FollowThe resignation of Boris Johnson as British Prime Minister should mark the start of a new, more positive relationship between the EU and the UK according to Fine Gael’s Colm Markey.
The Midlands-North-West MEP, who sits on the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, said the EU is ready to re-start negotiations on resolving issues around the Northern Ireland Protocol with the next PM.
“Technically we are not that far apart but politically there’s still a lot of work to do. Today’s announcement by Boris Johnson provides an opportunity for a reset in relations”, he commented.
“Hopefully we can have a fresh start but that requires political consensus. There is still time to get back around the talks table and find a solution that respects international law and protects the Good Friday Agreement.
“The EU has always said it’s willing to listen and I would urge the incoming Prime Minister, whoever it may be, to pull back from its unilateral action. A change of course that provides stability and restores the UK’s international reputation is possible.
“The European Commission has already put forward a comprehensive plan that would see the number of checks on goods arriving into Northern Ireland from Great Britain reduced by 80 per cent.
I echo comments by Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic that this ‘oven ready deal’ being put forward by the EU will finally ‘get Brexit done’ – something I’m sure the next Prime Minister will want to achieve”, he concluded.
