News

Brexit: The Protocol on Ireland/ Northern Ireland: What it says is not what it does

Professor Steve Peers sets out what the Northern Ireland Protocol will actually mean regarding checks at the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland.
Professor Steve Peers sets out what the Northern Ireland Protocol will actually mean regarding checks at the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland.

“On Wednesday 11 March 2020, at a meeting of the Future Relationship with the European Union Committee of the House of Commons, the following exchange took place:

Hilary Benn: “On goods moving from GB to Northern Ireland under the Northern Irish Protocol, we know there are some regulatory checks at the moment … there will be additional checks once the Northern Ireland Protocol is implemented won’t there?”.

Michael Gove: “That’ll be a matter for the Joint Committee”.

No it won’t. No it isn’t. There will be additional checks. Mr Gove is wrong.”

The Protocol on Ireland/ Northern Ireland: What it says is not what it does (EU Law Analysis, link)