Protocol legislation is reckless and dangerous

Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik TD has condemned the publication by the British government of legislation to unilaterally override the Northern Ireland protocol as reckless and dangerous.

Deputy Bacik said:

“The proposed legislation to override the Northern Ireland protocol published today by the British Government amounts to a breach of international law if implemented, and will further damage the relationship between the UK and the EU.

“This is a reckless and dangerous approach to a sensitive issue. Where we need compromise and trust to find workable solutions, but the UK government is instead ratcheting up tensions, pursuing unilateral actions and effectively is acting like a rogue state and ignoring its international obligations.

“The Johnson government is also deliberately undermining decades of progress that have sought to improve East-West relationships on our islands.

“The path they are pursing will cause further economic uncertainty and damage the potential for growth in Northern Ireland.

“It is not too late for the Johnson government to return to talks with the EU, and I would urge them again to think of how long we all worked to find solutions to the Troubles over many years, how vitally important it is that we do not see any undermining of the peace process; and thus I would urge them not to proceed with this reckless and dangerous legislation.”

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