Foreign Secretary says a solution to the Northern Ireland Protocol is "about peace and stability"

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss will tomorrow (Monday 24 January) visit Brussels for talks on the Northern Ireland Protocol with her European Commission counterpart, Vice President Maroš Šefčovič.

The UK's priority in the negotiations is to protect the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.  While there are gaps between the two sides positions, the Foreign Secretary is clear that it is a shared responsibility to find a solution to the Protocol which protects peace and stability, and works for all sides.

 Looking ahead to the meeting, the Foreign Secretary said:

“Fundamentally this is about peace and stability in Northern Ireland. Whether you voted Leave or Remain, represent the UK or EU, the focus must be on protecting the Belfast Good Friday Agreement and fixing the Protocol. 

“That is my message in these negotiations. Rather than re-running past arguments, we need to focus on delivering for the people of Northern Ireland, finding practical solutions to problems on the ground and maintaining the integrity of the United Kingdom. 

“I look forward to meeting Vice President Šefčovič again tomorrow to review progress. There is a deal to be done, and we need to make it happen.”

The meeting will be the second round of formal talks between the two, following their constructive meeting at the Foreign Secretary’s country residence, Chevening House, earlier this month - which were said to be cordial and where both sides agreed to intensify their work.

The talks on Monday will include a closed meeting between the two principals, before a wider session including senior UK and EU officials.

During her visit to Australia last week, the Foreign Secretary held daily calls with the UK negotiations team as technical talks got back underway in Brussels. She spoke to Vice President Šefčovič on Friday for a stock take on progress.