| answer text |
<p>The Northern Ireland Protocol was designed to protect the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement
in all its dimensions and the gains of the peace process; prevent a hard border on
the island of Ireland; and safeguard Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom.
For the Protocol to succeed, it must command the enduring support of all communities.</p><p>
</p><p>The Government has provided a proposed work programme to the EU as the first
step in working jointly to make progress across the full range of issues identified.
Our priority is now to move those discussions forward, address concerns, and ensure
the Protocol is given effect in the pragmatic and proportionate way intended.</p><p>
</p><p>The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I continue to meet with community
leaders to ensure that the views of people in Northern Ireland are heard throughout
this process. Following an informal meeting between Maroš Šefčovič and Lord Frost
on 15 April, the priority to engage jointly with the UK, with businesses and other
stakeholders in Northern Ireland was reiterated, with meetings to be organised within
the next fortnight.</p><p> </p>
|
|
