Brexit: Northern Ireland protocol

The Cabinet Office has published long-awaited guidance on the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol to the Withdrawal Agreement, which is due to take effect from 1 January 2021. Ensuring that the protocol is fully operational in order to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland at the end of the Brexit transition period is an agreed priority for the UK and the EU.

Although the UK government promised a ‘pragmatic and practical’ approach to implementing the protocol, minimising divergence and disruption for businesses and individuals, the protocol introduces provisions specific to Northern Ireland, particularly in relation to movement of goods.

The new guidance outlines the various processes for the movement of goods between Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the EU and beyond. In addition to the guidance, the Cabinet Office has announced £650m in funding, including up to £200m for a new trader support service, providing free end-to-end support for traders in Northern Ireland. Further guidance will follow as work to implement the protocol continues.