The UK’s departure from the European Union has allowed the bloc to “strengthen internally”, an EU Commissioner has stated.
Talking on “Tonight with Andrew Marr” on LBC, Mairead McGuiness claimed EU member states got the chance to “renew their vows” within the aftermath of the Brexit vote. Ms McGuiness additionally highlighted the joint roles of the Covid pandemic and Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in bringing the EU collectively within the aftermath of the UK’s secession from the grouping.
She stated: “We’ve had some change, nothing would be the similar after Brexit, however I suppose Brexit was seven years in the past and we’ve solely not too long ago concluded varied agreements.
“If you happen to take a look at it from an EU viewpoint, Europe didn’t disintegrate both. What was attention-grabbing was we took the chance to resume our vows, we strengthened internally as a result of there have been different pressures like Covid, the pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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Requested to touch upon the state of UK-EU relations seven years on from the referendum, Ms McGuiness stated: “So I feel none of us want to see the opposite weaker. Or no less than that’s my perspective on this. In fact, a powerful UK is vital for a powerful European Union.
“Perhaps the entire speak after the referendum was a part of a divorce settlement the place we … had a number of harsh phrases for one another, it took some time to achieve an settlement however we have now delivered now.
“And I feel what’s actually good for me being in London at the moment and tomorrow is the Windsor Framework agreed between your Prime Minister and the President of the European Fee has actually resolved the final difficulties within the relationship and permits us to maneuver ahead”.
Ms McGuiness highlighted that the political ambiance has shifted between Britain and the EU since Rishi Sunak turned prime minister.
It follows the negotiation of the post-Brexit Windsor Framework cope with European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen, which sought to amend the Northern Eire Protocol because it pertains to commerce between Northern Eire and mainland Britain.
Underneath Boris Johnson’s premiership the federal government had moved ahead with the Northern Eire Protocol invoice, which might have unilaterally disapplied elements of the protocol’s operation. Brussels had begun the method of taking retaliatory authorized motion in opposition to the laws and the episode was seen as indicative of deep ill-feeling between the EU and the UK.
The Northern Eire protocol invoice was scrapped within the wake of the passage of the Windsor Framework.
On this, Ms McGuiness defined: “I feel what that exhibits is that if there’s a political will, and there’s belief between events, we are able to remedy virtually something. And I feel that has occurred.
“I feel there was additionally an understanding that what was taking place in Northern Eire was explicit and it wanted to be addressed in a delicate manner given the totally different views that have been there.
“That is all very constructive and it’s good that in 2023 on condition that it’s seven years in the past that the referendum occurred. … I feel our relationship is in a significantly better place.
“We wanted that. Fascinating too that it’s on the again of realising that the UK and Europe work rather well collectively on sanctions in opposition to Russia.
“So, I feel we’ve seen the worth of working collectively and I feel that has to proceed for the longer term”.
