The Standard View: A deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol must be a Brexit priority

Christian Adams
Evening Standard Comment17 February 2023
WEST END FINAL

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Three years on from Britain’s exit from the European Union, a clear majority of voters say that decision was wrong. Economically, the UK is poorer than it would otherwise have been while politically, we have lost influence.

But we are not going back any time soon, so making Brexit less damaging must be a priority. Addressing concerns with the Northern Ireland Protocol tops that list.

Whatever flavour of Brexit, Northern Ireland was going to have a different relationship with the EU than the rest of the UK. It is the only part of the country to share a land border with the bloc and has a peace process to maintain. For any deal to enjoy legitimacy and long-term success, it must be acceptable to all sides. Not just the Commission and Westminster, but the parties in Northern Ireland.

An agreement is vital so that an Executive can eventually get back to governing through power sharing. It is also necessary so that the UK and EU can move on to the grind of addressing other elements of the Brexit deal.

The reality is that outside of the formal structure of the EU, we will spend the rest of our lives negotiating with it. Such is the reality of “taking back control”.

Ulez heads to court

We’re going to court. Five councils, including four in Greater London, have joined forces to launch a judicial review into plans to extend the Ultra-low emission zone to all London boroughs.

The local authorities, already vocally opposed to Ulez expansion, are challenging the policy in the High Court on five grounds, claiming Transport for London has failed to comply with statutory requirements.

At a time of tight local government budgets, it is difficult to make the case that this is a good use of taxpayer’s money. But, more fundamentally, there are strong health grounds for the Ulez expansion. Indeed, thousands of deaths in each year can be attributed to the effects of nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5.

Asked what he would say to those advocating for delay due to the cost-of-living crisis, professor Frank Kelly, whose work has been crucial in this arena, said simply: “Go to your local hospital and go into the respiratory wards and see the kids with asthma there, who are having real difficulty breathing”.

Support for drivers to switch to cleaner vehicles is crucial. We need a more generous scrappage scheme and more rapid charging points. But we must not lose sight of the broader aim — a city where the air is clean to breathe.

Capital of creativity

It’s another big weekend of creativity and commerce in the capital. London Fashion Week continues on its sparkling way, while Sunday is rounded off with the Baftas. It’s what London does best — showing off our world-class talent and throwing some great parties in the process.

To buy a print of this cartoon, visit eveningstandard.newsprints.co.uk

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