Despite the risk of retaliation from Europeans, the British government threatened on Tuesday (May 17) to legislate within weeks to change post-Brexit restrictions that have plunged Northern Ireland into a political crisis.

Contested by Irish unionists, the text, which creates a de facto customs border with Great Britain, threatens the province’s position within the United Kingdom, according to them.

→ Read again. The Northern Ireland Protocol, though criticized, is destined to continue

“I am announcing our intention to introduce a bill in the coming weeks to make changes to the protocol.” Northern Ireland and British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss told MPs.

After months of fruitless negotiations, the subject is being skated away. Faced with a political crisis in the British province and disruptions to trade between the province and the rest of the United Kingdom, London wants to deeply renegotiate the Northern Irish protocol with the EU that was struck during Brexit. Brussels, for its part, says it is only willing to accept the arrangements.

A “green channel” for goods

The Bill provides that goods moving and remaining in the UK pass through A “The New Green Channel”exempting them from administrative procedures.

→ Analysis. Northern Ireland: Towards Institutional Paralysis

Goods destined for the EU will continue to be subject to all inspections and controls applied under EU law. “Businesses can choose to comply with UK or EU standards in a new dual regulatory regime”Liz Truss explained.

“Negotiate solution with EU”

“It’s not a matter of deleting the protocol”, The minister insisted the proposed legislation was consistent with the United Kingdom’s obligations under international law, drawing the ire of the European Union.

“Our priority remains a negotiated solution with the EU and we are open to further negotiations if the same result can be achieved through a negotiated settlement, with the introduction of legislation” Liz Truss said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday “want” Solve the question “In agreement with our friends and partners” E.U. However, the United Kingdom is also in demand “Insurance” of one “Concurrent Legislative Solution”.

If London makes a unilateral decision, the EU “It will take Respond by all means, European Commission Vice-President Maroz Cefkovic responded on Tuesday, May 17. At the same time, Ireland expressed regret “deep down” The British will revise the protocol.