Brexit: GB-NI grace period extension 'problematic' -
Irish PM
The taoiseach (Irish PM) has ทางเข้าxo said it would be "very problematic" if the UK
government unilaterally extended the grace period for restrictions on chilled meats
moving between GB and NI.
Micheál Martin told Sky News that such a move would strain relations.
It comes after discussions between the UK and EU at the G7 failed to break
the deadlock over the NI Protocol.
EU food safety rules do not allow chilled meat products to enter its market from
non-members, like the UK.
This has led to the prospect of British sausages being banned from Northern Ireland,
which has remained in the EU single market for goods.
Frozen or cooked products would still be permitted.
A six-month grace period - during which the rules do not apply - has been in place
since January.
But under the terms of the protocol, it runs out at the end of this month.
If an agreement cannot be reached, the UK says it is ready to ignore the rules.
However, the EU has warned it will respond with legal action which could lead to
the introduction of tariffs on British goods.
The EU has said the UK's decision to extend the grace period breaks international
law because it wasn't consulted.
Mr Martin acknowledged that "issues have arisen that are causing concern" and
"the necessity to reduce tensions" but stressed the Irish government has
"never seen the protocol as a constitutional issue".作者: cffsome123 時間: 2021-6-15 18:09
