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<p>The Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol (‘the Protocol’) is a unique solution to
complex challenges. To work, it must be given effect in a pragmatic, practical and
proportionate way. That is how we ensure it can meet its core purposes: to uphold
the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions, safeguard Northern Ireland’s
integral place in the United Kingdom, and prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland.</p><p>
</p><p>This has been the basis on which the UK Government has continued to give effect
to its obligations under the Protocol, conscious of the need to minimise its impact
on everyday lives in Northern Ireland - as the Protocol itself sets out.</p><p> </p><p>There
have been difficulties in the operation of the Protocol, and we are working through
the structures of the Withdrawal Agreement to seek to resolve these. <ins class="ministerial">The
UK and EU were able to use the Ireland/Northern Ireland Specialised Committee on 26
March to take stock of outstanding issues. Lord Frost and Vice President Šefčovič,
and their respective teams, remain in close contact as we move forward.</ins> Issues
remain, but our aim is to find common sense, risk-based approaches that enable us
to agree a pragmatic way forward that substantially eases the burdens on Northern
Ireland.</p>
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