The United Kingdom (UK) has been in a state of flux ever since the Brexit vote in 2016. The country`s exit from the European Union (EU) has been the topic of numerous debates and negotiations. However, it now seems that the UK is breaking the Brexit agreement it had reached with the EU.
The main bone of contention is the Northern Ireland Protocol, which was agreed upon by both parties in December 2020. The protocol was designed to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which is an EU member state. It aims to protect the Good Friday Agreement, which brought an end to decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.
Under the protocol, Northern Ireland remains in the EU single market for goods, which means that it follows some EU rules and regulations. This was done to ensure that goods can flow freely between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. However, the UK government has unilaterally decided to delay the implementation of some of these rules and regulations until 2023. This move has angered the EU, which has accused the UK of breaking the agreement.
The EU has warned that it may take legal action against the UK if it continues to flout the protocol. This could result in tariffs being imposed on UK goods, which would be disastrous for the British economy. It could also lead to a breakdown of trust between the UK and the EU, which could have wider implications for any future trade agreements.
The UK government has argued that the delay is necessary because of the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It says that businesses need more time to adjust to the new rules and regulations. However, the EU has rejected this argument and has accused the UK of using the pandemic as an excuse to renege on the agreement.
In conclusion, the UK`s decision to delay the implementation of some of the rules and regulations of the Northern Ireland Protocol has put its relationship with the EU at risk. It remains to be seen whether the UK will backtrack on its decision or whether the EU will take legal action against it. One thing is clear, though – the Brexit saga is far from over, and it will continue to dominate the headlines for some time to come.