We may pull out of Ulster deal: Boris Johnson refuses to rule out triggering Article 16

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We may pull out of Ulster deal: Boris Johnson refuses to rule out triggering Article 16 of Brexit’s Northern Ireland Protocol

  • Boris Johnson hinted at disagreement with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
  • He indicated the Northern Ireland protocol was an area where there was friction 
  • Despite near ‘seamless harmony’ he said there is a problem with the protocol 
  • The pair said they are united on ‘virtually every other issue’ of policy 

By Daily Mail Reporter

Published: | Updated:

Boris Johnson has refused to rule out triggering Article 16 of Brexit’s Northern Ireland Protocol, and hinted at disagreement with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the issue.

The Prime Minister described an ‘almost seamless harmony’ between the UK and Germany on most issues during a briefing which focused mainly on support for Ukraine, but indicated the protocol was an area where there was friction.

Under the Brexit deal, goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK are subject to checks to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland. But the UK argues the measures have created new economic barriers, hinting that Article 16 could be triggered, which would suspend aspects of the protocol. 

Appearing alongside the German leader Olaf Scholz at a Downing Street press conference, Mr Johnson said he had raised the issue.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived at Downing Street today for talks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Johnson, pictured above, said that he and Chancellor Scholz were in agreement on almost everything, but he said he did raise the issue of Article 16 of Brexit's Northern Ireland Protocol

Johnson, pictured above, said that he and Chancellor Scholz were in agreement on almost everything, but he said he did raise the issue of Article 16 of Brexit’s Northern Ireland Protocol

'Would we take Article 16 off the table?' Johnson was asked. 'No, no clearly not, there is a proble,' he replied

‘Would we take Article 16 off the table?’ Johnson was asked. ‘No, no clearly not, there is a proble,’ he replied

Asked about Article 16, the PM told reporters: ‘We had discussion about this, as you can expect. It came up. I think I raised it.’

He went on to say the result of the discussion was ‘entirely predictable’.

He added: ‘The almost seamless harmony that you have observed between Britain and Germany today I would not wish in any way to interrupt by going into that any further.

‘But what I will say is that, to answer your question ‘would we take that off the table?’ the use of Article 16, no clearly not, there is a problem.’

Above: A poster reading 'No Irish Sea Border' is pictured atttached to a lmap post outside of Larne port, north of Belfast. Under the Brexit deal, goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK are subject to checks to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland

Above: A poster reading ‘No Irish Sea Border’ is pictured atttached to a lmap post outside of Larne port, north of Belfast. Under the Brexit deal, goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK are subject to checks to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland

Pictured: A heavy goods vehicle (left) waiting to be checked at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs checking site at Belfast Docks. The UK argues the measures have created new economic barriers, hinting that Article 16 could be triggered, which would suspend aspects of the protocol

Pictured: A heavy goods vehicle (left) waiting to be checked at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs checking site at Belfast Docks. The UK argues the measures have created new economic barriers, hinting that Article 16 could be triggered, which would suspend aspects of the protocol

Above: Lorries queue for The Port of Dover along the A20 in Kent. Agreed by the UK and EU to ensure no hardening of the Irish land border post-Brexit, the Northern Ireland protocal has instead moved regulatory and customs checks to the Irish Sea, with Northern Ireland remaining in the EU single market for goods

Above: Lorries queue for The Port of Dover along the A20 in Kent. Agreed by the UK and EU to ensure no hardening of the Irish land border post-Brexit, the Northern Ireland protocal has instead moved regulatory and customs checks to the Irish Sea, with Northern Ireland remaining in the EU single market for goods

But he said the pair, who smiled and nodded along in agreement with each other at points throughout the briefing, are united on ‘virtually every other issue’ of policy.

The protocol has created new economic barriers on trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

Agreed by the UK and EU to ensure no hardening of the Irish land border post-Brexit, it has instead moved regulatory and customs checks to the Irish Sea, with Northern Ireland remaining in the EU single market for goods.

The region also applies the EU customs code at its ports.

Unionists and loyalists claim the arrangements have undermined the sovereignty of the UK and have demanded the UK triggers the protocol’s Article 16 mechanism to suspend its trading provisions.

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