The first meeting of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Specialised Committee has been held via video conference, co-chaired by officials from the UK Government and European Commission.
This Committee was tasked by the first meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee held on 30 March, to start work on implementing the Northern Ireland Protocol.
A representative from the Northern Ireland Executive also attended as part of the UK delegation in line with the commitment made in the New Decade, New Approach deal.
The UK and the EU exchanged updates on the implementation of the Protocol and discussed the preparatory work for future decisions to be taken by the Joint Committee.
The UK was clear that our approach at all times will be focused on protecting the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and gains of the peace process, and on preserving Northern Ireland’s place in the UK.
UK officials reaffirmed our commitment to complying with our legal obligations under the Protocol, just as we expect the EU to comply with theirs.
The two sides agreed to convene the Joint Consultative Working Group established under the Protocol which will be a further forum for discussion in relation to the Protocol
