This morning RTE’s Tony Connelly has reported that the EU is growing pessimistic about the prospects of a breakthrough on how the NI Protocol will be implemented. Figures have told him that the meeting of the EU-UK Joint Committee will be a showdown over the UK’s continued sniping against the Protocol. Full article: HERE
Senior British government sources have told RTE that technical discussions around the Protocol have resulted in definite progress on just two of the 30 areas of disagreement. Full story: HERE
EU Commission Vice President Maros Defcovic rejected an accusation that the EU is using NI to punish the UK over Brexit. This comment came after DUP leader Edwin Poots said that NI was being used as a “plaything” on Andrew Marr on Sunday.
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots announced his decided to stop travel checks on pets required by NI Protocol. Full statement: HERE
Department for the Economy is carrying out work on the “potential attractiveness” of the NI Protocol to inward investors. The details are contained in an outline trade and investment strategy produced by the department.
Lord Frost met several business and community representatives throughout the week in Northern Ireland. After these meetings he called on the EU to show common sense.
SDLP delegation led by Colum Eastwood MP met with Lord Forst. Speaking after the meeting Claire Hanna MP called for Lord Frost to look to the opportunities of dual market access.
Brandon Lewis MP and Lord Frost wrote an Editorial piece in the Belfast Telegraph on the Protocol on Thursday. In the article there was a slight softening as both admitted they have seen the “possibilities and problems in recent weeks”. Full article: HERE
The DUP did not nominate a minister to attend a NSMC Language meeting on Wednesday. Minister Hargey announced on Wednesday night that she will be seeking legal advice on the matter.
DUP leader Edwin Poots alongside Paul Givan MLA met the Taoiseach on Thursday. The protocol and a possible veterinary agreement between the UK and EU were discussed.
Campaign to fund NI Protocol Judicial Review has raised just over a third of its £150,000 target. The fundraiser was launched at the end of last month with the aim of £150,00 in 30 days. That deadline was extended by another 30 days on Friday after donations reached £61,325.
Former US Ambassador to the EU Anthony Gardner said that President Biden must clarify to the UK the importance the US places on the Good Friday Agreement and the Protocol before the G7 Summit.