THE UK has refused refuse to implement the Northern Ireland Protocol in full despite a legal deadline expiring today, heightening the prospect of a trade war with BrusselsInstead, the UK will unilaterally continue with ‘grace periods’ on checks on goods covered by the post-Brexit trading arrangement. It means the European Commission could now take the dispute to the European Court of Justice, which could fine the UK. The EU launched three infringement proceedings in June and a further four in July, claiming the UK was in “non-compliance” with “significant parts of the Protocol”. London was given until the end of today to ensure compliance with anti-smuggling checks, excise duties, VAT with e-commerce and other measures deemed “essential” to Northern Ireland keeping its “privileged access to the EU single market”. The European Commission declined to discuss the contents of the UK letter, as did the UK Government during the mourning period.

Source: The Herald September 15, 2022 22:22 UTC