Why the DUP is blocking Northern Ireland’s assembly
Spectator (UK)Dec 27, 2021
UK Foreign Minister Set to Scrap Parts of Northern Ireland Protocol
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The Facts
British Foreign Sec. Liz Truss has reportedly given up on negotiations with the EU, and plans to scrap large parts of the Northern Ireland (NI) protocol, as its terms risk eroding the Good Friday Agreement, a political settlement that facilitates peace and stability in the nation.
Although she said she'd sought a "negotiated solution," the results of last Thursday's NI Stormont elections has put further pressure on the diplomatic and trade situation between the island of Ireland and the EU.
The Spin
Left narrative
Truss' moves are leadership feather-fluttering. Her risky plans have rightly prompted prominent frontbenchers like Sunak and Gove to object; her irresponsible and high stakes strategy evokes the prospect of a trade war while the UK economy stands on the brink of recession.
Right narrative
Reports of schisms within the Conservative Party are exaggerated. Although Gove and Sunak favor negotiation over unilateral action on the NI protocol, they've also sought to involve themselves in the process rather than necessarily understand it. The elections have increased the urgency for resolution - ensuring stability through the establishment of an accountable executive in NI must be the priority.
