Why solving the NI Protocol matters

Peace in Northern Ireland matters for the whole UK. A return to turmoil is in no-one's interest and the lack of political will to engage properly creates uncertainty, of which there is more than enough in the world already. The Conservative Party is riven with ignorance and worse indifference of the affairs of NI and Ireland. The ERG and other anti-european brexiteers unfortunately still hold a disproportionate sway within the ranks of the party. Notions of deferred sovereignty that have fixated this powerful minority of politicians are being played out, dangerously, in their opposition to any rapprochement between the UK, Ireland and Europe over trade. They cannot envisage a unique arrangement, especially not a Red/Green customs system, even though it would facilitate good relations, trouble free trade and probable increased prosperity. They are wedded to a jingoistic viewpoint. Similarly the Democratic Unionist Party belies it's name by refusing to take part in forming a functioning assembly. They have the same narrow-minded view that allowing NI to be a 'special' case within the UK, will somehow undermine the sovereignty of the country. Their stranglehold, like that of the brexiteers has led to an inertia of policy making for both NI and the UK as a whole.

Boris Johnson showed a shocking disregard for political mandates, threatening to tear up the Protocol he had signed and defy international law. Only his removal from power brought a moment of sanity to debate. Sunak's government has at least shown some willingness to engage. We may be on the cusp of a sensible agreement, but we cannot assume that rationality has returned to Westminster. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating - the ERG are a malign influence that seems determined to try and scupper any hope of agreement, all in the pursuit of jingoistic goals.
Decisions on the NI protocol matters not least because it will be the proof of whether the ERG is still significant enough to influence wider policy.

Northern Ireland Protocol: Lord Mandelson criticises lack of talks - www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-63327593

www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/feb/16/sunak-von-der-leyen-northern-ireland-protocol-deal