The Northern Ireland Protocol has been a hot topic since it was introduced as part of the Withdrawal Agreement in 2019. Many people are still confused about what it is, what it means, and most importantly, whether it is actually part of the Withdrawal Agreement.
To put it simply, yes, the Northern Ireland Protocol is part of the Withdrawal Agreement. The Protocol was included in the Agreement as a way to address the unique situation in Northern Ireland and to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Under the Protocol, Northern Ireland remains part of the UK customs territory but is also subject to certain EU rules and regulations, particularly when it comes to trade. This means that goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain must comply with EU regulations, and there are checks and controls on goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain to ensure compliance.
The Protocol has been a contentious issue since its inception, with some people in Northern Ireland feeling that it undermines the country`s place in the UK and others arguing that it is necessary to protect the Good Friday Agreement and avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.
Despite these debates, the fact remains that the Northern Ireland Protocol is an integral part of the Withdrawal Agreement. It cannot be removed without the agreement of both the UK and the EU, and any changes to the Protocol would require renegotiation of the Withdrawal Agreement itself.
So, whether you support or oppose the Northern Ireland Protocol, it is important to understand that it is part of the Withdrawal Agreement and that any discussions around its future must be approached within that context.
