Britain has ‘no choice’ but to rip up Northern Ireland protocol, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss insists

13th May 2022

BRITAIN has “no choice” but to rip up the Northern Ireland protocol, the Foreign Secretary says.

Liz Truss hit out yesterday in a “tetchy” phone call with EU vice president Maroš Šefcovic.

Britain has ‘no choice’ but to rip up the Northern Ireland protocol, the Foreign Secretary says

Liz Truss hit out yesterday in a ‘tetchy’ phone call with EU vice president Maroš Šefcovic

She now wants the PM to overwrite the deal — removing any checks on goods between Britain and Northern Ireland.

But Mr Šefcovic warned the EU would not budge.

The Foreign Office said: “The Foreign Secretary said if the EU would not show the requisite flexibility, then we would have no choice but to act.”

Meanwhile, ex-Brexit chief Lord Frost warned US President Joe Biden to “think hard” before getting involved in the row.

Read more on the Northern Ireland protocol

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

PM says peace in Northern Ireland more important than post-Brexit deal

BOARDER HURRY

Truss warns EU ‘urgent progress’ is needed to end Northern Ireland stand-off

She insisted it is Britain’s “responsibility” to protect peace in Northern Ireland.

Ms Truss intends to plough ahead with fresh legislation to torpedo parts of the agreement.

Ms Truss privately thinks discussions are at a total deadlock with little chance of movement.