NI Protocol: Threats unhelpful to addressing existing issues

Responding to the government’s decision to table legislation to scrap parts of the Northern Ireland protocol, Hilary Benn MP, co-convenor of the UK Trade and Business Commission said:

“There are problems with the Protocol, but threatening unilateral action isn’t going to help overcome them. And breaking our international agreement with the EU will undermine trust and send a clear message to other trade partners around the world that the UK cannot stick to the deals we sign. It could also, if the EU takes action in response, mean higher costs for British businesses and individuals already strapped for cash.

“It is in all our interests to resolve this problem through good-faith and detailed negotiations on specific checks and products so that government in Northern Ireland can be re-established.  The Good Friday Agreement must be upheld."