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10/11/2021
Article 16 Threat A 'Sword Of Damocles' Over UK-EU Negotiations - Alliance
Brexit Minister Lord Frost's threat to trigger Article 16 has been described as a "Sword of Damocles" hanging over UK-EU negotiations, Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MP has said.
Dr Farry said the use of Article 16 would do nothing to address any issues around the Northern Ireland Protocol.
He said: "The threat to trigger Article 16 dangles as a Swords of Damocles over the current UK-EU negotiations.
"Yet its use will do nothing to address the issues around the Protocol, and will only bring greater instability and uncertainty for Northern Ireland, while sparking wider confrontation with the EU that would only damage the overall UK economy.
"I would strongly refute Lord Frost’s argument he is acting in the best interests of Northern Ireland. The majority of people do not support the triggering of Article 16 and instead support pragmatic solutions to the problems posed to Northern Ireland by Brexit. The business community want stability and certainty, not something that would question Northern Ireland’s place in the Single Market for goods.
"The proposals from the EU last month offer the basis for agreement. They are not the finished article but represent a workable basis for negotiation. Instead, the UK, under Lord Frost, seem more interested in distraction, confrontation, and hard ideology, all best represented by the new red-line of the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, which was barely raised by an issue by local stakeholders."
Dr Farry said the use of Article 16 would do nothing to address any issues around the Northern Ireland Protocol.
He said: "The threat to trigger Article 16 dangles as a Swords of Damocles over the current UK-EU negotiations.
"Yet its use will do nothing to address the issues around the Protocol, and will only bring greater instability and uncertainty for Northern Ireland, while sparking wider confrontation with the EU that would only damage the overall UK economy.
"I would strongly refute Lord Frost’s argument he is acting in the best interests of Northern Ireland. The majority of people do not support the triggering of Article 16 and instead support pragmatic solutions to the problems posed to Northern Ireland by Brexit. The business community want stability and certainty, not something that would question Northern Ireland’s place in the Single Market for goods.
"The proposals from the EU last month offer the basis for agreement. They are not the finished article but represent a workable basis for negotiation. Instead, the UK, under Lord Frost, seem more interested in distraction, confrontation, and hard ideology, all best represented by the new red-line of the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, which was barely raised by an issue by local stakeholders."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
