EU-UK talks fail to resolve differences over Northern Ireland

Brussels warned that EU-UK relations were “at a crossroads” following talks in London that failed to overcome entrenched differences over Northern Ireland, as the bloc threatened Britain with trade sanctions if it failed to honour its legal obligations.

Both sides agreed to keep talking following the London meetings on Wednesday between UK Brexit minister David Frost and EU commissioner Maros Sefcovic. They confirmed, however, that splits persist over how to address numerous irritants with trading arrangements for Northern Ireland, ranging from veterinary checks to pet travel.

Speaking to reporters after the talks, Sefcovic said that EU patience was “wearing very, very thin” with the UK over its perceived failure to implement basic parts of the Northern Ireland protocol, which places a regulatory and customs border between the region and Great Britain.

Brussels already has legal proceedings open against Britain for unilaterally extending some grace periods under the protocol. Sefcovic mooted the possibility that the EU could take “cross-retaliatory measures” against Britain, such as introducing tariffs on some goods, or suspending co-operation in certain sectors, if the UK did not live up to its obligations.

“If the UK were to take further unilateral action over the coming weeks, the EU will not be shy in reacting swiftly, firmly and resolutely to ensure that the UK abides by the international law obligations,” Sefcovic said, while emphasising that the EU wanted to find solutions with the UK. “Trust needs to be restored,” he added.

Frost told broadcasters after the meeting: “There weren’t any breakthroughs, there weren’t any breakdowns either”, adding that the sides would “carry on talking”.

Boris Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen are set to hold further talks in the margins of this week’s G7 summit.

US president Joe Biden is also set to raise the issue during his trip to Europe, which will include talks with Johnson ahead of the summit. Sefcovic added that he had been approached for updates by “several” US congressional representatives.

Following the meeting, Frost reiterated UK complaints that “the EU is insisting we operate the protocol in an extremely purist way”.

“The reality is that it’s a very balanced document designed . . . to deal with very sensitive politics in Northern Ireland.”

The lack of breakthroughs means pressure is set to mount on both sides ahead of the imminent expiry, at the end of this month, of temporary exemptions that have allowed British sausages and other chilled meats into Northern Ireland.

Sefcovic said it was difficult for the EU to commit at this stage to a further extension on chilled meats given that, for Brussels, Britain has failed to honour conditions attached to previous grace periods, such as clear labelling of products.

Brussels insists that it is working hard to identify creative solutions that the sides can agree on to resolve snags with the post-Brexit trading arrangements.

Sefcovic stressed the EU’s efforts to find solutions, including on removing administrative barriers to selling British-made medicines in Northern Ireland, and easing travel with guide dogs. “But we cannot undo the core of the protocol,” he said, noting that the EU needed to ensure that goods entering its market met the bloc’s standards.

Johnson on Wednesday defended the British approach to the NI protocol. “We are prioritising the right of people in Northern Ireland to have free and uninterrupted access to goods and services from the whole of the UK,” he said at prime minister’s questions.

“We are working to ensure we protect the territorial and economic integrity of our country.”

Johnson threw his weight behind Frost in the House of Commons, reflecting a determination in Downing Street to show the PM stands squarely in support of his abrasive Brexit minister.

“I think David Frost is doing an outstanding job,” he said. “He’s the greatest Frost since the Great Frost of 1709.” One British official said EU diplomats were making a mistake in briefing against the minister.

Following the meetings, which also covered other bilateral issues such as fishing and citizens’ rights, the UK published its own breakdown of the state of discussions, saying that there had been “some progress towards solutions” in certain “limited areas”, including free movement of guide dogs and VAT arrangements for second-hand cars.