed by the UK parliament, as unworkable, with one saying the dual regulatory regime would be “a disaster”, particularly for the agrifood sector, given the amount of cross-Border dairy and meat processing on the island of Ireland and the UK’s plan to diverge from EU rules and standards over time.
...

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Europe would respond “in a calm a firm way” to whatever decisions were taken by Britain.

He noted that legislation would need to be enacted as well as introduced, and there would be a “journey through the UK parliament”.

Taking a unilateral approach “will not work”, he said at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday. “I think that would be deeply damaging because it would represent the violation of international agreements. And it really is very difficult to comprehend it … in this day and age to be contemplating that.”
...
A few excerpts from: https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/...to-introduce-bill-dismantling-ni-brexit-deal/

------------------------------

NI Protocol: 'Historic low point' if UK unilateral action taken​

By Jayne McCormack

Unilateral action by the UK on the NI Protocol would mark a "historic low point", the Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Michéal Martin has said.
He made the remarks at the European Parliament on Wednesday.
But DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he found Mr Martin's comments "deeply distressing".

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61730258

-----------------------------

New fears that UK will breach international law with plan to tear up Northern Ireland protocol​

Government legal adviser warns it cannot be argued ‘credibly’ that there is no alternative to unilateral move​

​

https://www.independent.co.uk/independentpremium/uk-news/brexit-boris-johnson-northern-ireland-protocol-b2096843.html​

​

-----------------​

Compiled a couple of news ​

Thanks for this. I was worrying about Boris getting removed yesterday.

Also I don't think the Irish PM understands Irish history is he thinks the protocol is a historic low in relations. Everything is leading to war at this stage, nothing anyone could do about it now. Like a thunder storm breaking the dead heat of summer.

From a purely British perspective we look at the Irish making statement and threat, proclamations and think who the hell do they think they are dictating anything to us. As I have said before there needs to be very creative and careful diplomacy between Britain/Ireland and the Loyalists, very careful with no sharp statements from either side. The British government haven't kept to that and neither have the Irish state. The EU has for the most part.

Also Britain in enforcing the protocol is breaking the act of Union, it can't Break its own law to protect international law. Nobody is making this clear on either side.

 

[RogerRanger]

A tweet from Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson. 'Irish Gov say UK Gov lawfully legislating in the UK to protect NI’s place in the UK would be a “historic low point”. Lower than the Irish Gov deploying the threats of IRA bombs in an effort to secure the subjugation of NI?'

 

[Bogeyman]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1536400050502488067

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1536423425677336579