All news

UK-EU deal delivers smooth trade for Northern Ireland — Sunak

The Windsor Framework agreement, the prime minister said, stipulates that the parliament of Northern Ireland will have the right to express disagreement with changes to some EU goods rules

LONDON, February 27. /TASS/. The UK and EU have reached a deal that amends the Brexit protocol, where it concerns Northern Ireland, to remove trade barriers inside the kingdom, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said at a news conference on Monday.

"Today’s agreement delivers the smooth flow of trade within the United Kingdom," he said. "Goods destined for Northern Ireland will travel through a new Green Lane, with a separate Red Lane for goods at risk of moving onto the EU."

"This means that if food is available on the supermarket shelves in Great Britain, then it will be available on supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland," Sunak went on to say.

The Windsor Framework agreement, the prime minister said, stipulates that the parliament of Northern Ireland will have the right to express disagreement with changes to some EU goods rules. The UK government in that case could veto these changes.

"The Windsor Framework marks a turning point for the people of Northern Ireland," Sunak said. "It preserves the balance of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement."

He added that the agreement is meant to ensure stability in Northern Ireland, protect people and businesses and break down the "barriers between us."