closer to Article 16 of the Protocol, with the aim of suspending EU customs checks that are claimed to be disrupting trade, to which Brussels has responded with a warning that it could retaliate with a trade war.
While speculation has been mounting that the deal on Northern Ireland may be suspended this month, Lord Frost yesterday (18 Nov) displayed a change in tone, as he noted that it would be ‘better’ to reach an agreement with Brussels instead of taking unilateral action, kindling hopes that a compromise may be struck. While there has been progress in reduced customs checks on goods arriving from Britain to Northern Ireland, officials are said to be close to reaching an agreement that would guarantee a free flow of medical supplies to the province.
Nevertheless, sources have revealed that the option of triggering Article 16 remains ‘on the table’, as Brussels’ insistence that the power to settle disputes on the Northern Ireland Protocol should be granted to European Court of Justice persists as a subject of contention between the parties.
Accordingly, Lord Frost warned the 27-nation bloc to not misinterpret his ‘reasonable tone’ in recent talks. When inquired if he is softening his stance on negotiations with the EU, the Brexit minister said: “No. We are trying to reach agreement. That has always been our position.” “I would suggest our friends in the EU don’t interpret the reasonable tone that I usually use in my discussions with them as implying any softening in the substantive position,” he added.
