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Border Communities Against Brexit (BCAB) has announced a series of demonstrations along the border this weekend to oppose a threat by the British Government to trigger Article 16.
This Saturday afternoon, 20 November will see a local demonstration at Flurry Bridge, Carrickcarnon at 3pm.
Speaking on the threat Declan Fearon Chair of BCAB said “Boris Johnson’s Government has been pursuing a reckless course in negotiations with the EU around the Protocol, including threats to trigger Article 16.
“Recent British Government statements and actions are posing a very direct threat to the Peace Process, the all-island economy and raising once again the horrific prospect of a return to a Hard Border in Ireland.
We are calling on Boris Johnson to Back off, and to Protect and implement the Protocol.
Fearon believes that people along the border want the Protocol to be implemented in order to protect jobs, livelihoods and community life on this island.
He continued “Businesses, manufacturers and farmers are benefitting from the Protocol and thousands of jobs are being created and secured as a direct result of it. The protocol has mitigated the worst effects of Brexit for communities such as ours.
“The majority of people and political parties in the North opposed Brexit and support the Protocol as the key mechanism to prevent a Hard Border and protect the all-island economy and Good Friday Agreement. The dangerous and inflammatory rhetoric emanating from Boris Johnson’s Government is now undermining all of the progress we have made in recent years."
Fearon believes the concerns of border communities from businesses to farmers need to be listened to as they would be devastated by any triggering of Article 16.
“Communities along the border are determined not to be dragged back to the past, it is shocking after years of Brexit uncertainty for Border Communities, that a deal which was signed only a very short time ago is being torn apart."
Organisers say they will not allow any re-imposition of a Hard Border and the untold social and economic damage this would cause and they will not allow the Peace Process to be undermined.
Back off and protect protocol
MLA Liz Kimmins has urged people to support next Saturday's demonstration and has said that threats by the British government to trigger Article 16 are reckless and will damage our economy and that they should be withdrawn immediately!
“The Protocol is in place to prevent a hard border in Ireland, protect the all-island economy and Good Friday Agreement and to safeguard jobs. Businesses and the local economy are using the opportunities afforded by the Protocol to create jobs and attract investment." said Kimmins
The MLA concluded “The DUP and Boris Johnson’s Tories must not be allowed to undermine this work - they should back off and protect the Protocol."
Five demonstrations are being organised at various points along the border on Saturday, 20th November at 3pm.
- Flurry Bridge, Carrickcarnon
- Belcoo-Blacklion
- Moybridge, Aughnacloy
- Lifford Bridge
- Bridgend, Derry
The organisers are asking everyone living along the border, on either side to make an effort to attend their nearest demonstration.
"We are calling on all trade unions, representative groups, civic leaders, sporting organisations and citizens to join with us on Saturday 20th November at 3:00pm to say loudly to Boris Johnson to Back Off; and Protect the Protocol." concluded Fearon.
