France Rejects British Proposal for BREXIT Renegotiations

The French government has rejected the recent request by the United Kingdom to renegotiate the post-Brexit arrangement for Northern Ireland.

The French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Clement Beaune, dismissed accusations of European dominance regarding the issue, Reuters reported.

“The European Union has dedicated days and nights for the past five years to find pragmatic solutions with the United Kingdom,” Beaune told the news agency, adding that “the narrative of a rigid and dogmatic Europe is a tall tale.”

“We have been working for months to make the protocol requested by the British government and voted by the British parliament work.”

“We can still work on practical solutions, but not empty the protocol of its substance or renegotiate it.”

“How could we renegotiate with a partner that cannot respect its own commitments?”

The European Union rejected a proposal by the United Kingdom to discuss a new post-Brexit trade deal, regulating Northern Ireland.

This comes as businesses in Northern Ireland are complaining the new deal is hurting trade exchange, with some believing it weakening ties with Britain.

The British government told the parliament that it does not plan to maintain the current situation, seeking a new balance without the European bloc’s oversight.

It is possible that London could move unilaterally on the issue, but it remains to be seen how this might affect cooperation with the European Union.

The European Union’s executive branch, the European Commission, has expressed no interest in renegotiation the protocol, calling for respecting international legal obligations.

Last year, an arrangement has already been reached regarding the issue after four years of negotiations between the two parties.