Ian McConnell : Brexit is a mess but Lord Frost sees himself on âshoulders of giantsâ: Opinion
PREMIUM
Former Scotch Whisky Association chief Lord Frost believes Mr Gove has done an âextraordinary jobâ for the UK Picture: Gordon Terris THE use of language by this Conservative Government when it comes to pumping itself up about its lamentable Brexit crusade becomes ever more remarkable. It is astounding that it can become even more incredible, but that is the world we are living in. The big talk of the Tory Brexit brigade was to the fore last week with the announcement of the appointment of former Scotch Whisky Association chief executive David Frost as a Minister of State in the Cabinet Office. Lord Frost was the UK’s chief Brexit negotiator, as a huge number of people will know given the protracted and excruciating nature of the talks with the European Union on the country’s future relationship with our long-suffering neighbours.
News diary 22-28 February: Washington Post s Marty Baron retires and BBC leads RTS award race
Monday
Boris Johnson sets out his lockdown exit strategy for England, with crunch decisions due on the reopening of schools and restrictions on businesses and social interaction. The Prime Minister said last week that his roadmap would be informed by “data not dates”, and latest results from the React-1 study suggest lockdown has been having the desired effect. Business leaders and prominent Conservative backbenchers are among those calling for a rapid relaxation of current measures, so the pressure is on Johnson to satisfy those desperate for a quick return to normality while proving he is still being guided by science.
Concerns have been raised that Northern Ireland s place within the UK is being undermined.
Mr Coveney told the FT: “Pragmatism and flexibility within the confines of the protocol actually strengthens the protocol. It doesn’t weaken it.
“We shouldn’t see flexibility as a weakness or a concession.
Ireland signals potential EU concessions in Northern Ireland border row with Britain (Image: GETTY)
Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney (Image: GETTY)
“In fact, this is ensuring that we create an acceptance for and a full implementation of the protocol.”
Boris Johnson has threatened to suspend parts of the Withdrawal Agreement unless the EU agrees to relax the checks.
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Thank You! Law360, London (February 15, 2021, 3:25 PM GMT)
British animal feed businesses who export to the EU or NI have warned they are still facing 'significant problems' in trading following the transition period.