Michel Barnier and Boris Johnson
(Picture: AP/PA)The EU’s former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has said Boris Johnson’s resignation “opens a new page in relations” between Brussels and the UK.
Tensions between the UK and the European Union have risen sharply since Mr Johnson pressed ahead with plans to rip up parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol - the part of the 2019 Brexit Treaty which avoided the need for a hard border on the island of Ireland but introduced trade checks on some goods moving between Great Britain and the region.
Brussels has re-started legal action and threatened to launch a trade war over the move which, if passed by Parliament, would see someof those checks removed and the end of oversight by the European Court of Justice.
European capitals have long mistrusted Mr Johnson for trying to break previous agreements with the EU and see him as one of the key architects of Brexit.
Responding to the news of Mr Johnson’s decision to stand down, paving the way for the appointment of a new Tory leader and Prime Minister, Mr Barnier said: “The departure of Boris Johnson opens a new page in relations [with the UK].
“May it be more constructive, more respectful of commitments made, in particular regarding peace & stability in NI, and more friendly with partners [in the EU]. Because there’s so much more to be done together.”
Mr Johnson highlighted the UK’s exit from the EU as one of his major achievements in his lunchtime resignation speech on Thursday in Downing Street.
He said: “I am immensely proud of the achievements of this government from getting Brexit done and settling our relations with the continent after half a century reclaiming the power for this country to make its own laws in Parliament.”
But his impending exit raises questions over his plans to introduce the new Bill which would override the Northern Ireland Protocol. Although the Bill secured its crucial second reading last week by 295 to 221 - with no Conservative MPs voting against - it has been criticised by some Tory MPs including former Prime Minister Theresa May who fear it will break international law and damage Britain’s reputation on the world stage.
The measure is expected to face months of delays and amendments when it reaches the House of Lords, where the government has no majority.
Belgian MEP Guy Verhofstadt, a vocal critic of Brexit who chaired the European Parliament’s Brexit steering group for four years after the 2016 EU referendum, launched a strongly worded attack on Mr Johnson.
He tweeted: “Boris Johnson’s reign ends in disgrace, just like his friend Donald Trump. The end of an era of transatlantic populism? Let’s hope so. EU - UK relations suffered hugely with Johnson’s choice of Brexit. Things can only get better!”
The latest stand off over Brexit has strained relations between London and Dublin and Irish Premier Michael Martin admitted he didn’t always agree with Mr Johnson and called for the two countries to work together to solve problems with the protocol and protect peace in Northern Ireland.
He said in a statement: “Our two Governments working in close partnership is a key underpinning for peace and prosperity on these islands. While Prime Minister Johnson and I engaged actively together, we didn’t always agree, and the relationship between our Governments has been strained and challenged in recent times.
“Our joint responsibilities concerning stewardship of the Good Friday Agreement, as well as nurturing broader bilateral relations between us, require us to work together in a spirit of respect, trust and partnership.
“That is more important than ever today and I would once again urge a pulling back from unilateral action, whether that be on dealing with the legacy of the past, human rights, or the Northern Ireland Protocol. We have now an opportunity to return to the true spirit of partnership and mutual respect that is needed to underpin the gains of the Good Friday Agreement.”
On a more personal note he added: “I am conscious that he has been through a difficult few weeks and I extend my best wishes to him and his family for the future, following the announcement of his resignation.”
