Write a comment
Border Communities Against Brexit have reacted to suggestions that the British Government is close to invoking Article 16 Protocol clause. The group have asked for the EU and USA to take a firm stance on the matter. Others to speak out include South Down MP Chris Hazzard who says the British Governments approach to Brexit is hurting local businesses.
A BCAB Spokesperson in a statement said "In the coming week we expect that the British Government will invoke Article 16 as their top unelected bureaucrat Lord Frost is determined to create a huge confrontation with the EU to satisfy Hard Line Tory MP’s.
"The Protocol is supported by a majority of the people in the North, by a majority of the members of the Assembly, but this matters not one bit to those Tory Toffs who will tear up an International Treaty without a second thought.
"Recent economic data has also shown how positively the Protocol is in protecting business on the Island of Ireland, with an increase of 61%, (by €947 million to €2.5 Billion) in trade from North to South. It is this positivity and success of the Protocol that the Brexiteers hate, and highlights the absurdity of Brexit to the UK Government in the first place."
The Spokesperson continues "Indeed, business in the Border region of Ireland are thriving currently, with business moving from South to North to avail of the market access under the Protocol, whilst many, many businesses are expanding and cannot recruit enough staff.
"However, let's remind ourselves of one of the vital reasons for the Protocol in the first place. There are 3.9 million vehicle crossings across our invisible border each month, approximately 47 million vehicles per year; it’s for this reason and many others that a Border in the Irish Sea meant everyone on this Island could go about their daily life utterly unhindered, just as we did before Brexit.
"This utterly reckless attack upon the Protocol is an attack on every person living on the Island of Ireland, and an attack on the Good Friday Agreement."
BCAB believe that a compromise was made to agree the Protocol "Just like the Good Friday Agreement the Protocol is a compromise. This compromise removes rights from Irish Citizens who are EU Citizens living in the North, for example taking away our right to representation in the European Parliament, it removes us from the full complement of EU Structural Funds, removes us from the Common Agricultural Policy, removes us from Common Fisheries, and denies us access to the Single Market for Services amongst other things.
"We fully support the Protocol, as we recognise the need for compromise in a community that still requires mutual understanding and Peace building.
"But compromise and living up to agreements and International Treaties is something totally alien to this rogue Tory Government.
"They have cosied up to and taken millions from mega wealthy Russians; Tory sleaze is back in the headlines again, so breaking International law and lying at every turn comes as second nature to them."
Border Communities Against Brexit are asking that the EU and the United States take a very firm and solid stance against "this Rogue British Government."
The Spokesperson concludes "We are asking that strong, robust and effective trade measures be put in place to make this British Government understand that breaking the Irish Protocol will have long and far-reaching consequences.
For example, a tariff on all UK made cars and trucks of 30 – 40%, and restrictions on the Financial Services industry selling into the EU be very seriously considered as an early first measure. This type of action is very unfortunate, however, the EU and the United States must stand firmly with the people of Ireland and especially with those of us living in the Border Communities."
Reckless
South Down MP Chris Hazzard has said that the reckless and cavalier attitude of Prime Minister Boris Johnson towards Brexit is “hurting local businesses in South Down” and has called on the British government to work with the EU to find solutions which enable local businesses to continue benefiting from the Protocol.
Speaking from London Mr Hazzard said “It is very disappointing for our local businesses to learn from EU negotiator Maros Sefcovic that he has seen no move from the British government towards finding solutions on the smooth implementation of the Protocol. There is absolutely no alternative to the Protocol and the British government knows that to be true.
“The threats and rhetoric from the British Brexit Minister is reckless and at odds with where widespread public and political opinion is on the Protocol in the North, and across the island.
“Local businesses across South Down are crying out for stability and certainty, and they need solutions.
“The Protocol recognises the special status of this island. It prevents a hard border, safeguards jobs and the all-Ireland economy, and protects the Good Friday Agreement. Significantly it also provides unique dual market access for local businesses, manufacturers & agri-food sector. "
Hazzard concludes “The Tories and the DUP must not be allowed to undermine the opportunities available to our businesses, manufacturers and farmers to create jobs and attract investment.
“An urgent meeting of the Joint Committee which was set up to manage the implementation of the Protocol should now be convened.
“It is essential that this British government sets aside its destructive ideological agenda and starts demonstrating a serious commitment to find workable solutions which further reduce the potential for trade friction, and give the certainty to businesses, their workers and families which they deserve."
