Britain demanded on Wednesday a new deal to oversee problematic post-Brexit trade involving Northern Ireland, warning it already had the right to unilaterally ignore parts of an agreement struck with the bloc just last year. The Northern Ireland protocol was part of the settlement, backed by Johnson, that finally sealed Britain's bitter divorce from the bloc, four years after British voters backed leaving in a referendum. "We are ready to continue to seek creative solutions, within the framework of the protocol, in the interest of all communities in Northern Ireland." The Northern Ireland Retail Consortium said a total breakdown in the protocol could result in tariffs. Pro-British paramilitary groups also told Johnson in March that they were suspending support for the peace agreement due to concerns over the Brexit deal.

Source: The Star July 21, 2021 15:00 UTC