Why solving the NI Protocol matters
Peace in Northern Ireland matters for the whole UK. A return to turmoil is in no-one's interest and the lack of political will to engage properly creates uncertainty, of which there is more than enough in the world already. The Conservative Party is riven with ignorance and worse indifference of the affairs of NI and Ireland. The ERG and other anti-european brexiteers unfortunately still hold a disproportionate sway within the ranks of the party. Notions of deferred sovereignty that have fixated this powerful minority of politicians are being played out, dangerously, in their opposition to any rapprochement between the UK, Ireland and Europe over trade. They cannot envisage a unique arrangement, especially not a Red/Green customs system, even though it would facilitate good relations, trouble free trade and probable increased prosperity. They are wedded to a jingoistic viewpoint. Similarly the Democratic Unionist Party belies it's name by refusing to take part in forming a functioning assembly. They have the
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