Europe UK (Commonwealth Union) – The issue of the border between Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, that is part of the (European Union) EU has been a lingering issue for long period. Tense relations between the 2 territories existed prior to Brexit when both territories were part of the EU.
The deal has been generally viewed with optimism both within the UK and the EU, however with skepticism by former Prime Minister Borris Johnson.
The former PM who is the member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip in Greater London stated that he is going to find it hard to vote for something like this as he believes that they should have carried out something different.
“We must be clear about what is really going on here. This is not about the UK taking back control,” he added of the PMs plan. “This is the EU graciously unbending to allow us to do what we want in our own country, not by our laws, but by theirs.”
The new deal is intended to replace the Northern Ireland protocol which makes Northern Ireland remain part of the UK’s customs territory but also effectively remains within the EU’s single market for goods. This means that there are customs and regulatory checks on goods moving between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, which has caused tension and controversy.
Some unionists in Northern Ireland are opposed to the Protocol, arguing that it undermines the constitutional status of Northern Ireland as part of the UK. There have also been concerns about the economic impact of the Protocol, particularly on businesses that trade with Great Britain.
In spite the skepticism of the new deal many who remain skeptic have given indications that many aspects of the deal are better than previous agreements. The next challenge for the PM will be to win approval in parliament.
