LONDON (CU)_The leaders of the United Kingdom and the European Union have failed to break the deadlock over matters centred around Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland, despite a lengthy discussion held between the parties on Wednesday (Feb 24).
Arlene Foster, First Minister of Northern Ireland, accused Brussels of being “stubborn and inflexible”, adding that the Commission had disregarded “the serious crisis” within the country’s supply chain. Nevertheless, the two sides say they intend to reach a “pragmatic solution” and to develop new plans to respond to the problems involving the controversial Brexit arrangements.
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, European commission vice-president Maroš Šefčovič, and UK Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove reiterated their commitment to the Northern Ireland protocol and pledged “further joint engagement with business groups and other stakeholders” in Northern Ireland.
On the other hand, the United Kingdom agreed to invest in digital solutions for traders and to develop a new plan to tackle the issue of supermarket supplies.
Meanwhile, London has requested for a two-year extension to all grace periods for checks taking place between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, particularly those on food, medicines, plants and parcels. However, Brussels has rejected the request, with Foster, who attended the meeting, saying that the EU was “tone deaf” to concerns of unionists regarding shortages in supermarkets, as well as a ban on plants and trees transported from Britain to the region, on account of the checks being carried out at the border.
Nevertheless, Ireland’s deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill, who also attended the meeting, was of the view that the talks were “constructive and pragmatic”, as both parties agreed to continue to work on a solution.
