A representative from the Northern Ireland Executive
also attended as part of the UK delegation in line
with the commitment made in the New Decade, New
Approach deal.
Further to the last Withdrawal Agreement Joint
Committee meeting on 9 June, the UK and EU took stock
of the outstanding issues raised by both parties.
The UK noted that the underlying issues with the
Protocol remained unresolved, particularly regarding
the impact of customs and SPS requirements for goods
moving from Great Britain but remaining in Northern
Ireland, as clearly set out in a letter from the
British Retail Consortium to the co-chairs of the
Joint Committee. The UK reiterated that the
Government would set out its approach to Parliament
within the week.
The UK nevertheless welcomed the fact that that
agreement was reached on extension of the grace
period for the movement of chilled meat products
between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, but noted
the importance of finding a permanent solution. The
UK also welcomed that the EU had now, after a
considerable delay, provided details of their
approach on certain discrete issues including
medicines and assistance dogs. Further technical
discussions are required to establish whether these
proposals can successfully address these problems.
The UK and the EU recalled their commitment jointly
to engage with business, civil society and other
stakeholders in Northern Ireland and agreed that this
should continue.
