Agreement on a revised Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland and a revised Political Declaration on the framework of the future EU-UK relationship

Overview

Backstop is gone

The `backstop' is removed. The revised Protocol is no longer an insurance policy that applies unless and until the EU and the UK conclude a subsequent agreement that replaces it in part or in full. Instead, it is a fully legally operative solution that will continue to apply unless it fails to receive the support of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

What does it do?

The revised Protocol:

• Avoids a hard border on the island of Ireland
• Protects the all-island economy and the Good Friday Agreement, and
• Safeguards the integrity of the EU Single Market.

Border issues

• Northern Ireland will remain aligned to a limited set of Single Market rules to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland
• No customs border on the island of Ireland
• Northern Ireland remains part of the UK's customs territory.

Northern Ireland Assembly

• Will be able to determine the long-term application of relevant EU law in NI
• Will be asked to provide its continued support for the Protocol 4 years after the end of the transition period and every 4/8 years thereafter.