London, 11 Jan. UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will meet Northern Ireland leaders in Belfast on Wednesday to discuss issues arising from the Northern Ireland protocol, the Foreign Office confirmed.

In a statement released by the portfolio, the Government of London indicated that Cleverly and the British Minister for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, would meet with party leaders in Belfast to “share the impact of the Northern Ireland protocol on the ground, as well as the Government’s desire to end the blockade in Stormont”.

Politicians will also meet with business groups in the region to understand the “real world” impact this mechanism – part of the Brexit agreement – will have on businesses and citizens in light of the disruption it creates in trade. .

The note states that this conversation will help inform negotiations between the Government of London and the European Union (EU).

Politicians will ask during visits about special difficulties caused by the protocol, such as restrictions on the movement of plants and seeds.

“My preference is to reach a negotiated solution, but the UK’s priority is protecting the Belfast Agreement (peace) and maintaining political stability in Northern Ireland,” Cleverly said in a statement advancing the statement.

The British minister also indicated that he was “listening to the concerns of people and businesses in Northern Ireland” and indicated that he was “very aware that the current situation is not going well.”

“We need to address those issues with the Protocol which harms and undermines Northern Ireland’s position in the UK,” he said.

Meanwhile, the UK Minister for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, pointed out that “it is clear that it is all business and government sectors that want a solution to the problems created by the Protocol for Northern Ireland” and added that “The Government is committed to solving these problems as quickly as possible.”

“I strongly believe that the people of Northern Ireland especially want to see their politicians re-elected” and this is “critical to ensuring a sustainable future for all of Northern Ireland.” EFE

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