WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), along with Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-16), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Rep. John Katko (NY-24), released a joint statement in response to the government of the United Kingdom’s decision to unilaterally modify the Northern Ireland Protocol:
“The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 and the ongoing peace process have transformed the island of Ireland, allowing trade and social relationships to develop and thrive. The United Kingdom government’s decision to publish legislation to unilaterally disapply elements of the Northern Ireland Protocol threatens decades of progress.
We support the decision of the British people to leave the European Union and hope the special relationship will lead to a trade deal between our two countries. However, any threat to the Good Friday Agreement or actions that would lead to a hard border on the island of Ireland would be counter-productive to the goal of a trade deal between the US and UK.
We call on the UK to demonstrate leadership by promoting the benefits of the Protocol. The Protocol is a fair and balanced agreement that meets the needs of all parties. A jointly agreed solution on the genuine challenges around the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol best ensures good relations between the UK, Ireland, and the United States.”
