[London, Reuters]-British Prime Minister Johnson announced a final proposal to leave the European Union and warned that if it was not accepted, the UK would leave without agreement on 31 October.
The points of this proposal are as follows.
◎ “Safety measures” in the Irish border issue have been deleted
Johnson said, “The compromise we put forward has removed the so-called“ safety ”(to avoid strict border control with Ireland) that was in the previous exit agreement.”
According to him, the UK wants to be able to decide on its own future relationship with the EU based on free trade agreements, namely regulatory measures and trade issues, and will work closely with the EU and the Customs Union. They do not want to be bound by EU legislation in many areas.
“With the 'safety measures' proposed in such an environment, we have to find a new path without being able to reach anywhere.”
◎ Comments on the 1998 Belfast Agreement
The border management issue between Ireland and the British Territory of Northern Ireland is a cause of stagnation as Britain and the EU conclude an agreement to order an orderly Brexit.
Ireland believes that if there is any checkpoint or administrative facility on the border with Northern Ireland, the spirit of the Belfast peace agreement with the United Kingdom in 1998 could be impaired, and it would be in the national interest to continue to do strict management in the future. Insist.
Meanwhile, the British government explained that the new proposal is consistent with the peace agreement. “Our proposal is based on the policy of finding a solution in line with the Belfast Agreement. This framework is the foundation for the rule of Northern Ireland, and the protection of Northern Ireland is given priority over anything.” .
◎ Establishing the same regulatory zone on the whole island
According to the UK government, this proposal will make the whole island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland, one regulatory zone, covering all industrial and agricultural products.
“This ensures that Northern Ireland's regulatory system is identical to the EU and eliminates all inspections of trade between Northern Ireland and Ireland.”
◎ Agree
The realization of this regulatory zone requires the consent of the parties concerned. Northern Ireland's autonomous government and parliament are given the opportunity to approve such a framework during the transition period and every four years thereafter.
◎ Leaving UK Customs Union
With the end of the transition period at the end of 2020, Northern Ireland will leave the EU customs union and enter the UK customs territory.
The UK will withdraw from the EU customs union at the end of the transition period.
Johnson said, “We must leave the customs union entirely. Control of trade policy is a fundamental element of our future picture.”
◎ Product standards
After the transition period, Northern Ireland will comply with EU standards for agricultural and industrial products. Agricultural products coming from the UK to Northern Ireland are inspected and documented by the British authorities at the inspection site (on the mainland side) according to EU rules.
As a result, products entering Northern Ireland from Ireland need not be inspected.
For goods entering Ireland from Northern Ireland, the UK does not perform an equivalent inspection.
◎ Customs clearance
After the transition period, the UK and EU will be in different customs territories, so the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland will become a customs border.
But the UK declares that there is no need for customs inspection and control at this border.
The movement of all goods in Northern Ireland and Ireland shall be declared.
A small portion of goods movements may be inspected in the vicinity of traders or at designated locations in Ireland or Northern Ireland.
These efforts are supported by measures such as trusted trader schemes, simplified customs procedures, and temporary permits.
