Biden Warns Brexit Will Not Compromise Good Friday Peace Agreement

Strategic Insights -

Democratic Party nominee for the US presidency Joe Biden has expressed his concern that the Good Friday peace deal in Northern Ireland could become a casualty of Brexit. Biden insists that any trade deal between the US and UK must be contingent upon the respect for the Good Friday Agreement and preventing the return of a hard border in Northern Ireland. This stance echoes that of US Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, who has warned Congress that a trade agreement with the UK would be impossible if the Good Friday Agreement is compromised.

Key Takeaways:

  • Joe Biden has explicitly stated that the Good Friday peace deal cannot become a casualty of Brexit, emphasizing the importance of respecting the agreement and preventing a hard border in Northern Ireland.
  • Biden has tweeted that "Any trade deal between the US and UK must be contingent upon respect for the Agreement and preventing the return of a hard border. Period."
  • British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has seen the resignation of a senior law officer, Lord Keen, due to disagreements over plans to override the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.
  • Nancy Pelosi has warned Congress that a US-UK trade agreement would be impossible if legislation to override the Brexit divorce settlement was to "imperil" the peace process.
  • US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed confidence that the British Government would "get this right" and find a way to treat everyone fairly and achieve a good outcome for the UK.
  • The UK Government has tabled an amendment to the UK Internal Market Bill, giving MPs a vote before using powers that would breach the deal brokered with Brussels last year.

Statistics:

  • 30 Tory rebels were reportedly preparing to vote for an amendment to require a Commons vote before the provisions in the UK Internal Market Bill relating to the North could come into force.
  • 45 years: The amount of time the UK has been a member of the European Union.
  • 1 of the Advocate General for Scotland, Lord Keen of Elie QC resigned over disagreements with the Government's policy intentions.

Sources:

  • https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1306334039557586944
  • Statement from Nancy Pelosi following her meeting with Dominic Raab