Joint statement by European Commission Vice-President Šefčovič and the UK Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Gove
The Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee co-chairs held a virtual meeting today with the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland.
European Commission Vice-President Šefčovič and the UK Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Gove reiterated their full commitment to the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement, and to the proper implementation of the Protocol – protecting the gains of the peace process, maintaining stability, and avoiding disruption to the everyday lives of the people of Northern Ireland and a hard border on the island of Ireland.
Both condemned unreservedly any threats or intimidation, noting that the safety and welfare of the people of Northern Ireland and that of our staff would always be the utmost priority.
After a constructive discussion amongst all parties, European Commission Vice-President Šefčovič and the UK Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Gove concluded that the EU and the UK would immediately work intensively to find solutions to outstanding issues, to be addressed through the Joint Committee.
European Commission Vice-President Šefčovič and the UK Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Gove will keep in close contact as this work progresses, and will meet again next week in London.