Unionist leaders in Northern Ireland are upset over the government’s choice not to activate the Stormont brake, calling it a serious mistake.
Belfast: The government’s choice not to activate the Stormont brake has stirred up quite a bit of anger among unionists in Northern Ireland. They’re calling it “wrong” and “utter foolishness.”
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and other unionist groups had pushed for London to use this post-Brexit mechanism to block new EU rules on chemical packaging and labeling from taking effect in Northern Ireland.
However, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn stated that the criteria for activating the Stormont brake weren’t met. He explained that the new rules didn’t significantly impact daily life in Northern Ireland.
This brake was part of the Windsor Framework, a deal between the UK and EU aimed at giving local politicians more say over EU rules. It was seen as a concession to unionists who were against the deal.
Even though the issue of chemical labeling might not be at the top of people’s minds in Northern Ireland, it was the reason unionists tried to pull the brake this time. They might not have been super confident about getting a yes from London, but they’re not going to let this rejection stop them from trying again.
While it may not be in the headlines right now, the effects of post-Brexit trade rules still bother many unionists and some in the business sector.
If the brake had been activated, it would have led to intense discussions between the UK and EU, possibly even a vote on the rules in Stormont. That could have reopened some old Brexit wounds, especially when the current government has other pressing issues to deal with.
But for now, it didn’t happen. Still, it’s clear that unionists won’t back down from making future attempts.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson reacted strongly to the government’s refusal, saying it ignored evidence from industry representatives about the new EU law on chemical labeling. He called it a serious mistake that would worsen trade issues between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Robinson emphasized that there are elected officials who are turning a blind eye to the impact of these changes, labeling it as utter foolishness. He concluded by stating, “Our job is to stand up for Northern Ireland.”
