UK's Cleverly: Work is moving fast on Northern Ireland protocol

After meeting with his German counterpart, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly (pictured) said that work is progressing "pretty quickly" to resolve any outstanding EU issues regarding the agreement that governs post-Brexit trade relations with Northern Ireland.

This sentiment was echoed by Prime Minister Rishi Sonak, who assumed office in October. He said in December that he was optimistic of reaching a solution to the long-running dispute.

In October, technical talks on the Northern Ireland Protocol were resumed for the first time since september. This Protocol is a part of the Brexit deal which mandates checks on certain goods that are moving to Northern Ireland from the rest.

Cleverly stated that "We are moving fairly fast and doing a lot of good work," at a news conference. "We are very grateful for the... more constructive tone in our conversations between the UK (European Commission) and the UK."

Germany's Annalena Bock stated that the European Union is open to flexibility on this issue.

She said that the latest talks between the EU & the United Kingdom were positive. "It's crucial that this confidence leads directly to substantive progress, so that there is finally a solution that supports peace for the people of those countries."

When Cleverly was asked if he believed a deal could be reached before the 25th anniversary Northern Ireland's 1998 peace agreement, Cleverly replied that they were moving fast and "not going to wait until an anniversary".

He stated that there was a "definitely, definitely desire" in the UK and throughout the EU for a solution.

Britain, as part of its exit from the EU, agreed to leave Northern Ireland in the bloc's single marketplace for goods. This was to maintain the peace agreement and avoid a hard border between Ireland & Northern Ireland.

This has led to checks starting in January 2021 for goods from the rest of Britain.

The British government tried to reduce many trade barriers since the protocol was in effect. This led to accusations by the EU that it was trying to reverse the protocol.

Baerbock, who speaks nostalgically about her time in London as a student, said that Brexit was like losing a family member. However, she felt it was time for her to move on.

She said, "We must forget the pain of the past and create a better future for all." She cited Oasis's song Don't Look Back in Anger as an example.

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