British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for a solution to the post-Brexit problems affecting Northern Ireland, but said that violating certain parts of his agreement with the EU was “absolutely legitimate”.
Johnson insisted that “it is still possible” to resolve the problems with Brussels, but said the UK could activate Section 16 of the Northern Ireland Code of Conduct “fair and just.”
The vice president of the European Commission, Maros Sefkovic, said yesterday that if the British government suspended the protocol, it would have “serious consequences”.
Speaking to business leaders and diplomats at Lord Mayers’ banquet in London, Johnson said: “Considering all the speculation, I say that we will find a negotiated solution to the problems created by the Northern Ireland protocol.”
“But if we implement Section 16, which is a completely legal part of that protocol, we will do it fairly and correctly, because we believe that this is the only way to protect and fulfill the territorial integrity of our country. Our obligations to the people of Northern Ireland under the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.
Earlier, No. 10 stated that “significant gaps” still existed between the two parties and that the conditions for the implementation of Rule 16 to suspend elements of the provisions restricting strict border control in Ireland had been met.
An official spokesman for the prime minister did not say how long the talks would last, but said:
He added: “I don’t want to put a deadline on it.
Speaking to politicians here, Shefkovic said he would not speculate on whether Britain would unleash the 16th Amendment.
“However, if they do, it is clear that the EU must consider all the tools at our disposal,” he added.
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“This will have serious repercussions for Northern Ireland and our relationship with England.”
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