Why UK Citizens and Politicians Are Dissatisfied with the New Brexit Deal Enforced by the EU

The latest deal for Northern Ireland, negotiated and agreed to by Boris Johnson's government, has once again caused significant political and public unrest in the UK. Critics argue that the European Union (EU) is not enforcing the deal as promised, leading to widespread discontent among UK citizens. This article explores the reasons behind this dissatisfaction, examining key political and historical contexts.

Theresa May’s Deal vs. The Current Deal: A Misunderstanding Between Expectations and Reality

Under the Brexit deal secured by Prime Minister Theresa May, the UK aimed to retain a high level of alignment with the EU, avoiding many of the customs and regulatory checks that would apply in a typical hard-Brexit scenario. However, this deal was ultimately rejected by Westminster due to concerns over the Northern Ireland Protocol. According to May, the deal promised to treat Northern Ireland as part of the UK for many regulatory purposes, aligning it with the UK rather than the EU.

Upon examination, it is clear that the EU's refusal to fully respect this agreement has caused significant frustration. The Northern Ireland Protocol, which addresses the issues of the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, has been a major point of contention. Critics argue that the EU's intransigence has undermined the trust that was supposed to exist between the UK and the EU.

Poor Political Decision-Making and Naive Negotiations

Analyses of May's deal reveal a number of shortcomings. Primarily, the team negotiating for May was heavily influenced by those who favored remaining in the EU, leading to a lack of robust bargaining strategies. Additionally, the team's understanding of the complexities of the EU's negotiating stance was limited, ultimately resulting in a deal that was not fully compatible with the UK's post-Brexit aspirations.

May herself, as a lifelong Remainer, was criticized for being overly accommodating to EU demands. This perspective led to a deal that, while it might have been marginally more acceptable to those favoring Remain, ultimately failed to meet the expectations of those driving the Brexit agenda. The deal was essentially a series of compromises that failed to address the core concerns of either side.

The Role of Boris Johnson and the Northern Ireland Protocol

When Boris Johnson replaced May, he promised to deliver Brexit, but his handling of the Northern Ireland Protocol has been criticized for its inadequacy. Johnson was unable to secure the full alignment of the protocol with the UK's interests, leading to ongoing tensions. The protocol, designed to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, still necessitates checks and balances that many in Northern Ireland find cumbersome.

Furthermore, Johnson's government has been accused of not adequately addressing key issues like the City of London's financial services sector before the Brexit deadline. This oversight has led to doubts about the government's ability to negotiate effectively with the EU.

The Current Political Landscape

The political landscape in the UK is further complicated by the dissatisfaction of certain elected officials. Recent reports suggest that pro-Brexit groups, such as the ERG (Eurosceptic Reform Group), endorse the Northern Ireland Protocol but only as a temporary measure. They believe that it must be superseded by a comprehensive trade agreement between the UK and the EU.

Concerningly, there are also voices within the Conservative Party calling for re-negotiation of the withdrawal agreement, particularly regarding the Northern Ireland protocol. However, it is a well-documented fact that the UK has already breached the terms of this agreement as evident from a March 2021 ministerial decision regarding agri-food movements.

This situation highlights a fundamental misunderstanding of international treaty obligations among certain UK politicians. It is crucial for them to understand the implications of their actions and the importance of adhering to international agreements.

Conclusion

The current Brexit deal, while it seems to have been drafted and agreed to by the UK government, is facing significant challenges due to the EU's perceived lack of commitment to the deal. The Northern Ireland Protocol, in particular, remains a contentious issue. The dissatisfaction among UK citizens and politicians stems from a combination of poor political decision-making, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of understanding of international treaty obligations. As the situation evolves, it will be crucial for all involved to find a pathway forward that addresses the concerns of both the UK and the EU.