This Friday MPs will debate Jim Allister's Private
Members Bill that could solve the thorny issues of the Irish
Sea border, ensure full democracy for the 1.9m UK citizens of
Northern Ireland and lay the essential groundwork for possible
trade deals with both the United States and the
European Union.
Jim Allister's Bill, the “European Union (Withdrawal
Arrangements) Bill is being debated after Mr Allister was chosen
high on the ballot for Private Member's Bills.
Mr Allister said,
”Today the 1.9m people who live in Northern Ireland are covered
by 300 areas of law that are the remit of the European Union.
This means that for the first time, people of this country have
had their democratic rights removed as they have no influence on
law that applies to them.
“The absurdity of parts of our country having different
democratic rights compared to others needs to be
addressed and my Bill does just that. By creating a system of
mutual enforcement, no physical customs barriers are
required at all.
“Better still by bringing in this law we will set the stage
for possible trade deals with the US, which under the
current situation will be almost impossible, given the subjection
of part of the UK to EU law and control. USA will want certainty
in any trade deal with the UK and that requires the closing of
the back door into the EU which the present Windsor Framework
creates.
“Many in Westminster, and the country do not realise that what
happens in Northern Ireland matters to everyone, all 70m of us.
It really does and I believe that my Bill is an effective way of
solving a host of problems left behind by the initial Brexit
negotiations.”
The Bill is co-sponsored by MPs from six different parties
and an independent unionist, including a former leader of the
Conservative Party. Rt. Hon Sir Iain Duncan , , , , Rt. Hon , Rt. Hon , , , , and .
Attachment
Briefing document
Link to the Bill: European Union (Withdrawal
Arrangements) Bill - Parliamentary Bills - UK Parliament